East Vermillion Lake

Boat Ramps: 4
Access Points: 22
Species: 0

East Vermillion Lake is a 580-acre reservoir located five miles east and one mile south of Canistota in McCook County, South Dakota. Known for its plentiful fish population and clear waters, this popular fishing destination offers excellent year-round angling opportunities, including ice fishing in winter. The lake has a maximum depth of 23 feet and an average depth of 12 feet, making it accessible for various fishing techniques. As a managed fishery for walleye and crappie, East Vermillion Lake provides diverse angling experiences with multiple species available for harvest.

South Dakota licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at East Vermillion Lake and what's needed to catch them.

No species information available.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

Walleye37,400 fish · JuvenilesJun 9, 2024
Saugeye300,000 fish · FryMay 21, 2023
Walleye36,180 fish · JuvenilesJun 16, 2022
Walleye36,960 fish · FingerlingsJun 8, 2021
Walleye2,000 fish · FingerlingsOct 22, 2019

Source

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on East Vermillion Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on East Vermillion Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

South Dakota licenses and regulations

South Dakota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more

South Dakota Fishing License

Residents and Nonresidents 18 years old and older are required to have a fishing license

Learn more

South Dakota Fishing Regulations

This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more

South Dakota Stream Access Laws

If a river or stream is capable of being floated, it can be used for any lawful recreational activity, such as boating or fishing. Any public use above the ordinary high water mark, i.e., outside of the stream bank, without the landowner's permission, would be considered trespassing.

Learn more

Take East Vermillion Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around East Vermillion Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for East Vermillion Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.