Fishing at Vermilion, Minnesota
39,272-acre lake · St. Louis County · 2 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Vermilion is one of the most consistently productive lakes in St. Louis County. At 39,272 acres, it offers large-lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Vermilion:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 9,100,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 3,017 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 3,014 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 5,000,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 3,006 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 506 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 5,000,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 529 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 2,519 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 5,500,000 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Vermilion, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish Vermilion
For walleye, the best fishing on Vermilion is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Vermilion:
- Vermilion Lake — 0.8 mi (38,940 ac)
- Lost — 4.0 mi (752 ac)
- Pike River Flowage — 6.9 mi (214 ac)
- Merritt — 7.0 mi (198 ac)
- Merritt Lake — 7.0 mi (196 ac)
- North Arm Trout Lake — 7.4 mi (7,474 ac)
- Trout — 7.8 mi (7,425 ac)
- Pine — 8.8 mi (830 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Vermilion. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Vermilion?
Vermilion has been stocked with Walleye, Muskellunge.
When was Vermilion last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 9,100,000 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Vermilion?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.