Lake Vermilion is heading into the 2026 fishing season with a strong population of walleye in the 13-20-inch range, which is perfect for anglers looking for a meal or two.
That’s the assessment from Matt Hennen, large lake biologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Tower Area Fisheries office, and Dave Weitzel, assistant regional fisheries manager for the northeast region, in their latest status report on Vermilion.
Survey data from 2025 showed walleye catch rates reaching one of their highest levels since monitoring began more than 40 years ago. The spike is largely being driven by a strong class of fish in the 12-to-15-inch range, creating what the biologists describe as excellent harvest opportunities heading into the new season.
Under current regulations, anglers are limited to four walleyes per day, with a protected slot for fish between 20 and 26 inches. Only one fish over 26 inches may be kept. The biologists say the slot has produced a balanced fishery — healthy harvest numbers for smaller fish, with enough large walleyes to give anglers legitimate chances at trophy-class catches.
Two basins, two experiences
Lake Vermilion is divided into two major basins. West Vermilion generally holds higher fish numbers across most species, while East Vermilion tends to produce larger individual fish — with one notable exception. East Vermilion runs counter to that trend for walleyes, offering higher numbers while West Vermilion produces the bigger average size.
The biologists say understanding the basin split can help anglers tailor their approach depending on whether they’re after volume, size, or a mix of both.
Muskies remain a draw
Muskellunge continue to make Lake Vermilion one of the state’s top destinations for the species, ranking second in angler popularity behind walleye. Recent surveys recorded an average muskie size just under 45 inches, with more than 40 percent of fish surpassing that mark. Fish exceeding 50 inches are present in sufficient numbers to provide realistic trophy opportunities, according to the report.
Bass, perch, and panfish
Smallmouth bass remain the third-most-targeted species on the lake, and 2025 electrofishing surveys indicate numbers are continuing an upward trend that stretches back three decades. Anglers can expect consistent action with fish in the 10-to-17-inch range throughout the season.
Largemouth bass, found mainly in West Vermilion, are not a primary draw but appear stable or increasing in number. Most anglers treat them as a catch-and-release bonus.
Northern pike are less abundant than in past years, but the fish that remain are generally larger. Anglers who search, particularly in West Vermilion, should find pike averaging close to 27 inches, with some fish approaching 36 inches. A protected slot regulation covering mid-sized fish has shifted the population toward bigger individuals.
Yellow perch numbers are currently below average, though biologists note that fish over 10 inches are available for anglers willing to search. Black crappies are not abundant but run large, averaging around 10 inches with some exceeding 14 inches. Bluegills, while rarely a primary target on Vermilion, are among the most frequently caught and harvested species by total count, with fish over 9 inches available throughout the lake.
Invasive species a continuing concern
The report flags aquatic invasive species as an escalating management challenge. Zebra mussels are now considered established in Lake Vermilion based on the presence of larvae, even though adult mussels have not yet been documented. Rusty crayfish are well established, particularly in East Vermilion, where they have reduced aquatic vegetation and altered fish habitat. Spiny waterfleas may also be encountered, especially by those trolling.
The biologists say invasive species could change where fish are found on the lake over time and urged anglers to clean boats and gear thoroughly before leaving the water.
Lake Vermilion is managed primarily through natural reproduction, supplemented by walleye and muskie stocking programs. The DNR conducts long-term annual surveys, periodic creel surveys, and ongoing ecological monitoring on the lake.
