Why Early Summer is One of the Best Times to Visit Lake Vermilion
Ludlow's Island Resort
With the days growing longer and the urge to get outside and explore kicking into high gear, there’s no better place to embrace the outdoors, warm sunshine, and shake off the winter blues than on beautiful Lake Vermilion.
The weather is just right, nature is coming out of hibernation, and with the fishing season kicking off, early summer is one of the best times to book your vacation on Lake Vermilion and make the most of the summer season.
Fantastic Fishing
For those who love the thrill of the catch, Lake Vermilion is the ultimate playground.
Earning a reputation as an angler’s paradise, the waters of Lake Vermilion are teeming with:
- Walleye
- Crappies
- Northern Pike
- Muskie
- Smallmouth & Largemouth bass
- Panfish like sunfish, perch, and bluegills.
Marking the unofficial start to summer, the fishing opener kicks off on May 10th (2025) and, with it, prime time for reeling in walleye, crappies, northern pike, and panfish.
Every angler should experience fishing on Lake Vermilion at least once. Lake Vermilion is a rare gem that not only offers up so many different fish species in one spot but also offers up endless great spots to cast your line.
The unique structure of Lake Vermilion provides a haven for fish to make their homes on the lake’s rocky offshore reefs, shoals, bays, islands, mudflats, narrows, shallows, deep drop-offs, and hundreds of miles of shoreline.
This means countless fantastic fishing spots are dotted all across the lake. And if you’re not sure where to start, we can set you up with one of our trusted fishing guides to lead you to our favorite fishing spots on Vermilion.
Picture-Perfect Weather
The early summer months offer milder temperatures that are great for:
- Hiking
- Boating
- Lounging on the beach or deck
And nothing quite beats the first bonfire of the season, roasting marshmallows and soaking up the beautiful sunsets over Lake Vermilion.
Those warm days and cool nights in early summer mean you can extend your day, opening up more opportunities for recreation so you can make the most of your vacation.
We have such a brief window of warm weather during the year, so why not start enjoying it as soon as possible?
Natural Beauty & Wildlife
After a long winter, Lake Vermilion and the surrounding Superior National Forest come alive during the early summer months.
Vibrant, lush greenery and colorful flowers take over, offering stunning landscapes along the beautiful bays and islands. As nature starts to bloom, it’s one of our favorite times to hit the trails.
You’ll never run out of breathtaking views, with endless scenic overlooks and beautiful trails just waiting to be explored!
Those early summer months are also the perfect time to spot wildlife. Keep your eyes open and camera ready as animals begin emerging from their winter hibernation.
And for birding buffs, Lake Vermilion is a birdwatcher’s dream. May and June mark the beginning for:
- Trumpeter Swans
- Bald Eagles
- Warblers
- Great Horned Owls starting to make their nests
You’ll also spot:
- Loons
- Ospreys
- Sandpipers
- Countless songbirds.
You might also catch glimpses of deer, moose, mink, otter, muskrats, raccoons, porcupines, and bears who call Lake Vermilion home. And if you’re very lucky, you may even spot a timberwolf.
Ready to soak up the sun and make the most of these gorgeous early summer days?
Grab your shades, lace up your hiking boots, and book your favorite cabin — because with fantastic fishing, picture-perfect weather, and nature bursting back to life, Lake Vermilion is calling.