Fishing on Lake Vermilion

With over 40,000 acres and hundreds of bays and islands, Lake Vermilion is one of Minnesota’s top fishing lakes.

Catch Your Trophy Fish

Stretching 40 miles across the heart of Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, Lake Vermilion boasts 40,000 acres, 365 islands, and 1200 miles of beautiful shoreline, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts.

Lake Vermilion is a phenomenal lake for fishing walleye, crappies, northern pike, muskie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, along with panfish like sunfish, perch, and bluegills.

Bait & Tackle Shop

Ludlow’s Island Bait and Tackle Shop offers an expanded line of fishing and outdoor gear, equipment sales, and demo options for our guests.

Michael, our head of guest services, shares his passion for Lake Vermilion fishing by offering educational clinics throughout the summer. Michael will help equip experienced fishermen, novices, and everyone in between.

Ludlows' Bait and Tackle Shop on Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion fishing guide holding a fish

Guided Fishing Trips on Lake Vermilion

A guided fishing trip will take your experience to the next level.

We will set you up with an expert fishing guide who will take you to all the best fishing spots on Lake Vermilion. For those with minimal or zero experience, your fishing guide will teach you all the basics to help you reel in the big ones.

All you have to do is show up with a fishing license and you’re good to go.

Reserve Your Guide

Choose the Length of Your Fishing Trip

You can choose to take a 2-hour, 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour guided fishing trip.

For families with kids, we recommend the 2-hour trip. For longer trips, you can also choose to stop for a shore lunch to refuel before heading back out on the lake.

You can also choose to bring your own drinks and snacks to eat on the boat.

Group fishing with a guide on lake vermilion

Michael’s Lake Vermilion Fishing Tips

Guests looking to catch walleye, crappies, and northern pike should aim to come during the springtime or fall.
Bass anglers will want to plan their trip during the warmer months in July and August.
Walleye fishing is usually good all year round.
Panfish move to the shallows when the water starts to warm in the spring, so fishing varies with the year and spring.
The fishing is usually pretty good right away in June, but it gets really good in the fall.

If you’re interested in other species, or if you’d like additional tips and advice, Michael is happy to help!

Reserve Your Fishing Guide

Fishing Licenses
So that you may start your vacation right away, we recommend purchasing your license online prior to your arrival. However, you may purchase a fishing license at the resort, in the main lodge building using your driver’s license and social security number.

Fishing Regulations
Current Minnesota Fishing Regulations

Fishing Boats

We have a variety of fishing boat set-ups available for rental by the day or week. We recommend reserving your boat in advance of your stay.

See Boat Rentals

Fishing for Kids

Kids have lots of luck fishing right off our docks, and cane poles are free for their use. Fish caught off the docks are released so there are always plenty to catch.

Kids under 16 years old do not need a fishing license.

How to Plan the Perfect Family Fishing Trip at Ludlow’s