Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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A rocky Northwoods lake with about 340 miles of shoreline and 365 islands.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Vermilion for smallmouth bass, walleye and muskellunge. The best months overall are Apr to Nov. In October, smallmouth bass, walleye and muskellunge are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 2 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Northwoods Bait and Tackle of Cook in Cook, 16 mi away.
Best Months
Apr to Nov
In October
Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Muskellunge
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Lake Vermilion Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Muskellunge, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass · Big glide or jerkbaits in fall.
Shop This LureNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Muskellunge
Fly 9 ft 10 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, big articulated flies, 80 lb bite tippet.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft heavy casting rod, 400 size reel, 80 lb braid, 130 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Lake Vermilion
Rigs
Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness
Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.
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St. Croix Musky Casting Rod
A heavy, long casting rod for big bucktails, jerkbaits, and figure-eights.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Lake Vermilion
Bait & Tackle
Northwoods Bait and Tackle of Cook
Cook, Minnesota· 16 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Cook, MN.