How to Fish Lake Vermilion: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Vermilion

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Vermilion

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-55	Pre-spawn smallmouth are staging near spawning areas, actively feeding but requiring slower presentations with long pauses as evidenced by recent fishing reports Fish are utilizing shallow water (6-10 feet) adjacent to deeper water, particularly during feeding periods	Rocky points at the mouth of spawning bays, especially those with quick access to deeper water Boulder fields in 6-10 foot depth range near spawning flats Protected areas with rock structure leading into spawning coves	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long 5-10 second pauses between twitches Drop Shot with slow presentations near bottom structure Tubes dragged slowly through rocky areas	Perch - multiple reports indicate perch patterns are effective Crawfish - consistently mentioned in lake profile as primary forage	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	48-56	Walleye are transitioning to pre-spawn locations with reports showing sluggish activity in 53-56°F water Fish are likely moving between deeper holding areas and shallow staging zones, especially active during low light periods	Humps adjacent to spawning areas in 15-30 foot range Rocky points and transitions near shallow bays Sand-rock transitions in pre-spawn staging areas	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits worked slowly through suspended fish	Small baitfish in pre-spawn movements Early season crawfish becoming active	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Muskies are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are following cisco schools while gradually moving towards spawning areas in shallow bays	Rocky points and reefs adjacent to spawning bays Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deep water access Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning grounds	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along structure edges Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near baitfish schools Trolling Shallow (0-9') along emerging weedlines and point breaks	Ciscoes/Whitefish schooling in transition areas Yellow Perch moving shallow with warming water	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike actively staging in shallow warming bays and near spawning areas, showing aggressive feeding behavior Fish are moving from winter deep water locations to shallow spawning areas, particularly utilizing vegetation edges and protected coves	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms first Protected coves with depths of 4-8 feet near deeper water access Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas with emerging vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation and along edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation edges Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation	Perch concentrating in similar shallow areas Small pike gathering in spawning areas Various minnow species moving shallow with warming water	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Largemouth Bass are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly targeting larger prey items	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays with emerging vegetation Protected shallow bays with dark bottoms that warm faster Transitions between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning flats	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs along transition areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around isolated cover	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegills in shallow warming areas Perch schools along depth transitions	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are actively spawning or preparing to spawn, focusing on shallow shoreline areas with hard bottom and protection Fish are highly territorial and aggressive in protecting nesting sites, particularly around docks and boulder-strewn shorelines Feeding activity is heightened during wind events, with crawfish being the primary forage	Shorelines with docks and boulders in 1-6 feet of water Protected shallow bays with hard bottom composition Points and shoreline transitions with boulder fields	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near bottom Tubes dragged and hopped along bottom Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Post-spawn walleyes transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, most active during dawn and dusk periods Fish moving between shallow rocky areas and deeper water depending on light conditions and temperature fluctuations	Rocky shorelines with gradual drops to deeper water (especially during morning/evening) Deep mud basins in 20-30 foot range during bright days Points with access to both shallow and deep water	Live Bait Rigs with rainbow chubs (primary shallow water technique) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with jigging raps for deeper fish Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits during low light periods	Rainbow Chubs Yellow Perch Small Baitfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn females recovering in shallow bays with warmer water, while males guard nesting areas Transitioning between spawning areas and early summer locations, with brief feeding windows	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near rocky areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays Rocky reefs in 8-15 foot depth range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near spawning areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weedlines Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near transition areas	Small Yellow Perch Shallow-running Ciscoes Suckers	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Post-winter northern pike are actively moving into shallow bays and vegetation for spawning, with aggressive feeding before and after spawn Fish are particularly active during warming trends, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning zones	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water Protected coves with warmer water temperatures	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near spawning areas Inline Spinners near transition zones	Perch Various shallow water baitfish Juvenile yellow perch in spawning areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Largemouth Bass transitioning to spawning areas, moving from pre-spawn staging areas to shallow flats and protected bays Males actively guarding nests while females move between shallow and slightly deeper water during spawning phase	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially areas with lily pad roots Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water escape routes	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around emerging vegetation and spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly near spawning flats Swim Jigs through slightly deeper transition areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, showing aggressive behavior particularly during morning hours Fish are transitioning between shallow spawning areas and summer holding areas, utilizing points and boulder fields as staging areas Feeding windows are strongest during lower light conditions, with fish moving shallower during these periods	Main lake points with boulder fields, especially those adjacent to spawning bays Shallow rocky shorelines with quick access to deeper water Dock areas with nearby rock or boulder structure	Finesse Hair Jigs worked with slow, steady retrieve along bottom Hard Topwater (Popping) during morning hours in shallow areas Ned Rigs dragged slowly across points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow-rolled near bottom	Crawfish - primary forage during post-spawn period Small baitfish gathering around points and structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	50-72	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and early summer locations, with peak activity during lower light periods Fish are relating strongly to rock and boulder areas in 6-15 foot depth range during feeding periods, moving to adjacent deeper breaks of 17-27 feet during bright conditions	Shallow boulder fields and rock piles in 6-12 feet of water First breaks and transition areas near rocky points in 15-27 feet North shoreline rock flats with subtle points	Bobbers with leeches or minnows, particularly effective during afternoon periods Slow retrieval of swim jigs along rock transitions Vertical jigging in deeper breaks when fish move off shallow structure	Perch - multiple reports indicate perch as primary forage Minnows - particularly around boulder areas	Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn muskies are beginning to actively feed again, primarily targeting cisco and whitefish schools in transitional areas Fish are most active during early morning and late evening periods, taking advantage of low light conditions for ambush feeding	Rock reefs and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water Points and inside turns of bays where baitfish congregate Shallow to mid-depth flats (8-15 feet) near spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along structure edges Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to breaks Spinnerbaits with large blades for maximum vibration in stained water	Ciscoes/Whitefish schooling in transitional areas Yellow Perch relating to rocky structure	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-62	Aggressive post-spawn feeding in shallow areas, actively hunting around vegetation Fish are making frequent ambush attacks on fast-moving prey, showing high activity levels	Shallow submerged vegetation beds in 3-9 feet of water Complex shoreline areas with points and bays Transition areas between vegetation and deeper water	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with aggressive speed Spinnerbaits worked through vegetation Inline Spinners near vegetation edges	Yellow Perch Various Baitfish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn Largemouth Bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing emerging weed growth and lily pad stems as ambush points, especially during morning and evening feeding periods	Emerging lily pad fields in 2-6 feet of water, especially where they meet deeper water Secondary points and inside turns near spawning bays Shallow wood cover and dock areas adjacent to spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around emerging vegetation and wood cover Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and through sparse cover Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly over transitional areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Young of the year bluegill beginning to appear Small baitfish schools in emerging vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	62-77	Active feeding during early morning (6-8am) and evening (7-9pm) with strong topwater bite, seeking ambush points near steep banks and structure Moving between shallow feeding zones (3-6ft) and adjacent deeper water during midday heat Actively responding to wind-generated current on main lake structures	45-degree banks with boulders adjacent to deep water Docks with deep water access, especially those with rock/boulder bottom Rocky points with pencil reeds, particularly those extending to deeper water Boulder fields in 3-6 foot depth with quick access to deeper water	Hard Topwater (Prop) during morning/evening low light periods Ned Rigs when fish are less aggressive or during midday Tubes skipped under docks or worked around boulders Finesse Hair Jigs parallel to rocky shorelines	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple catch reports and stomach contents Perch - indicated by successful perch-pattern bait colors Baitfish - suggested by successful shad/natural color patterns	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	62-72	Walleyes are actively feeding in mid-depth ranges (15-30 feet), particularly around rock structures and transitions, with increased activity during lower light conditions Fish are showing consistent patterns of relating to offshore structure like rock piles and reefs, while making feeding movements along transitions between rock and softer bottom	Rock piles and reefs in 18-26 foot depth range Transitions from rock to clay/sand in 15-20 foot range Mid-depth humps in 14-30 foot range	Live Bait Rigs with crawlers or leeches on 4-6 foot snells Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with leadcore around 2.5 mph Drop Shot with soft plastics, particularly effective for larger fish	Perch - multiple reports indicate perch as primary forage Minnows - consistent mentions in successful fishing reports	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Muskie	68-72	Following cisco/whitefish schools, actively feeding during early morning and late evening periods Utilizing rock reefs and boulder areas near deep water as primary ambush points	Rock reefs adjacent to deep water Boulder areas with suspended baitfish schools Deep structural transitions where ciscoes suspend	Hard Body Swimbaits worked through baitfish schools Inline Spinners near rock structures Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along reef edges	Cisco/Whitefish - primary summer forage Other pelagic baitfish in open water	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Northern Pike	68-82	Pike are actively feeding near docks and shallow cover, showing aggressive surface-oriented behavior during summer Fish are utilizing shaded areas during warmer periods, moving between shallow feeding zones and deeper water for comfort	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those providing shade Complex shoreline areas with points and bays adjacent to deeper water Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water access	Hard Topwater (Prop) worked aggressively around docks and vegetation Spinnerbaits worked parallel to dock edges and through gaps Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along vegetation edges	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by fishing reports Various baitfish utilizing dock areas and vegetation	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-77	Actively feeding in and around lily pad fields, utilizing thick cover as ambush points for crawfish and other prey Most active during early morning and evening hours, moving slightly deeper during bright midday periods but remaining relatively shallow	Thick lily pad fields in 2-4 feet of water Edges of pad fields where they meet deeper water Protected bays with emergent vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with 3/4oz weight for penetrating heavy cover Frogs/Toads worked over pad fields Swim Jigs worked through pad openings	Crawfish - primary forage as evidenced by fishing reports Bluegill and small panfish utilizing the same cover	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Vermilion

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Transitioning from shallow to mid-depth zones (8-20ft), actively feeding on crawfish near rocky structure and docks Showing preference for steep drop-offs and edges, particularly during sunny conditions	Docks with nearby deep water access, particularly those with rocky bottom composition Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Reed edges with steep drops and scattered rock	Ned Rigs worked slowly along dock edges and flats Tubes dragged through boulder fields and rocky areas Drop Shot rigs in deeper water (15-20 feet) during midday	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple reports and successful bait choices Baitfish - secondary forage especially near deeper structures	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	51-71	Walleye are actively feeding and schooling in deeper water (15-30 ft), particularly around structure-to-mud transitions, preparing for winter Peak feeding activity occurs during low light periods, especially at dusk, with fish moving shallower near rocky points and weed edges during these times Fish are showing consistent patterns of suspending near the bottom in deeper basins during daylight, moving up to feed on abundant fall forage	Rock pile edges transitioning to mud/sand in 15-30 feet Main basin mud flats in 20-29 feet Windblown rocky points with adjacent deep water Shallow cabbage weed edges in 7-12 feet during low light	Trolling Deep (20'+) with leadcore line at 2.0-2.2 mph over mud flats and transition areas Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with jigging raps or hair jigs near rock edges Live Bait Rigs worked along structure transitions Bobbers with minnows or crawlers during low light periods near structure	Perch - primary forage evidenced by multiple fishing reports Crawfish - actively feeding near rocky areas Minnows - consistent prey source in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-65	Muskies are actively feeding on large schools of cisco/whitefish to build fat reserves for winter, often suspending near baitfish schools in open water Fish are more likely to feed during daylight hours compared to summer, with extended activity periods due to cooler water temperatures	Deep rock reefs and boulder areas adjacent to cisco-holding basins Main lake points and steep breaks where baitfish schools congregate Shallow weed edges and structural elements where cisco schools move during low-light periods	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large soft body swimbaits parallel to breaks where baitfish schools are present Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked through suspended baitfish schools Blade Baits retrieved with aggressive bursts to trigger reaction strikes in stained water	Ciscoes/Whitefish schooling in open water and near structural elements Large Yellow Perch relating to deep rock structure	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike are following baitfish schools to deeper main lake areas, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish become more aggressive as water temperatures cool, with feeding activity increasing during overcast conditions	Deep weedline edges adjacent to main lake points Steep breaks near bays where baitfish schools concentrate Submerged vegetation patches in 15-20 foot depth range	Spinnerbaits worked along deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through baitfish schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along breaklines	Perch schooling near deep vegetation edges Baitfish schools suspending off points Remaining shallow water forage moving to deeper water	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Fish are transitioning to deeper haunts, following baitfish migrations and actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. They're likely to be found in transitional areas between summer and winter locations. Feeding windows are extended during daylight hours compared to summer, with increased activity during afternoon periods when water temperatures peak.	Deep weedline edges adjacent to lily pad fields, especially where they intersect with points or drops Secondary points and breaks in 8-15 foot range with access to deeper water Remaining green vegetation in shallow bays, particularly on sunny afternoons	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to deep weedlines and through remaining vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along bottom structure and transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') targeting points and breaks	Crawfish remaining active on hard bottom areas Baitfish schools congregating near deep weedlines and points Young of the year panfish in remaining vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Concentrating in deep basin areas (20-30 feet) near structural elements, with reduced but consistent feeding patterns Most active during low-light periods, especially around sunrise and sunset, with feeding windows extending longer due to stained water conditions	Deep rock piles and boulder transitions in 20-30 foot range Basin areas adjacent to structural breaks Mud-to-rock transitions in deeper water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Damiki Rig	Perch Minnows Small baitfish schools in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Muskie	38-45	Muskies become increasingly lethargic but will still feed opportunistically, especially during stable weather patterns and peak solar periods Fish tend to suspend near large concentrations of ciscoes and whitefish in deeper water, typically moving less but maintaining position in high-percentage areas	Deep rock reefs and boulder areas adjacent to cisco/whitefish winter holding areas (18-30 feet) Steep breaks and points near deep basins where baitfish schools concentrate Deeper structural elements near primary lake basins that provide ambush opportunities	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with large soft plastics worked slowly Trolling Deep (20'+) with large soft body swimbaits near baitfish schools Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked with long pauses in the strike zone	Ciscoes concentrated in winter holding areas Whitefish schooling in deep basins Suspended perch relating to deep structure	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike are suspending over deep basins tracking schools of baitfish, particularly perch and other prey fish Fish are less aggressive than other seasons but will still strike when prey is presented at the right depth and speed	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points and steep breaks Suspended over deeper water (15-20 feet) where baitfish schools concentrate Secondary points and deeper weed edges that haven't fully died off	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	Perch Suspended baitfish schools Late-season panfish	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	32-34	Fish are holding in predictable winter locations, showing most activity during early morning (8am) and late afternoon (3:30pm) based on recent reports Walleye are demonstrating selective feeding patterns, responding better to subtle presentations with live bait than aggressive jigging techniques	Rocky shores with adjacent 20ft depths, particularly areas with gravel transitions Deep basin areas with access to structural transitions Ledge areas where depth changes create ambush points	Dead stick presentations with tip-ups using plain red hooks or small jigs Jigging spoons with minnow heads for active fish Simple live bait rigs positioned 6 inches off bottom	Fathead minnows and small chubs, as mentioned in recent catch reports Larger crappie minnows, particularly effective for bigger walleyes	Pink Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper basins near abundant forage, typically suspending in the water column Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, with most active periods during early morning and late afternoon Fish often school with their preferred forage, particularly perch, in areas with good oxygen content	Deep basins adjacent to shallow flats, particularly in 15-25 foot range Deeper weed edges that maintain green vegetation Areas where deep water meets prominent points or bay entrances	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by longer pauses Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime feeding windows near weed edges	Perch congregating in deeper basins Tullibees suspended in open water areas Smaller pike feeding on abundant panfish	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Vermilion

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points at the mouth of spawning bays, especially those with quick access to deeper water	Boulder fields in 6-10 foot depth range near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Humps adjacent to spawning areas in 15-30 foot range	Rocky points and transitions near shallow bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Rocky points and reefs adjacent to spawning bays	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deep water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms first	Protected coves with depths of 4-8 feet near deeper water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays with emerging vegetation	Protected shallow bays with dark bottoms that warm faster
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shorelines with docks and boulders in 1-6 feet of water	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky shorelines with gradual drops to deeper water (especially during morning/evening)	Deep mud basins in 20-30 foot range during bright days
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near rocky areas	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation	Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially areas with lily pad roots	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with boulder fields, especially those adjacent to spawning bays	Shallow rocky shorelines with quick access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow boulder fields and rock piles in 6-12 feet of water	First breaks and transition areas near rocky points in 15-27 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Rock reefs and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water	Points and inside turns of bays where baitfish congregate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow submerged vegetation beds in 3-9 feet of water	Complex shoreline areas with points and bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Emerging lily pad fields in 2-6 feet of water, especially where they meet deeper water	Secondary points and inside turns near spawning bays
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	45-degree banks with boulders adjacent to deep water	Docks with deep water access, especially those with rock/boulder bottom
Summer	Walleye	Rock piles and reefs in 18-26 foot depth range	Transitions from rock to clay/sand in 15-20 foot range
Summer	Muskie	Rock reefs adjacent to deep water	Boulder areas with suspended baitfish schools
Summer	Northern Pike	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those providing shade	Complex shoreline areas with points and bays adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick lily pad fields in 2-4 feet of water	Edges of pad fields where they meet deeper water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Docks with nearby deep water access, particularly those with rocky bottom composition	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range
Fall	Walleye	Rock pile edges transitioning to mud/sand in 15-30 feet	Main basin mud flats in 20-29 feet
Fall	Muskie	Deep rock reefs and boulder areas adjacent to cisco-holding basins	Main lake points and steep breaks where baitfish schools congregate
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weedline edges adjacent to main lake points	Steep breaks near bays where baitfish schools concentrate
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weedline edges adjacent to lily pad fields, especially where they intersect with points or drops	Secondary points and breaks in 8-15 foot range with access to deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and boulder transitions in 20-30 foot range	Basin areas adjacent to structural breaks
Winter	Muskie	Deep rock reefs and boulder areas adjacent to cisco/whitefish winter holding areas (18-30 feet)	Steep breaks and points near deep basins where baitfish schools concentrate
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points and steep breaks	Suspended over deeper water (15-20 feet) where baitfish schools concentrate
Ice	Walleye	Rocky shores with adjacent 20ft depths, particularly areas with gravel transitions	Deep basin areas with access to structural transitions
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep basins adjacent to shallow flats, particularly in 15-25 foot range	Deeper weed edges that maintain green vegetation

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - multiple reports indicate perch patterns are effective	Crawfish - consistently mentioned in lake profile as primary forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small baitfish in pre-spawn movements	Early season crawfish becoming active
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Ciscoes/Whitefish schooling in transition areas	Yellow Perch moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating in similar shallow areas	Small pike gathering in spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegills in shallow warming areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rainbow Chubs	Yellow Perch
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Small Yellow Perch	Shallow-running Ciscoes
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch	Various shallow water baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage during post-spawn period	Small baitfish gathering around points and structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch - multiple reports indicate perch as primary forage	Minnows - particularly around boulder areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Ciscoes/Whitefish schooling in transitional areas	Yellow Perch relating to rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Various Baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Young of the year bluegill beginning to appear
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple catch reports and stomach contents	Perch - indicated by successful perch-pattern bait colors
Summer	Walleye	Perch - multiple reports indicate perch as primary forage	Minnows - consistent mentions in successful fishing reports
Summer	Muskie	Cisco/Whitefish - primary summer forage	Other pelagic baitfish in open water
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by fishing reports	Various baitfish utilizing dock areas and vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage as evidenced by fishing reports	Bluegill and small panfish utilizing the same cover
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple reports and successful bait choices	Baitfish - secondary forage especially near deeper structures
Fall	Walleye	Perch - primary forage evidenced by multiple fishing reports	Crawfish - actively feeding near rocky areas
Fall	Muskie	Ciscoes/Whitefish schooling in open water and near structural elements	Large Yellow Perch relating to deep rock structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch schooling near deep vegetation edges	Baitfish schools suspending off points
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish remaining active on hard bottom areas	Baitfish schools congregating near deep weedlines and points
Winter	Walleye	Perch	Minnows
Winter	Muskie	Ciscoes concentrated in winter holding areas	Whitefish schooling in deep basins
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch	Suspended baitfish schools
Ice	Walleye	Fathead minnows and small chubs, as mentioned in recent catch reports	Larger crappie minnows, particularly effective for bigger walleyes
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in deeper basins	Tullibees suspended in open water areas

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Vermilion

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Muskie	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Pink Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals