Lake Vermilion MN

fishin98

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Planning a fishing trip to Lake Vermilion MN going to drive up to Central WI from FL, then up to the lake....anyone ever fished the lake? Thoughts
Thanks
Fishin
 

WIMUSKY

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I basically grew up on that lake.... I bet you're coming up 90/94 to Eau Claire and heading north on 53 thru Duluth and up north towards the lake....
 

fishin98

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Cool...Going to be stopping in Waupaca, hooking up to my brothers boat, load the wives in the car and head for the Fortune Bay Resort and Casino. Been EONS since I've fished the lakes in MN. Any suggestions on what would be a good time to go...been thinking June or July...Thanks...Fishin...BTW dug out the ABU 6500 and 6600 Musky reels and St Croix rods got them cleaned up, along with the multitude of Musky lures.
 

WIMUSKY

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Muskies, now we're talking! Time to go? Given those 2 months, June for fishing. Now if you want to keep the wives happy with
"usually" very nice weather, July...... July is about the only month you can count on for good weather... But, not always... My disclaimer...Lol
 

S.A. Baker

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Heading up end of Aug. for Muskys! Of course the wife wants to Walleye fish! Smallmouth fishing is also awsome! Best lake in the state...but lookout for rocks! Been fishing there since 1962. 42 miles long with 365 rocky islands. Countless bays ....don't get lost!
 

fishin98

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Thanks all..I go north every year from Fl to fish for walleyes. Looking at late June or early July, weather is going to be hit or miss. Will be hauling my usual battery of rods/reels and tackle, along with a couple of Musky rigs. Going to be fishin out of my brothers 16ft Sylvan BackTroller boat, with a 50HP Merc tiller. Got some info today from the resort we are thinking of staying at, along with a basic lake map....The lake structure looks good.
 

WIMUSKY

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You'll be on the east on of the lake. Big Bay, and it's huuuuge, has a ton of structure. Don't forget the weeds too. Watch the weather. That lake, especially Big Bay, can really roll some big white caps. The lake is very well marked for hazards. But still be careful.... It's an awesome lake. Every lake I fish I compare it to Vermilion. So far, none really compare, haven't been to LOTW or Rainy Lake yet (The only thing close in WI that I've fished so far is the Chip Flowage). Sure, it's been called the dead sea at times. But, the scenery and immensity of the lake are like no other unless you head north of the border.... There's days I just like to cruise and don't even touch the poles.....
 
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oldjeep

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Trying to imagine cruising for fun on Vermillion. We stayed up in Black Bay last summer for a week and while the bays were fine, getting out into the open water was just scary in my 20 ft wake boat, getting the inlaws 20ft competition ski boat from that launch to Black Bay was about as much excitement as we needed.
 
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off potato island is good, lots of sea side resturants/bars, but best ice cream is at birch point marina, if you have a boat under 20ft and 25hp I recommend trying the BWCA you can get trailed across from vermilion to trout lake
 

WIMUSKY

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off potato island is good, lots of sea side resturants/bars, but best ice cream is at birch point marina, if you have a boat under 20ft and 25hp I recommend trying the BWCA you can get trailed across from vermilion to trout lake


How often do you get on Vermilion?
 

WIMUSKY

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At least for navigating, I know it like the back of my hand.... It's turning into Lake Minnetonka North.....
 

fishin98

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Thanks all for the info, We are going to be staying at the Fortune Bay Casino & Resort. Sunday July 10th thru Thursday July 14th. The next month is going to be busy getting gear together. I'll be taking 3, 7' Med action Casting rods, 3, 7' Med action Spinning rods and 1,7' MH Casting rod. Going to be installing a MinnKota DC charger on my brothers boat to keep the trolling motor battery topped off while we are trolling with the big motor. Does anyone know if the resorts/marinas moniter VHF/Marine channels? Anyone know if THEFT is a big issue at the marinas?
Fishin
 

WIMUSKY

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Never heard anything about theft during all the years I lived up there, my parents have never heard anything either. I stayed at a resort once and had no issues. Doesn't mean it can't happen. No idea on the marine channels. I know Verizon doesn't work on the lake....
 
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