Little Vermilion

St. Louis County, Minnesota — DOW #69060800

160 Surveys

Special Regulations for Little Vermilion

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

Combined possession limit six, only four may be walleye. All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession. (Including Loon River to Loon River Falls portage)

Invasive Species Alert

Little Vermilion has confirmed populations of:

spiny waterflea

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

1,287.71

Acres

52 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Little Vermilion. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 1.9	0.25 lb	3
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 1.9	0.45 lb	3
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.9	0.26 lb	1

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.15 lb	3
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	12.0 (above normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.13 lb	72
2011-08-01	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.17 lb	5
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	5.8 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.13 lb	46
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.12 lb	6
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	3.2 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.14 lb	19
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.08 lb	12
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	4.7 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.11 lb	28
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.20 lb	11
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.13 lb	16
2016-07-18	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.17 lb	6
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	10.4 (above normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.11 lb	83
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.09 lb	11
2006-07-24	Survey seining	1.0	—	—	3
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.13 lb	34

SAR

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.9 – 3.0	0.58 lb	4
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.9 – 3.0	0.59 lb	10
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.9 – 3.0	0.81 lb	8
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.9 – 3.0	0.73 lb	4
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	1.4 (normal)	0.9 – 3.0	0.40 lb	11
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.23 lb	1
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	1.9 (normal)	0.9 – 3.0	0.41 lb	15
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	0.9 (below normal)	0.9 – 3.0	0.44 lb	7

RHS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	2.75 lb	2
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	2.00 lb	1
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	6.02 lb	1
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	0.85 lb	4
2016-07-18	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	3.47 lb	7
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	1.61 lb	4

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	2.2 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	3.72 lb	13
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	1.99 lb	5
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	3.8 (above normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.67 lb	30
2011-08-01	Standard trap nets	1.6	—	1.62 lb	14
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	4.16 lb	10
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	1.0	—	1.77 lb	9
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	4.2 (above normal)	1.2 – 3.6	3.35 lb	25
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.7	—	2.37 lb	6
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.82 lb	26
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	0.95 lb	7
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.75 lb	16
2016-07-18	Standard trap nets	1.6	—	0.82 lb	14
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	4.4 (above normal)	1.2 – 3.6	3.08 lb	35
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	1.41 lb	5

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.28 lb	4
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.19 lb	3
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.29 lb	1
2011-08-01	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.19 lb	2
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	2.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.33 lb	14
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.23 lb	1
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.46 lb	4
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.21 lb	6
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	0.9 (normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.27 lb	7
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.21 lb	4
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.32 lb	4
2016-07-18	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.25 lb	9
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.17 lb	5
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.22 lb	7

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.06 lb	1
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.2	0.08 lb	1

Shorthead Redhorse

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.6	1.81 lb	1
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.2 – 3.8	4.31 lb	5
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.8 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.6	1.12 lb	6
2011-08-01	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 3.8	1.92 lb	2
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.6	1.61 lb	1
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 3.8	1.75 lb	3
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.6	2.95 lb	1
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 3.8	1.58 lb	1
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 3.8	1.94 lb	2

LKW

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 3.0	2.81 lb	1
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 3.0	1.35 lb	1
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.2 – 3.0	1.65 lb	3
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 3.0	2.87 lb	1

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.38 lb	2
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	0.19 lb	1
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.7	0.58 lb	2
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.61 lb	2
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.56 lb	4
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	0.65 lb	2
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	0.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.7	0.70 lb	6
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	0.10 lb	1
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.27 lb	3
2006-07-24	Survey seining	5.3	—	—	16
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.34 lb	2
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	0.11 lb	1

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	16.0 (above normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.73 lb	96
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.59 lb	8
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	12.5 (above normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.68 lb	100
2011-08-01	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.64 lb	4
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	8.3 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.03 lb	50
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.29 lb	3
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	7.3 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.79 lb	44
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.02 lb	9
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	20.5 (above normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.86 lb	164
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.02 lb	9
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	18.3 (above normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.61 lb	146
2016-07-18	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.69 lb	3
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	8.3 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.76 lb	66
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.35 lb	6

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	25.5 (above normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.46 lb	153
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	22.3 (above normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.52 lb	134
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	42.3 (above normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.24 lb	254
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	38.6 (above normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.19 lb	309

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	3.5 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.28 lb	21
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.66 lb	4
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.46 lb	36
2011-08-01	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.65 lb	3
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.46 lb	26
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.79 lb	4
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	8.3 (above normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.31 lb	50
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	1.81 lb	3
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	3.6 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.18 lb	29
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 3.0	0.89 lb	1
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	2.5 (below normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.47 lb	20
2016-07-18	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.11 lb	4
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	6.4 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.26 lb	51
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	1.78 lb	4

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.38 lb	1
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	3.3 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.49 lb	26
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.83 lb	5
2011-08-01	Standard trap nets	2.0 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.54 lb	18
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.4	1.15 lb	1
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	2.2 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.56 lb	20
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.26 lb	1
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.45 lb	17
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.98 lb	6
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	1.4 (below normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.68 lb	13
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.66 lb	1
2016-07-18	Standard trap nets	1.7 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.48 lb	15
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	1.6 (below normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.45 lb	14

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.28 lb	4
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.55 lb	1
2011-08-01	Standard trap nets	3.3 (normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.30 lb	30
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	0.8 (below normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.46 lb	7
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.23 lb	13
2021-07-26	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.32 lb	8
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.41 lb	1
2016-07-18	Standard trap nets	2.7 (normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.32 lb	24
2006-07-24	Standard trap nets	2.1 (normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.34 lb	19

SLR

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	0.08 lb	3
1996-07-22	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	3.15 lb	7
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	4.68 lb	2

Burbot

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.51 lb	4
1996-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	1.57 lb	3
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	1.19 lb	3
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	1.46 lb	2
2006-07-24	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.86 lb	2

CIS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	46.8	—	0.20 lb	374
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	20.5	—	0.33 lb	164
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	13.5	—	0.21 lb	108

SIL

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2011-08-01	Standard gill nets	0.9	—	—	7
2001-07-16	Standard gill nets	1.0	—	0.01 lb	6
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	1.9	—	—	15
2016-07-18	Standard gill nets	3.5	—	—	28

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 19.7	0.87 lb	1

LES

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.03 lb	1

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-16	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.5 – 3.4	0.09 lb	13

MOE

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2021-07-26	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.86 lb	1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Nearby Marinas

Anderson's Canoe Outfitters

Crane Lake, MN

(218) 780-6430

★ 4.9

Aronson Boat Works Inc

Tower, MN

(218) 753-4190

★ 4.5

Arrowhead Lodge

Kabetogama, MN

(218) 875-2141

★ 4.7

Bill's Boat Storage

Ely, MN

(218) 235-9824

★ 5

Birch Point Marine

Tower, MN

(218) 753-4404

★ 4.5

BP Marine Plus

Two Harbors, MN

(218) 830-2216

★ 5

Resorts & Lodges Near Little Vermilion

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Little Vermilion.

C&B Rentals

Fishing Resort Hibbing

(952) 356-5234

Espland's

Fishing Resort Ely

(218) 365-5282

Lake Vermilion Ice Fishing

Fishing Resort Tower

(218) 290-2435

Piney Woods Retreat in Ely, Minnesota - Vacation Cabin Rental

Fishing Resort Ely

(218) 235-1212

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Little Vermilion. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Crappie Bluegill Burbot Cisco Species Mooneye Northern Pike Redhorse Rock Bass Sauger Smallmouth Bass Walleye White Sucker Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Little Vermilion

218 Sportfishing

Fishing Guide

(218) 409-4744

Angler Management Duluth Charters

Fishing Guide

(218) 390-7933

Basswood Trails Guide Service

(218) 349-5226

(651) 270-7155

(218) 393-7121

Chasin' Tail Charters MN

Fishing Guide

(320) 980-6667

View all 33 guides →

Other Lakes in St. Louis County

Plan Your Trip to Little Vermilion

Weather forecast for Little Vermilion — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 48.2771°N, 92.4082°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.

Little Vermilion

Special Regulations for Little Vermilion

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Black Bullhead

Yellow Perch

SAR

RHS

Northern Pike

Rock Bass

Golden Shiner

Shorthead Redhorse

LKW

Smallmouth Bass

Walleye

Tullibee (Cisco)

White Sucker

Black Crappie

Bluegill

SLR

Burbot

CIS

SIL

Brown Bullhead

LES

Pumpkinseed

MOE

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Arrowhead Outdoors

Bass Pro Shops

Benders

Brimson Sportsman Corner

Canadian Waters Inc

Canoe Country Outfitters

Cenex

Cliff Wold's Outfitting Co.

Nearby Marinas

Anderson's Canoe Outfitters

Aronson Boat Works Inc

Arrowhead Lodge

Bill's Boat Storage

Birch Point Marine

BP Marine Plus

Resorts & Lodges Near Little Vermilion

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Little Vermilion

Other Lakes in St. Louis County

Aerie

Agassa

Agnes

Alden

Alruss

Angleworm

Plan Your Trip to Little Vermilion