37th ANNUAL MEETING and DINNER
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Summary of 2004 Fish Population Assessment For Lake Vermilion Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
Lake Vermilion is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries
management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program was
started in 1984, when it became apparent that more detailed biological information
was needed to properly manage these important lakes. A Large Lake Specialist was
assigned to each lake to manage the program at the area level. The Large Lake Program
includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly
scheduled creel surveys. Creel surveys are scheduled on Lake Vermilion for two
consecutive years out of every six years. Creel surveys were done in 2002 and 2003.
The next cycle of creel surveys will be in 2008 and 2009.
A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the
various fish species and life stages. Gill nets are used to sample cisco, northern
pike, yellow perch, and walleye. Trap nets are used to sample muskie, bluegill
and black crappie. Beach seines are used to sample young-of-the-year walleye and
perch. An electrofishing boat is used to sample smallmouth bass and young-ofthe-year
walleye. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each
year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also
collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.
The results of the 2004 fish population assessment are presented in the balance of
this report. We encourage anyone with questions or comments to contact the Tower
Fisheries offce or stop by our office for a visit. We are located just west of
Tower on Highway 169.
duane.williams@dnr.state.mn.us Joe Geis, Area Fisheries Supervisor, 218-753-2580, ext. 222 joe.geis@dnr.state.mn.us MN Dept. Of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries 650 Hwy. 169 Tower, MN 55790 Walleye
The walleye gill net catch in the fall of 2004 was 17.6 fish/net, well above
the historical average for Lake Vermilion. Walleye gill net catches
have been above average for a number of years, due to strong year classes
produced in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, and 2002. The walleye gill net catch in
2002 was the highest ever observed on Lake Vermilion. Poor reproduction in
2000 contributed to a decline in the walleye catch in 2003, although the walleye
catch improved in 2004 when fish from a strong 2002 year class began to be sampled
in the gill nets.
There are often differences in fish populations between the two major lake basins,
East Vermilion and West Vermilion. Because of these differences, much of the data
collected is analyzed separately for the two lake basins in order to better
understand fish dynamics on the entire lake. The 2004 walleye gill net catch
on East Vermilion was slightly higher than the West Vermilion walleye catch.
Historically, walleye catches are usually higher on East Vermilion, although
the average size is larger on West Vermilion.
The mean length of walleye sampled in gill nets was 13.6 inches, well above the
historical average. The large average size was due to above average numbers of
walleye 17-20 inches long in the gill net catch. These fish were
primarily from strong year classes produced in 1997 and 1998. Although the
numbers of large walleye are above average, their numbers are still quite
low compared to the number of small walleye in the population. The gill net
catch of 11 inch walleye was about double the historical average, reflecting
a strong year class produced in 2002. The gill net catch of 14 and 15 inch
walleye was below average, reflecting a poor 2000 year class.
Smaller walleye are nearly always more abundant than medium and large fish,
although the gill net catch does not reflect that. The experimental gill nets
used for population assessments do not sample small fish very well and they
are under-represented in the gill net catch. Walleye are not sampled at
maximum efficiency until they are about 13 inches long. The decline in the
gill net catch of fish larger than 13 inches represents the effects of
mortality and declining abundance.
Walleye year class strength is represented by indices that are calculated
from gill net catches of each year class for each year of netting. An index of
100 would be considered average. The strongest year classes produced in recent
years were the 1997, 1998, and 2001 year classes, which had indices of 159, 157,
and 157, respectively. The 1999 year class is also slightly stronger than average.
Four of the five year classes produced from 1997 to 2001 were stronger than average.
Generally, strong year classes are produced about every three years in natural
walleye lakes. The weakest year class produced in recent years was the 2000
year class, which had an index of 39. Nearly all of the major fish species in
Lake Vermilion had poor reproduction in 2000, probably due to unusually cool
weather in June of that year. Most of the major species had very good reproduction
in 1997 and 1998, which was probably related to favorable environmental conditions
in those years.
Three years of netting are needed to calculate a year class strength index,
therefore indices cannot yet be calculated for the 2002, 2003, and 2004 year
classes. Two years of netting indicate the 2002 year class will probably be
stronger than average, particularly on West Vermilion.
Angling prospects for walleye in 2005 are about average. A strong 2001 year
class will provide good angling opportunities for walleye that will be about
13 inches long at the beginning of the fishing season. Fishing will be hurt
by below average numbers of 1415 inch walleye from a poor 2000 year class.
Anglers can also expect to catch good numbers of small walleye from a strong
2002 year class. Most walleye from the 2002 year class will be 11-12 inches
long at the start of the season. As these fish grow during the summer they
will become increasingly acceptable to anglers. Above average numbers of 17-20
inch walleye will provide anglers a good opportunity to catch some larger
fish as well.
In an effort to maintain fishing quality, the DNR is proposing a special
regulation for walleye on Lake Vermilion, beginning in 2006. A regulation
change is being proposed because of increased fishing pressure and walleye
harvest in recent years. Creel surveys in 2002 and 2003 documented the highest
walleye harvest ever observed on Lake Vermilion, well above the long-term goal
for the lake. Consistent harvest above the long-term goal could have negative
consequences for the walleye population.
Two potential regulations are being offered for consideration:
* A 17-26 inch protected slot with one fish allowed over 26 inches.
* A 17-26 inch protected slot with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a
4-fish dailyand possession bag limit.
Adding the 4-fish bag limit offers the best chance to keep harvest at a
safe level. A 4-fish bag limit would also be consistent with regulations
recently adopted on other large walleye lakes in Minnesota.
There will be a formal public input process in September of 2005, including
public input meetings and a time period for submitting written or verbal
comments. Signs will also be posted at public accesses and resorts this spring
informing anglers a regulation change is under consideration. If adopted,
the new regulation would go into effect on May 13, 2006.
Fall electrofishing is used to sample young-of-the-year walleye and help
determine reproductive success for the year. The 2004 fall electrofishing
catch of young-of-the year walleye was 91 fishfhour, slightly below the
historical average. Electrofishing catches have historically
varied widely on Lake Vermilion, due in part to variation in year class
strength. East Vermilion usually has higher electrofishing catches of
young-of-the-year walleye than West Vermilion.
The mean length of young-of-the-year walleye sampled by electrofishing was
4.6 inches, well below the historical average. Data from our sampling program
indicates growth of young-of-the-year walleye is an important factor in eventual
year class strength, with fast growing young-of-the-year walleye producing strong
year classes and slow growing fish producing weak year classes. It is believed
that large young-of-the-year walleye have better over winter survival than small
fish. The mean length of young-of-the-year walleye can be used with the total
number caught in a predictive model that will give a good indication of how strong
a year class will be. The mean length and total catch indicate the 2004 year class
will probably be much weaker than average. Unusually cool summer weather kept
growth very slow, which will likely cause a poor year class.
Northern Pike
The 2004 gill net catch of northern pike was 1.3 fish/net, slightly above the historical average. Gill net catches of northern pike have historically been fairly stable at a relatively low level. West Vermilion usually has higher gill net catches of northern pike than East Vermilion.
The mean length of northern pike sampled by gill nets was 25;7 inches, slightly above the historical average. A wide size range of northern pike were sampled, although the total sample size was only 26 fish. Year class strength has been fairly average in recent years, although a strong year class was produced in 2001. Angling prospects for northern pike in 2005 should be similar to recent years, although anglers may catch more small fish than usual from the strong 2001 year class.
A 24-36 inch protected slot limit for northern pike went into effect on Lake Vermilion in 2003. All fish 24-36 inches long must immediately be returned to the lake. The bag limit remains at three fish, which could include up to three fish under 24 inches or one fish over 36 inches. The new regulation is part of a statewide initiative to improve the size structure of pike populations in a number of lakes across the state.
Yellow Perch
The 2004 gill net catch of yellow perch was 40.8 fish/net, the highest perch catch on the lake since 1991. The high 2004 catch was due to large numbers of small fish from strong 2001 and 2002 year classes. Gill net catches of yellow perch are usually similar between East Vermilion and West Vermilion, although the West Vermilion catch was much higher in 2004.
The mean length of perch sampled by gill nets was 6.9 inches, well below the historical average. The small average size was due to high numbers of 5-6 inch perch in the gill net catch from strong 2001 and 2002 year classes. All size classes of perch were well represented in the gill net catch. Strong year classes of perch were produced in 2001 and 2002, while poor year classes were produced in 1999 and 2000. Anglers can expect to catch more small perch than usual in 2005, particularly in West Vermilion. Larger perch are available to anglers in the Big Bay area of East Vermilion. Perch in the Big Bay area tend to be larger than those in other areas of the lake, probably because they feed extensively on rusty crayfish that are abundant in that area of the lake.
Bluegill
The 2004 trap net catch of bluegill was 35.3 fish/net, slightly above the historical average. Bluegill catches have been highly variable for several years, with an unusually high catch in 2001 and an unusually low catch in 2002. Bluegill are much more abundant in West Vermilion and trap net catches there are always much higher than catches on East Vermilion.
The mean length of bluegill sampled by trap nets was 6.0 inches, which is near the historical average. Above average numbers of 6-7 inch bluegill were sampled from strong year classes produced in 1997 and 1998. A strong year class of bluegill was also produced in 1995, while a very weak year class was produced in 2000. Anglers can expect good bluegill fishing in 2005, particularly on West Vermilion. The angler's catch will be dominated by 6-7 inch fish from the strong 1997 and 1998 year classes. The number of bluegill in the population 8 inches and larger is about average, so there is some opportunity to catch larger fish as well. Bluegill fishing for larger fish should improve in the next several years as fish from the strong 1995, 1997, and 1998 year classes grow and attain a size more desirable by anglers.
Black Crappie
The 2004 black crappie trap net catch was 2.2 fish/net, slightly above the historical average. Trap net catches of crappie have been relatively stable in recent years. Crappie numbers have historically been relatively low on Lake Vermilion, although a few areas of West Vermilion seem to have higher numbers of fish. Crappie trap net catches are usually higher on West Vermilion than East Vermilion.
The mean length of black crappie sampled by trap nets was 8.1 inches, slightly below the historical average. High numbers of 8 inch crappie were sampled from a strong year class produced in 2001. The trap net catch of 11 inch crappie was also above average. These fish were primarily from strong year classes produced in 1997 and 1998. Angling prospects for crappie in 2005 are better than average. There are fair numbers of 11-12 inch fish available from the strong year classes produced in 1997 and 1998. Crappie from the strong 2001 year class will be somewhat small this year, however they will provide good angling opportunities in 2006.
Smallmouth Bass
An electrofishing boat is used as the standard sampling gear for smallmouth bass because they are not often caught in standard assessment nets. The 2004 smallmouth bass catch was 43.7 fish/hour of electrofishing, well above the historical average. Electrofishing catches of smallmouth bass have been above average since 1998. Sampling was not done in 2000 due to poor weather. The smallmouth bass catch was higher on East Vermilion than West Vermilion, although bass catches are usually higher on West Vermilion.
Smallmouth bass sampled by electrofishing had a mean length of 11.2 inches, well above the historical average. The large average size was due to an unusually high catch of 13-15 inch bass from strong 1997 and 1998 year classes. Above average numbers of 9-10 inch bass were also sampled, primarily from a strong year class produced in 2001. A relatively poor year class of smallmouth bass was produced in 2000. Angling prospects for smallmouth bass are very good in 2005. Fish from a very strong 1997 year class are now 13-15 inches long. Lesser numbers of larger fish will be available to anglers from the older age classes in the population. Fishing for large fish should improve in the next several years as fish from the strong 1997 and 1998 year classes continue to grow.
Muskie
Muskie population assessments are done every four years on Lake Vermilion, although East Vermilion and West Vermilion are done in different years due to the large size of the lake. Population assessments were done on East Vermilion in 2001 and on West Vermilion in 2002. The next assessments are scheduled for 2005 and 2006. The muskie program has been very successful on Lake Vermilion and the lake is now recognized as one of the top muskie fisheries in Minnesota.
Exotic Species
Several exotic species have become established in Lake Vermilion in the last 20 years. Rusty crayfish were first observed in 1986 and have since become extremely abundant in the eastern part of the lake. Purple loosestrife, a flowering plant that grows in wetlands and along shorelines, has been found at a number of locations on Lake Vermilion. Heterosporis, a microsporidean fish parasite, has been identified in two walleye in recent years. Heterosporis has been identified in several other Minnesota lakes and research is currently under way on the distribution and life history of this parasite. A small infestation of curly leaf pondweed was discovered in Everett Bay in 2001. Curly leafpondweed is an aquatic plant native to Europe, although it has been present in areas of the United States and southern Minnesota for many years.
There is potential for other exotic species to become established in Lake Vermilion, which attracts anglers and boaters from all across Minnesota and the Midwest. The DNR has taken several steps to prevent the spread of exotic species. It is now illegal to transport exotic species, infested water, and aquatic vegetation from lake to lake. The DNR has also established a program to educate the public about exotic species and inspect boats at some public accesses. The DNR held a training seminar on boat inspections for members of the Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion and the Lake Vermilion Resort Association in 2004. Sportsmen's Club members conducted boat inspections several times during the summer, educating the boating public about exotic species.
Fishing Tournaments
There has been an increase in fishing tournaments on Lake Vermilion in recent years, generating some concerns among other lake users. The DNR considers fishing tournaments to be a legitimate activity on Minnesota lakes, as long as prescribed regulations and guidelines are followed. The Minnesota Legislature passed a bill in 2000 that established regulations to manage fishing tournaments. These regulations were developed by the DNR with input from the public, tournament organizers, and DNR staff. Area and Regional Fisheries staff will work within the framework of state regulations to manage tournaments on Lake Vermilion in a manner that will protect fish populations and minimize conflict with other lake users. Permits from the DNR are needed for most fishing tournaments. Permits have been issued or applications received for the following tournaments on Lake Vermilion in 2005.
Fish Stocking
The Minnesota DNR operates a major walleye egg-take operation and hatchery at the mouth of the Pike River on Lake Vermilion. Walleye produced at the hatchery are used for stocking programs in northeastern Minnesota and other areas of the state. Because it is DNR policy to return at least 10% of the walleye fry produced at hatcheries back into the parent lake, Lake Vermilion is stocked with 10-20 million walleye fry each year. It is not known how much the stocked fry actually contribute to the walleye population. Large natural walleye lakes usually have aufficient natural reproduction to maintain the population and seldom benefit from additional stocking.
An intensive muskie stocking program was started on Lake Vermilion in 1987. The current stocking quota is 5,000 muskie fingerlings every other year. Stocking rates may be reduced in the future if sign)ficant natural reproduction is documented.
The DNR and the Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion cooperatively operate a controlled northern pike spawning area at Sunset Creek on the west end of the lake. The spawning area is stocked with brood fish and water levels are maintained at an optimal level for spawning and production of fingerlings.
Habitat and Water Ouality
Preserving fish habitat and water quality continues to be a management priority on Lake Vermilion. Shoreline development and development within the watershed could result in habitat loss and degradation of water quality. The DNR has several programs that protect fish habitat and water quality, primarily by regulating shoreline alterations and the removal of aquatic plants. Aquatic vegetation and shallow near-shore areas both provide critical habitat for a number of fish species. Retaining publicly owned lakeshore is also an important strategy to preserve critical aquatic habitat.
County and local units of government also play an important role in protecting fish habitat and preserving water quality. They establish zoning regulations and regulate septic systems, in addition to a number of other programs. The new Lake Vermilion Land Use Plan will be an important tool for developing policies that protect fish habitat and water quality.
Citizen groups and private individuals also have an important role in protecting fish habitat and water quality. The Sportsman's Club of Lake Vermilion has long been an advocate of policies to protect water quality. Lakeshore property owners can also take a number of steps to manage their shoreline in an environmentally sound manner. For more information on properly managing lakeshore, go to the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
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State Flower: Lady Slipper
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State Drink: Milk
State Fish: Walleye
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