Lake Vermilion’s 2019 Sucker Sale is Now History

The 2019 sucker sale at the DNR’s Pike River Hatchery ended Saturday April 27 after a six-day run. In total, 7400 lbs of suckers were removed from Lake Vermilion, destined for smokers in the Northland. This year’s take was larger than the last two years and near the long-term average of 8000 – 10,000 pounds.

The sucker spawning run tends to be a little earlier than the walleye run and can be well underway before the ice is off Pike River. This year, by the time the DNR’s walleye traps were in place, the sucker run had already peaked with a 6000-lb first-day catch. The sucker catch rapidly declined over the next few days.

The Vermilion Lake Association thanks all buyers and volunteers who have helped with this 50-year tradition.

Information about 2020 sucker sales will be posted at www.VermilionSuckerSale.com beginning on April 1, 2020.

For additional info, contact Tom Forconi at 218-428-7096 or tom.forconi@gmail.com.