Page 8 - Vermilion Lake Association Spring 2021 Newsletter

Status of the Lake Vermilion Fishery
L 2021 Angling Prospects
Anglers seeking muskellunge (muskies) will find op- portunities for fish with trophy potential as a signifi- cant portion of the population are 50 inches or larger. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass should find them throughout the lake. East Vermilion has fewer but on average larger fish than West Vermilion, which has higher numbers of smaller fish. Additionally, large- mouth bass can be found in low numbers overall,
but certain areas of West Vermilion provide the best catch opportunities. Although low in abundance overall, northern pike can be found in specific areas providing catch and harvest opportunities with the possibility to catch fish up to 40 inches. Additionally, black crappie and bluegill will continue to provide angling opportunities. Whitefish and cisco (tullibee) offer harvest opportunities primarily during the fall sport gill-netting season.
Anglers are reminded that a special regulation exists
ake Vermilion continues to be a solid multispe- cies fishery that provides both catch and har- vest opportunities for several
species. The annual DNR survey in
2020 indicated that walleye abun-
dance is near record highs through-
out the lake despite the seemingly
higher than normal fishing pressure
that occurred. The high walleye
abundance is due to recent strong
year-classes that were mostly under
15 inches in the fall of 2020. These
fish should provide ample catch and harvest oppor- tunities in 2021 and beyond. Also, an abundance
of walleyes over 20 inches will continue to provide memorable catch opportunities throughout the lake while also ensuring plenty of broodstock.
Matt Hennen Large Lake Specialist DNR
8 The Vermilion, Spring 2021