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Posted

We are planning our annual Minnesota fishing trip the week of July 4th and are looking for recommendations for a small lake and resort.  We have always stayed on lake vermilion but now have a much smaller boat.  I have looked at maps, but with so many lakes to choose from I have no idea where to begin.  Any recommendations for a small lake with good panfish, northerns, and bass?  Primarily catch and release but will have a fish fry or two.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Posted

Vermilion works with a small boat.  I fished for years with a 16 foot boat and 20 hp motor.  

West end, small enough bays and stuff to block wind.  

  • Thumbs Up 2
Posted

Agreed. I've never owned anything bigger than 16ft and have a water-access property. I used to go across in a 14fter with a 5.5hp, then would ferry guests across in a skinny 16ft with either a 25hp or 35hp motor. I still like to fish out of my little 12ft with either my 3hp or 5.5hp. As Delcecchi said, there are lots of small bays. Sometimes you need to move around to chase the walleye, but pretty much every bay has bass/northerns/panfish.

Not that I'm trying to talk you into Vermilion. I don't have any advice or knowledge about the smaller, surrounding lakes.

Posted

If you are in a boat that small, don't fish for Walleye's on the west...They will pull you around!  No eater size on the west...lol. 

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted

Thanks for the info!  We are going to give it a try and if it gets too windy maybe trailer to a smaller lake nearby.

Posted

I agree about the boat size but right below they were just talking about Myrtle Lake just east of Orr. That's a pretty little spot and could be your backup.

Posted (edited)

Trail's End Resort on Echo is great.  Good people, nice cabins, good restaurant. Your other option is Timberwolf Point Lodge again great people, nice place but I don't think they have a restaurant.  You may have to plan a head a little for a resort in this area over the 4th.  

Edited by OhioVike
  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted

No resort but nice camping and plenty of hotels in the area of Whitewater Lake in Hoyt Lakes. Lots of pike, bass, panfish and walleyes especially on the reef straight out from the point. For some reason Google street view wont go to the end of the point but you can get an idea of the campground. (Fishermans point road). Nice hiking trails behind the Country Inn. 

Posted

The other place to consider is Elephant Lake Lodge. Another pretty spot and great people.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted

You may also wish to go on-line and look around on VRBO, there are many resorts, private party cabins, etc. on Vermillion, as well as many opportunities on the surrounding lakes in the Vermillion area.  Good Luck !

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      🤣 not fer some of us!!!!!!!!!!
    • smurfy
      i couldnt find it.....but maybe???
    • leech~~
      Looks great! Thought we started a smoker thread?  🤔
    • leech~~
      Well, that's not getting 10 years old now is it!  🥱🥱
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, with resorts and outfitters still in full swing offering both day houses and sleeper fish houses. The bite in February has been excellent, with lots of fish being caught and plenty of opportunities for fresh fish fries. Some ice roads are now extending over 20 miles out, keeping anglers on productive schools of walleyes and saugers. Ice conditions continue to build, making this one of the best late-season ice years in recent memory. If you’re fishing on your own, bring an auger extension, as ice thickness is significant. Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure. As always, expect to sort through some smaller fish, but that’s a good sign of a healthy fishery. With fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th, the extended season on Lake of the Woods offers plenty of time to plan your trip. Pike fishing never closes, and with the thick ice conditions, this year is shaping up to be fantastic for targeting trophy pike. March: The Go-To Month for Trophy Pike March is prime time for big northern pike, as these aggressive predators begin staging for the upcoming spawn. Lake of the Woods is loaded with pike over 40 inches, and tip-up fishing can be lights out this time of year. Anglers targeting pike should set baits under tip-ups in shallow water (6-15 feet) near pre-spawn areas, weedy areas, river mouths, or back bays. Current Fishing Depths & Patterns: Most fish are being caught in 26-32 feet of water. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and even some crappies are in the mix. Suspended walleyes are showing up—watch electronics closely. Plenty of limits are being caught, with many anglers taking home bonus perch this season. Best Techniques: Jigging Line: Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head continue to be the top producer. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well for aggressive fish. Lures with built-in lights have been very effective in the stained water (Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure, not on a dropper line). Deadstick: A plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, continues to catch neutral or less aggressive fish. Time of Day: Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best; other days, the afternoon bite turns on. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and watching electronics is key. On the Rainy River...  Mornings and evenings continue to be the best times for targeting walleyes. A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head remains the go-to presentation. Sturgeon fishing has been solid, with some giants being iced (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release). Safety Note: Ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, but they can change rapidly due to current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing remains excellent throughout the islands region of Lake of the Woods. Resorts are moving fish houses regularly, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes. Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees. Big crappies continue to be caught just over the border in Canada. If you're interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions. Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure! Lake of the Woods offers an extended ice fishing season, with:  Fish houses allowed overnight through March 31st  Walleye & sauger season open through April 14th  Pike season never closes—March is prime time for trophies!  Perch and crappie seasons open year-round Whether you’re looking for a day house rental, a sleeper fish house, or comfortable lodging at a resort with or without a meal plan, there’s still time to plan your late-season ice fishing adventure.    
    • smurfy
      Off da smoker!😉
    • smurfy
      At least he's got a shirt on! 😊🤣😜
    • leech~~
      Sounds like a nice last day.  I like how you photoshop a different shirt on that same picture the last few years!  🤣
    • JerkinLips
      Beautiful day on Vermilion Sunday for the last day of walleye season.  Lots of people were fishing in portables, or out in the open.  Was entertaining watching many of the wheel and skid houses being pulled off of the lake.  Checked half a dozen spots where wheel houses were removed and didn't find any trash at all.  Sounds like people are getting the message.  I may go out on the lake when the snow is melted to do a further check and cleanup if needed.   Fishing was average for this time of the year.  Had a decent bite from 2pm to 4pm when I caught my biggest eye (pictured 22 inch).  Decent finish to a good season.  Now on to lake trout fishing.   Hope everyone had an enjoyable and successful ice fishing season.  Going to be a long time before this year's open water season.  
    • smurfy
      Thanks Kettle! I'll bring mine with but won't be until  mid march
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