Largemouth Bass


Lake Vermilion isn’t loaded with largemouth bass, but anglers that know how to target them will have some opportunities to catch them.  This lake has some very big largemouth bass too, so don’t be shocked if you run into some quality largemouth bass while fishing here.


The West End is Better


You can catch some largemouth bass throughout the entire lake.  Find the bays with some vegetation and you’ll find some largemouth bass.  However, the west end of the lake is the better side of the lake if you’re looking for more spots to target largemouth bass.


Fish Shallow


If you know how to bass fish and you target the typical shallower water areas that hold these fish, you should be able to consistently catch some bass.


Fish the Bays


There are plenty of bays on Lake Vermilion and these are the places to find largemouth bass here.  Find the weeds, wood and docks in the bays and you’ll find some largemouth bass.


Fish the Islands


There are plenty of islands on the lake and while many of them will be better spots to fish for smallmouth bass, walleye or northern pike, but some of the islands can be productive spots as well.  Find vegetation and you have a better chance to find some largemouth bass.


Fish the Points


There are a lot of points on the lake and many of these points will hold a variety of fish.  Mix in some vegetation and you may find some largemouth bass there as well.


Fish the Shorelines


Because Lake Vermilion is home to a lot of northern pike and muskie, largemouth bass are smart here and they will try to stay shallower to avoid being eaten.  Fish the shoreline cover and you’ll have better success.


Fish the Weeds


The vegetation will hold largemouth bass throughout the lake, however, the west end is better than the east end.  Find the weeds and don’t be surprised when you catch plenty of northern pike as well.  Use a 40 pound mono or fluorocarbon leader and you’ll have fun catching pike and bass.


Fish the Wood


There is plenty of wood on the lake as well.  Largemouth bass love wood and can be found hanging out around the wood, especially in the bays.


Best Baits for Largemouth Bass


Largemouth bass will eat so many different baits and there are so many different lures that are made for catching these fish.  Anglers have more options than they really need, but since we have all these options, it’s nice to know about the different baits that are available.

Minnowsnightcrawlers and leeches are definitely the best live baits for largemouth bass.  When it comes to artificial lures, you have so many options.  Soft plastic worms, lizards, crayfish baits and minnows work great.  Hard baits such as crankbaits, topwater lures, spinnerbaits, jigs and jerkbaits are also all awesome choices for largemouth bass.

To learn more, take a look at our pages below.

Best Live Baits for Largemouth Bass

Best Lures for Largemouth Bass


Best Rigs for Largemouth Bass


There are so many different rigs for largemouth bass.  While you definitely don’t need to use all of them to consistently catch bass, it is important to learn how some of the rigs will help you fish certain areas or certain baits in a way to catch more fish.  Most good bass anglers will use several different rigs in a variety of situations to consistently catch quality largemouth bass.

The standup jighead, Texas rig, drop shot rig, wacky rig and Carolina rig are definitely some of the best rigs for largemouth bass page.


Best Techniques for Largemouth Bass


There are many different techniques that are used for largemouth bass fishing.  Casting a variety of baits to cover water is most popular, however, flipping & pitching is one of the best ways to catch bass around shallow water cover.

To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for largemouth bass page.


Learn More About Largemouth Bass


Our largemouth bass fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.

Visit our largemouth bass fishing website to learn more.