Lake Vermilion has developed a reputation for growing some big smallmouth bass. There are plenty of smallmouth bass in this lake that you can target them and do well if you put some time in and learn the lake.
Lake Vermilion Has Big Smallmouth Bass
There may be better lakes in the state for numbers of smallies, however, Lake Vermilion reports show some absolute giants caught here every year. Some of the fishing resorts report some of the fish that are caught by their guests and 20 to 22 inch smallmouth bass have become a lot more common here in recent years.
Fish the Bays
The bays will rocks are great spots to fish early in the year as smallmouth bass move into the shallows to get ready to spawn. Through summer and fall, the bays that have deeper water can be productive spots to fish, especially if you find rocky bottoms.
Fish the Islands
The islands are always good places to start when searching for smallmouth bass, especially in the summer and fall. Islands are found all throughout the lake. The islands with deeper water, some rocks and even some wind blowing into them are great places to start.
Fish the Points
Lake Vermilion has plenty of points and they are great spots to start searching for smallmouth bass. The spring usually is better for fishing the points, but anglers catch smallmouth bass around the points from spring through fall. The points with deeper water nearby and rocks are good places to fish. Add in some wind blowing into the point and that usually helps bring smallmouth bass into these areas.
Fish Reefs
The east end of the lake has a lot more offshore structure than the west end of the lake. There is a lot of structure to fish, but make sure you have the right boat because it can get rough on the lake. In the summer and fall, the reefs will usually hold the larger schools of smallmouth bass with plenty of bigger bass too.
Fish the Rocks
Smallmouth bass love rocks and Lake Vermilion has plenty of rocks to fish. The rocky shorelines are productive early in the year and the deeper points, islands and offshore reefs will hold smallmouth bass from summer through fall.
Fish the Wind Blown Structure
There is a lot more offshore structure on the east end of the lake. The wind blown structure can definitely be a good pattern to use to target smallmouth bass from summer through fall.
Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass will eat a variety of different baits. Minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are definitely the best live baits for smallmouth bass.
When it comes to artificial lures, you have lots of options. Soft plastic crayfish, twin tail grubs, worms and minnow baits are very effective. Hard baits such as crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinners also work great.
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Live Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Best Rigs for Smallmouth Bass
With so many different soft plastics to use, you have so many different rigs that work great for smallmouth bass. The drop shot rig, a simple jighead, standup jigheads and scrounger jigheads are some of the best rigs for smallmouth bass. To see our full list, take a look at our best rigs for smallmouth bass page.
Best Techniques for Smallmouth Bass
There are so many different techniques you can use for smallmouth bass since they can be found shallow, deep and anywhere in between. Anglers usually cast for them, but jigging, drop shotting and drifting are also some great techniques for smallmouth bass.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for smallmouth bass page.
Learn More About Smallmouth Bass
Our smallmouth bass fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our smallmouth bass fishing website to learn more.
