Lake of the Woods or Lake Vermilion

[JackSalmon]

A group of five or six are planning our annual fishing trip for 2002. We just got back from Sakakawea -- great fishing. But we are debating back and forth between Lake of the Woods and Lake Vermilion. We would appreciate any comments between the two -- we are looking primarily for walleye, but smallmouth and even a muskie would be great. Thanks, JackSalmon.

[easymoney]

LOTW has been good , the fish are starting to move to the reefs and flats now.Lots of fish are still being caught close to shorelines though.Don't know what the smallies are doing right now,A friend of mine fishes Muskies alot and has caught 11 of them so far,and has had quite a few follows. Hope this helps

[Hans]

Go to LOTW. Vermilion is way over-rated. Only fish in the lake are bullhead and sheepshead. Last walleye caught was 14 years ago (don't you dare believe this DNR propaganda about restocking Red Lake with walleyes from Vermilion).

Just kidding.

Vermilion will make you think you died and went to heaven. Probably the best smallmouth fishery in the state, excellent chance at trophy northern, good walleye crop, and a growing reputation as a great muskie lake.

Hans

[SJW]

Vermilion would get my vote. Went to the west end of Vermilion for opener and did very well. A second trip is planned for mid-September. I lived on Vermilion unitl 1992 and have at least fished it once every year since. Can you tell I like Vermilion?

[vetspet(ind)]

dont know lotw but lived near vermillion and used to portage into trout lake and then into orinak (sp?) just north of trout...these are really nice lakes...we caught a lot of smaller walleye on orinak...there were two campsites on orinak...we hunted grouse during the day also during the hunting season...trout lake is a beautiful lake and has a bay...i think called moose bay?? which is pretty good fishing....don't know if they allow motors in trout now a days......i used to live there back in the seventies/eighties...steve...used to be a truck portage into trout but probably no longer running...

[Hans]

The portage is still operational (ATV pulling a trailer). I think you need to call ahead.

Limited to 16' boat and 25HP motor.

Also, I think a couple resorts keep rental boats on Wolf lake, a short "walk in" with phenomenal fishing.

Hans

[DeeZee]

Was on Vermilion last week and noticed that the truck portage is still intact. Looks like it is in function morning and evening.
We used to go into Merrit Lake from Trout Lake and there to the fishing was fun. We caught alot of small to medium sized pike.
Grew up with 3 older brothers and Dad was thinking when he brought us in there as kids. We had a blast with all the northerns.
Again, I would opt for LOTW just for the quality of fish.

[DeeZee]

Was on Vermilion last week and noticed that the truck portage is still intact. Looks like it is in function morning and evening.
We used to go into Merrit Lake from Trout Lake and there to the fishing was fun. We caught alot of small to medium sized pike.
Grew up with 3 older brothers and Dad was thinking when he brought us in there as kids. We had a blast with all the northerns.
Again, I would opt for LOTW just for the quality of fish.

[Suzuki]

Hans,
I just placed a seperate post on places to stay at Vermillion. It sounds like you know the area pretty good so maybe you could help me out there. Once I make plans I'm sure I'll be asking you and the forum guys for some current fishing advice so my first fishing trip there isn't a "green-horn" bust.

[vetspet(ind)]

wolf lake is the same....oriniack is "wolf" in one of the indian languages...we had wolf prints all around the shores and these were not dog prints...and moose...woke up to canadian geese just outside the tent which in those days was not a common site...the bay is little trout lake...moose bay was a place we used to go way up in crooked lake near wednesday bay...steve...foggy mind after so many yrs...i don't think many people go to wolf lake