Pro Guide Walleye & Bass Fishing on Lake Vermillion

Walleye and Bass Fishing on Lake Vermilion in Minnesota

Lake Vermilion and its surrounding waters in northeastern Minnesota should be on your fishing bucket list. This week, two seasoned anglers and guides, Billy Rosner and Jason Freed, set out on an unforgettable two-day fishing trip, showcasing their expertise, strategies, and the sheer joy of angling in this incredible Midwestern fishery.

Day One: River Fishing with Billy Rosner

Billy, a fourth-generation guide with over 20 years of experience in the area, took the lead on the first day, running his 1875 Pro Guide. Their destination? A remote river near Lake Vermilion, where the water temps hovered between the upper 60s and low 70s—a prime time for targeting multiple species.

Instead of using live bait, Billy and Jason focused on artificial lures, including boot tails, spinnerbaits, inline spinners, Ned rigs, and wacky rigs. The goal was to experiment with different techniques and catch walleye in ways they hadn’t tried before.

The action started early. As they fan-casted across rocky flats with scattered weeds, they quickly landed some beautiful smallmouth bass. The river’s current provided an exciting challenge, making every hook-up a thrilling fight. And, as expected from this multi-species hotspot, they even pulled in a surprise walleye on a spinnerbait—proving that in these waters, you never know what’s going to hit your lure next.

Day Two: Chasing Walleyes on Big Lake Vermilion

The second day saw a role reversal, with Jason Freed taking over as the guide. A longtime visitor to Lake Vermilion turned professional guide, Jason’s history with the lake dates back to childhood family fishing trips. Now, as a guide for the past four summers, he’s living his dream.

This time, they launched the 2075 Pro Guide and set their sights on Vermilion’s famous walleye. Using side-imaging electronics, Jason strategically positioned the boat along key transition zones—where sand meets gravel or rocks—reducing snags and maximizing their chances of finding active fish.

Strategy and Approach

Their approach? A mix of slip bobbing, rigging, and classic Lindy rigs. The walleyes were scattered, but persistence paid off. One by one, they boated chunky, hard-fighting fish, some inhaling nightcrawlers without hesitation.

Throughout the day, Jason shared valuable insights on boat control, reading side-scan sonar, and adapting to changing conditions. Vermilion’s Canadian Shield structure—packed with underwater rocks—means careful navigation and a keen understanding of fish behavior are key to success.

This Midwestern lake has it all—from trophy smallmouth bass and walleye to aggressive northern pike and slab crappies. Add in the stunning scenery, friendly resorts, and a thriving fishery, and you’ve got a dream destination for any angler. So, the next time you’re looking for an ultimate fishing experience, consider making the trip to Lake Vermilion. Who knows? You might just land the fish of a lifetime!

If you're on the market for a new aluminum tiller fishing boat that's ideal for back trolling and walleye fishing, take a closer look at Lund's Pro Guide models. To see these fishing machines in person, visit your local Lund boat dealer.