I spend a lot of time on Vermilion and plan to make trip to Trout this spring. Memorial Day week. We'll rent a boat with 25 HP, and go in for the day on our own...no guide. Are the permits to Trout hot? Can I access a permit in May (even middle of May) to make sure day we choose is a good weather day?

I've seen the portage guy work...do we know who that guy is? email address?

I know...it's a big lake. Not too worried about the fishing part. We'll find rock piles or work the shores for bass...

Lonnie Johnson runs the portage and also guides on Trout. Lonnie is a good guy and will offer up some advise at the portage, on fishing and rocks. Permits are easier to get than say Basswood. However I wouldn't wait until May. Weekend and holiday permits can go fast. I don't know for sure but some week day permits might be easy to get late.