I was looking at a map of Vermillion Lake to discuss some property with someone. I noticed the Vermillion River.

It looks like fun. It looks like work.

Anyone have any experience with this river?

Vermillion River State Water Trail

We took our daughter on this river when she was young on a day trip. It was a nice trip as I remember. We used an outfitter that picked us up at one point.

On many of my google maps wandering sessions I've been attracted to it. Even all the way to the falls and crane lake. Any sections better or worse than others? You'd think it's still good fishing there?

How does it compare to BW rivers? Size, speed, etc

We were kicked out of the BWCA mid July due to the closures and decided to hang out in the Crane Lake area for a bit. I had fished the Vermillion in the past and it never disappointed so we gave it a shot. We used the access on the Orr-Crane Lake Hwy. We fished below and above the rapids just upstream from that access and caught very nice walleyes, Northerns and Smallies. We went down stream from the access and caught fish at the bends in the river where it was deeper. One smallmouth went 20+ inches. Vermillion Falls has a nice pool to fish as well. I canoed and fished further upstream from Table Rock Falls to the above mentioned access some 10 years ago and caught fish in "deeper" moving water, above rapids in deeper pools and along the deeper edges of Wild Rice growing on the edges of the river.

I'd best compare in size to the Little Indian Sioux River but more defined and less meandering and on average deeper. Its sparcely dotted with homes and you don't see many people. The Vermillion River Tavern is at the access mentioned and offers up a good way to end a day. When waters high enough you'll see small boats with small outboard motors running sections between rapids. Fish the Rice edges as its really the only cover for the young of year bait fish.

I can't remember which issue but there was an article in the BWJ about this river. I'll say it like this...if this river was an EP to the BWCA I'd use it all the time.

-MF-

cyclones30: "On many of my google maps wandering sessions I've been attracted to it. Even all the way to the falls and crane lake. Any sections better or worse than others? You'd think it's still good fishing there?


How does it compare to BW rivers? Size, speed, etc"

Used to be my old stompin' grounds. My first date with my wife some 35 years ago was a day trip from the Vermilion Dam down to 2 mile, and a walk back to our car. Been down it a few times.

Yeah, it's a nice river. The start and the end are the most scenic--from Lake Vermilion to 2 mile and then at the end from the High Falls to Crane Lake. That last stretch is probaably in the running for the most scenic stretch of river in the state IMO.

But it's all worth seeing. There's a few cabins/homes, a small resort (Gold Mine Camp), but otherwise not much development. The thing that puts people off is the hassle of arranging a shuttle. I would think Anderson's in Crane Lake could do it, but have never asked. I've done the whole thing in 2 or 3 nights so it's not a long trip.

ExitB still around? I'm pretty sure he's got a cabin on the river.