Vermont Lake

How big is Vermont Lake?

How deep is Vermont Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Vermont Lake?

Are there bait or tackle shops near Vermont Lake?

Are there boat launches on Vermont Lake?

Vermont Lake area businesses:

Are there places to eat and drink near Vermont Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Vermont Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Vermont Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Vermont Lake is a 307-acre, clear water lake located in northern Douglas County. Maximum depth is 59.0 feet. Average depth is estimated at 12.0 feet. While the lake is relatively small and has relatively low water fertility, the lake has significant bottom relief and a diverse mix of fish habitat along its irregularly shaped shoreline and many bay areas. Water transparency averages 15.0 feet during summer months. Aquatic vegetation can be found growing as deep as 20.0 feet, thus most of the lake area less than 15.0 feet in depth supports aquatic plant life. The lake becomes thermally stratified during summer months. A thermocline was noted near 36.0 feet at the time of the late-June survey. Dissolved oxygen levels below the thermocline were too low to support sport fish species.

Physical and biological attributes of the lake are most characteristic of "bass-panfish" lakes. Largemouth Bass and Bluegill are abundant or even overly abundant. Due to elevated population densities, growth rates are slow. Even though life spans of these gamefish can extend beyond age 10, anglers can anticipate high catches of small- and medium-size fish. Bass captures in 2014 ranged from 5.2 to 16.4 inches in length and averaged 10.4 inches. Bluegill catches averaged 6.0 inches. Size structure of the catch in 2014 was better than that of past surveys. Twelve percent of captures in trapnets exceeded 8.0 inches. The largest Bluegill capture measured 9.1 inches.

Northern Pike are also abundant in Vermont Lake. Pike catch rates during 2008 and 2014 surveys have exceeded expectations for lakes of similar habitat attributes. Gillnet catches during the 2014 survey averaged 14.2 fish/net. Average size of captures was 17.0 inches. The largest pike caught measured 31.9 inches in length.

Lake Vermont supported low-density populations of Black Crappie and Walleye at time of the 2014 survey. Walleye fingerlings have been stocked, but early survival and recruitment of young Walleye into the fishery has been poor. Annual recruitment of young Black Crappie has also been irregular. Six Black Crappie and seven Walleye were captured during the 2014 survey. The largest Walleye captured measured 21.5 inches.

Generalist anglers should take advantage of a harvestable surplus of Yellow Bullheads. This under-utilized fish is moderately abundant. Twelve-inch captures were common during the survey.

Productivity of the fishery is diminished due to limited fertility of the lake and a predator/prey imbalance. Anglers are encouraged to harvest small- and moderate-sized Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill to reduce abundances and improve growth rates of remaining individuals. Harvest of numerous small Northern Pike may also improve success of Walleye stockings.

Lake Vermont does not currently support any of the most common invasive plant (Eurasian watermilfoil) or animal species (Common Carp, zebra mussels). Anglers are encouraged to drain water from boats and gear to minimize the risk of introducing these invasive species into this unique lake.

One public access is located on the east side of Lake Vermont.

What is the average air temp for Vermont Lake?

Are there any state parks near Vermont Lake?