Big Vermillion Lake

[woodview]

Going to be heading up to Big Vermillion Lake (Country Cabins resort I think). This is a bit of a spur-of-the-moment deal: the in-laws have a cabin booked - we'll be tenting it due to the short notice.

Will definately head over to Lac Seul for a couple of days (I've wanted to fish the lake for ~ 15 years; since a funny story about a northern following up my uncle's lure that was so big that when he finally saw the thing right at the boat trying to slam his lure he had a momentary freak-out and actually jerked the lure out of the water - my dad's story also includes a little sissy noise )

I'm wondering if Ontario has anything set up like the MN DNR's "lake finder". Starting to drool over this trip and want a quick peak at the lakes in the area as I probably won't actually pick up a map until we're up there.

Heard there's no live bait on that lake. Anyone know if that's true?

We just decided we were doing it yesterday, so today in a meeting about the new network we're setting up I was daydreaming about not getting to fish since I was so busy baiting hooks, taking off fish, etc - stinks when the background blah, blah, blah suddenly turns into "Pat, can we do that? ... Pat... Pat! - interrupts my "fishing"

[MuskyBrian]

It's hard to get info on Big Vermillion, I have tried before with little success, therefore I have not fished it. There are numerous lakes in Sioux Lookout with great fishing for pike and eyes, Abrah, Minnitaki, Pelican...Obviously you will want to hit Lac Seul for walleyes, pike and also Ski's due to your eastern Location. There is also Little Vermillion Lake right next to you which I hear has great bass fishing and also very good musky fishing, with access to 3 or 4 smaller connected lakes that all have musky. Good Luck!

[srj]

No live bait is correct. Trout between 17.7 and 23.6 must be released. Lots of lakers in Big V but the size has really taken a butt kicking in the last 5-8 years. Almost all the fish seem to be in the slot. We estimate the fish have been losing about 1/2 pound a year for average size for the last 5 years--rather amazing for a lake that gets little pressure in the summer. Seems like ice fishing was discovered in a big way the last few years. The live bait thing and only one line ice fishing will help, as will the slot. Good smallies in there too. Not many target them.

[woodview]

Thanks for the input.

MuskyBrian -thanks for the ideas on some other lakes - planned on hitting a few in the area. Wanted to check out some smaller lakes in the area. 3 young boys means a little variety helps. For their age they've got remarkable patience, although I think I'm gonna go nuts if the oldest keeps asking if he can walk with me grouse hunting. Heck he already told me he'd do the fetching so the dog and I can focus on finding more birds. Tough being a kid when all you wanna do is go "play" with the big guys - may have to put a 'smuggler's hold' in the blazer so he can pass the mrs's inspection.

srj - that explains the no biat for me. Was a bit puzzled by that restriction - figured they were maybe being extra careful about introducing new species to the lake.

Was planning on targetting the smallies, northerns and skis more than the lakers, but figured I'd try for them a few times as well. 1/2 lb per year - wow. I've seen lakes decline when they get hit hard during the hard water season, but didn't think that lake would get that kind of pressure.

Can't wait to see the grins when they hook into a couple bigger fish up there - to date the biggest was the youngest one's 2 1/2 lb northern. Little commedian actually wiped his brow and with a completely serious look asked "did you see the size of that fish? Don't worry mommy we'll get you one too." Laughed for days - maybe needed to be there. The one she caught the day before apparently didn't measure up to HIS fish (would have taken his down in one gulp). Just proves it's all in the eye of the beholder.

We'll be staying at a resort this time but I'm curious about campgrounds in the area - any recommendations?

[srj]

Woodview, I suspect you are staying at Country Camping rather than Country Cabins. Good camping there. Abram Lake campgrounds is nice. Timberedge is a bit south of the road you will take to Big V. It's on Butterfly Lake which is quite small and has direct access to Minnitaki. I haven't camped there since the 80's but I liked the campsites then.

On Vermillion, a great spot to take your boys (actually there a zillion good spots) is under the highway bridge and fish the outlet bay. Real pretty and some scary fish. Can pretty much guarantee some action chunking baits at the shore. The bay eventually dumps into Pelican.

Have fun and good luck.