Biggest trout of my life

[ironman]

Well almost...twice. Went out on the Vermillion today and almost caught my biggest brown, if I had to guess it would have been somewhere around 20". The interesting part of the story is the lure I used and how I got it. I was using spinners with not much luck, tried some soft plastics..nada. Wishing I had a rapala....low and behold there was one stuck on a branch across the river. Well, somehow I forgot my waders so I was high and dry and hoping to stay that way. I managed to make a litte brigde out of dead logs and only almost fell in twice. Got the little bugger off and away I went..fishing some spots that I had already fished but knew there had to be some fish in it. First cast out she comes...just nipped..couldn't get her to come at it again. Kept fishing...on the way back I hit that spot again..cast to the same area and here she comes again...swing and a miss. Rats!! Oh well got my heart going anyways. Good day to be out.

[EatSleepFish]

what size and color you using?

[ironman]

gold husky jerk, small size...6? Went out again today, not as much action but better percentage...2 for 2. One went 14 the other 15, nice thick fish. 1st came on black #2 panther martin with gold blade second on above mentioned husky jerk. Went to Cabela's and stocked up. I'm really starting to like this river.

[Rugbyguy]

Those are nice fish!!

[ironman]

Went out again today..with great results. Landed five: 1-10", 2- 15", 1-16", 1- 19"!!!!! I think I need a bigger net if I keep going at this rate. They get bigger each time I go out. Still looking for that one over 20 though. Same presentation as before...deep undercut banks with wood. If anyone out there is not using rapalas for trout yet...your missing out on some fantastic action. I missed another 5 that were in the same size range and a bunch of little chasers. Seeing those big trout come chasing after the lure gets my heart going just like a big musky follow!! Badda bop bop bah bah....I'm lovin it.

[hanson1287]

Ironman I agree completely with you on the rapalas from trout. It took a little coaxing from a friend to get me to try them but once I did, its just about all I use to target them. The thrill of them hitting the top of the water is as big of a thrill as the follow too.

[hanson1287]

Ironman I agree completely with you on the rapalas from trout. It took a little coaxing from a friend to get me to try them but once I did, its just about all I use to target them. The thrill of them hitting the top of the water is as big of a thrill as the follow too.

[CAB]

Ironman, I'll give you a free tip. If your after the 20"+ trout in this water, move up to a #11 or #13 rapala. I have already caught several over 20" this year alone using the larger baits. Another good tip would be to crimp the barbs on the lure. It make it much easier to remove and doesn't seem to effect the catch rate much.

[St. Paul Guy]

Ironman, If you don't mind my asking, where are you getting on the Vermillion. I always pass it on 52 south but I have no idea where you can access it, is there public access somewhere? Or is it all private and you have to ask permission.

Thanks in advance!

[ironman]

I dont know if they've updated any maps yet, but there is a new WMA down 200 st., that's right after you cross on 52. Just drive east and and look to your left you'll see the yellow WMA signs. Park and start walking. I'll have to pick up some bigger raps....it sure is hard to re-train yourself when fishing for bigger trout. Little panther martins used to be my go to baits..now its raps, just got to step up the size I guess. What kind of rod and lb test are you throwing for browns over 20"? I'm currently using a 6'6" ultra light with 4lb test. Should I beef if up a tad?

[CAB]

I use a 7' Med-Light with 8lb test. The water is somewhat stained and the river bottom is mucky so the difference between 4 and 8lbs has not been a problem.

[Rugbyguy]

Ironman, are you fishing near Empire? I am definately not trying to steal your honey hole as I don't make it up fishing that way, I am just trying to get my bearings as to where this new WMA is so I can mark it on my map. If you don't want to post on here but could offer a more specific location through email I would highly appreciate. Anvalek @ hotmail . com. Thanks in advance.

[St. Paul Guy]

Thanks for the info Ironman... I'll try and check it out sometime.

[Fish_Hunter]

I make the trek from Roch. area to Oakdale to Roch. area during the week and I have seen cars parked in between the lanes on Hwy 52 closer to Cannon Falls, I realize this is not the Vermillion River, which I have wanted to stop there and try as well, I also don't think it is the Cannon River where I am talking about, it is actually the stream right before you come to the stoplights in Cannon Falls heading south. Does anyone know if this is legal to park here? I am also wondering if anyone knows what stream it is and what they are catching out of it. I see the same car parked there possibly 2 - 3 times a week. All this talk about the Vermillion I may have to stop some night and check it out!! Anyone use any jigs out there for the trout?

[ironman]

I've pitched jigs a few times with no results...I know other people do really well with jigs and soft plastics..but I must be doing someting wrong. That and I because of my lack of success I have no confidence in them so I'm probably not giving it a fair shake.

[Greybeard53]

I'm relatively new to this site, but want to thank everyone for all the great information. After following the forums for the past couple weeks, I decided to give the Vermillion a try for the first time this past weekend. I picked up a few Husky jerks and X-raps and upgraded the line on my ultralights to 8 lb test. My fifteen year old son and I had a blast. To top it off, he nailed a beautiful 22" brown. We both saw it roll and miss his silver/blue husky jerk, but it only took a few more casts before it shot back out from an undercut and hammered it again. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a photo, but I don't think either of us will need a photo to remember releasing that fish. Besides, we're both hoping to see him again when he's about 25 inches!!!

Thanks again!

[sightfisher]

Greybeard, congratulations, that is a great memory that will last forever. I'm reveling in it and wasn't even there.

[senkoskipper]

WHEN YOU SAY VERMILLION ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT THAT BIG LAKE WAY UP NORTH OR IS THERE A VERMILLION HERE IN THE CITIES?

[WxGuy]

Quote:

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WHEN YOU SAY VERMILLION ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT THAT BIG LAKE WAY UP NORTH OR IS THERE A VERMILLION HERE IN THE CITIES?

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http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/trout_streams/2006_southeast_mn/map16.pdf

[SpecialK]

Is the whole river catch and release for trout or is the area in Farmington under different rules?

[WxGuy]

SpecialK, welcome to FM!

On the map I linked to right above your post, the regulations are highlighted by color. Where there is neon-green, the regulations are C-and-R, bait allowed. Where it is blue, the regulation is limit of 5, only 1 over 16".

Zoom in on the map for the exact detail of where the regulations apply.

So essentially, no, the whole river is NOT CnR, but most of it is.

[SpecialK]

Yep I noticed the colors but wasn't sure if color changed due to it running through town (just to highlight it) or not. Thanks a ton for the reply and that map helped me figure out where the access is as well.