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Summary of the Fish Population For Lake Vermilion Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
Lake Vermilion is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an
intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in
Minnesota. The Large Lake Program was started in 1984, when it
became apparent that more detailed biological information was
needed to properly manage these important lakes. A Large Lake
Specialist was assigned to each lake to manage the program at the
area level. The Large Lake Program includes annual fish population
assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly
scheduled creel surveys. Creel surveys are scheduled on Lake
Vermilion for two consecutive years out of every six years. Creel
surveys were done in 2002 and 2003. The next cycle of creel surveys
will be in 2008 and 2009.
A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments
to collect the various fish species and life stages. G ill nets are used to
sample cisco, northern pike, yellow perch, and walleye. Trap nets are
used to sample muskie, bluegill and black crappie. Beach seines are
used to sample young-of-the-year walleye and perch. An
electrofishing boat is used to sample smallmouth bass and young-ofthe-year
walleye. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the
same time and place each year in order to determine population trends
for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age,
and growth for each of the major species.
The results of the 2007 fish population assessment are presented
in the balance of this report. We encourage anyone with questions or
comments to contact the Tower Fisheries office or stop by our office
for a visit. We are located just west of Tower on Highway 169.
duane.williams@dnr.state.mn.us Joe Geis, Area Fisheries Supervisor, 218-753-2580, ext. 222 joe.geis@dnr.state.mn.us MN Dept. Of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries 650 Hwy. 169 Tower, MN 55790 |
