What is the new northern pike regulation on Lake Vermilion? The northern pike slot on Lake Vermilion is changing May 11, 2019. The special regulation that was put in place in 2003 is being repealed. Lake Vermilion will follow the Northeast Zone regulation. This same regulation applies to all other lakes in the area that do not have special regulations and are not border waters. In short, “All northern pike 30″ – 40″ must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40 inches.”
See https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html or https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/pike/index.html for details.
While Lake Vermilion northern pike don’t seem to get the attention the lake’s walleye, smallies and muskies attract, they are certainly fun to catch. Many anglers opt to release all the northerns they catch, but filleted correctly, removing the y-bone, they are the table fare of choice for others. Fried and served with tar tar sauce or boiled or grilled and dipped in drawn butter, you can’t go wrong.
Casting spinner baits and trolling rapalas in the shallow bays that offer the first warm water of the spring can lead to some fast and furious action. As the bays heat up and the pike transition to cooler water, open water shorelines can hold good numbers as well.
Who’s ready for some spring northern fishing? Our show season is a wrap and several weeks are full – let’s get your 2019 Lake Vermilion trip planned!
Stop wishing…come fishing.