Lake Vermilion

Coordinates: 47°51′28.47″N 92°17′58.60″W / 47.8579083°N 92.2996111°W / 47.8579083; -92.2996111
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Lake Vermilion
  • Onamanii-zaaga'iganiing (Ojibwe)
View of Lake Vermilion during the day
Lake Vermilion during the day
Location of Lake Vermilion in Minnesota, USA.
Location of Lake Vermilion in Minnesota, USA.
Lake Vermilion
Location of Lake Vermilion in Minnesota, USA.
Location of Lake Vermilion in Minnesota, USA.
Lake Vermilion
LocationSaint Louis County, Minnesota,
United States
Coordinates47°51′28.47″N 92°17′58.60″W / 47.8579083°N 92.2996111°W / 47.8579083; -92.2996111
Primary outflowsVermilion River
Basin countriesUnited States
Max. length24 mi (39 km)
Max. width10.38 mi (16.70 km)
Surface area39,271 acres (158.9 km2)
Average depth25 ft (7.6 m)
Max. depth76 ft (23 m)
Shore length1313 mi (504 km)
Surface elevation1,358 ft (414 m)
Islands365
SettlementsTower and Cook
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Lake Vermilion is a shallow freshwater

Soudan Mine
operated just south of the lake.

The lake contains

tullibee (cisco), walleye, white sucker, and yellow perch.[3] Lake Vermilion is known for its walleye and muskie fishing. In the spring of 2005, Lake Vermilion was host to the annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener Weekend. Many feel the increased population of muskies has had a detrimental effect on the walleye population. A four-walleye limit and a 17- to 26-inch protected slot limit took effect on Lake Vermilion in 2006.[4] However, as the population rebounded, a new special regulation for walleye was introduced in May 2017. The new regulation is a 20 to 26 inch protected slot limit, with one fish over 26 inches allowed in a four fish possession limit.[5]

The lake attracts visitors from all parts of Minnesota and the midwestern United States, who lodge at the lake's numerous resorts and hotels. Tourists are drawn by Lake Vermilion's reputation as a fishing destination, as well as its setting in the northern Minnesota wilderness. The lake is near the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The Minnesota DNR ranks Lake Vermilion as the fifth largest lake by surface area for bodies of water entirely within Minnesota borders. The surface area of Lake Vermilion is 39,271 acres (158.9 km2) and has a maximum depth of 76 feet (23 m).[3] It is located within the southernmost section of the Canadian Shield, and contains over 365 islands.

Some fish consumption guideline restrictions have, from time-to-time, been placed on some of the lake's fish due to mercury contamination. Consumption of Northern pike and walleye over 15 inches should not exceed twice a week, however vacation fishing consumption is unlimited.[6][3]

In 2007, Governor

Soudan Underground Mine State Park.[8] The new park is called Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park.[9]

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has a small reservation on the lake, upon which is located Fortune Bay Resort and Casino.

The Stuntz Bay Boathouse Historic District was constructed in the first half of the 20th century by employees of the adjacent Soudan Iron Mine on the shores of the lake.

References

  1. ^ Donovan, Brian R. "Key to Ojibwe Place Names". faculty.bemidjistate.edu. Archived from the original on 15 July 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  2. ^ "VERMILION IRON JOURNAL— MAY 21, 1891".
  3. ^
    MN DNR
    . 2009-05-03.
  4. ^ "Four-walleye limit and statewide slot limit".
  5. ^ "Fisheries Lake Surveys - Minnesota DNR". www.dnr.state.mn.us. Retrieved 2019-02-27.
  6. ^ Excerpts from the Minnesota Fish Consumption Advisory, 1996 Minnesota Department of Health. "Lake Vermilion Fish Consumption Advisory". Minnesota Department of Health. Retrieved August 22, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ "Lake Vermilion state park land deal finalized". Archived from the original on 2010-06-11.
  8. ^ Cooperative Master Plan: Lake Vermilion State Park, Soudan Underground Mine State Park, 2011–2020 Archived 2013-11-01 at the Wayback Machine, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Trails (December 2010).
  9. ^ "Minnesota’s newest state park: Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park," by Anne Queenan, Nov. 29, 2019, Quetico Superior Wilderness News

External links