Should a fisherman prefer smaller, more tranquil water, the Vermilion River has no equal. The Vermilion is a deep, slow moving, calm and tranquil fishery. Protected from the elements such as wind and white caps, it allows the fisherman to view a scenic wonderland while pursuing his favorite sport.
On your first visit to the river you will delight in exploring what’s around the next corner. Marvel at the beautiful scenery and the peaceful waters located between two rapids/waterfalls. You will delight in fishing large bays, such as Horseshoe bay. These bays are really lakes within the river, often having both inlets and outlets. Dozens of feeder streams and creeks flow into the Vermilion River. As any avid angler is aware, such mouths are often fish-filled as they supply running water. This moving water brings both food and oxygen into the Vermilion.
If peaceful, fish-filled waters are in your vacation plans or if you are an avid river fisherman, Gold Mine Resort is eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Undoubtedly one of the finest Smallmouth and Northern Pike fisheries in all of Minnesota, Gold Mine offers an ease of fishing unparalleled in the modern age. Walleyes, Crappies and other species are available, especially during key time periods.
The Minnesota DNR. has done two extensive research projects on the Vermilion River. One was completed in the mid 1970s, and another one was completed in the mid 1990s.
The results were almost identical in both numbers of fish and available fish species.
This amazing fact – that the fishery has not change, – is indeed the most unusual.
Here is a fishery that will fish like the good old days, and has not been affected by man. Surprising to most river fishermen, the Vermilion is home to all of the major game fish of Minnesota, including the “Big three” most prized species.
SMALLMOUTH BASS
Undoubtedly the Vermilion’s most exciting fish, smallmouth bass are found in abundance, averaging two to three pounds, with an occasional trophy exceeding six pounds.
Most often caught around the mouths of feeder creeks – the faster water and pools associated with the rapids/waterfall area – smallmouths are readily caught on artificial baits, such as Mepps spinners, rooster tails, and other plastic lures.
WALLEYE PIKE
The walleye is the most popular, as well as the tastiest of all game fish. Like the smallmouth, walleyes are plentiful in the Vermilion river. The average size is approximately three pounds, nearly three times larger than the state average. Lunkers exceeding twelve pounds are caught annually.
NORTHERN PIKE
This vicious predator is the most abundant of the big three game fish found in the Vermilion river. It is found in every imaginable size range, including true trophies exceeding twenty pounds.
Numerous weed beds along Vermilions shore afford the serious angler excellent access to this species. Artificial lures such as spinner baits, spoons and crank baits are the bait of choice.
Plan Your Northern Minnesota Fishing Getaway
A great fishing trip doesn’t have to mean crowds, long waits at busy boat launches or fighting the wind all day. At Gold Mine Camp, anglers can enjoy a peaceful wilderness setting and easy access to the Vermilion River, where calm waters and miles of scenic shoreline create an ideal environment for exploring by boat and fishing at your own pace.
Gold Mine Camp has welcomed generations of returning guests who appreciate the combination of excellent fishing, comfortable accommodations and a relaxed Northwoods atmosphere. With approximately 17 miles of navigable river available to explore and few people outside of camp guests, you can spend your days on the water without the distractions found at busier fishing destinations. Guides are also available when arranged in advance, and fishing boats with 20-horsepower motors are available for guests.
Whether you’re planning a trip with family, meeting up with longtime fishing buddies or looking for a quiet place to reconnect with the outdoors, Gold Mine Camp makes it easy to build your getaway around the fishing experience. Spend the day pursuing Minnesota’s popular game fish, then return to camp and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Northwoods. It’s the kind of fishing trip that keeps guests coming back year after year.
