Fall Fishing and Foliage: How To Combine Two Minnesota Favorites at Lake Vermilion

October 31, 2025

There’s a moment each autumn when the northwoods seem to pause. The air turns crisp, loons echo across the water, and the trees (in their red, orange, and gold hues) lean toward their reflections in Lake Vermilion.

Fall here is as much about the scenery as the outdoor allure. If you’ve been searching for Lake Vermilion things to do this fall, think beyond the trails. Grab a rod, rent a boat, and explore one of Minnesota’s most scenic fishing destinations.

A Day of Foliage and Fishing on Lake Vermilion, MN

Fall at Lake Vermilion feels different from any other time of year. The lake is quiet, the air crisp, and every tree seems to be showing off. This is when anglers trade busy summer waters for calm mornings and colorful shorelines.

Early Morning Calm

Start before sunrise when fog still hugs the water. Walleye and northern pike are active near rocky points, and the reflection of red and gold leaves on the lake turns the scene into a postcard.

Midday on the Water

By late morning, the wind picks up just enough for a slow drift. The marina at Fortune Bay Resort Casino makes everything simple. Here, boats, bait, and fuel are all within steps of the shoreline.

Late Afternoon Color

When fishing winds down, cruise toward Everett Bay or Wakemup Bay for the best fall color. The light softens, the lake quiets again, and the mix of fishing, fresh air, and scenery feels like a perfect day in northern Minnesota.

Seeing the Season From the Water

There are few better ways to see fall color than from the middle of Lake Vermilion. And for the best views of the lake, no other spot beats being on a boat.

Renting a boat gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and find quiet corners where the shoreline lights up in orange and amber.

If you need a boat rental on Lake Vermilion, Minnesota, look no further than the following:

• Fortune Bay Resort Casino Marina: Offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals along with complimentary canoes and paddleboats for guests. The marina also provides docking, fuel, bait and snacks, so you can spend the day on the water without extra planning.
• Ludlow’s Island Resort: Known for its family-friendly setup, it also offers pontoons and fishing boats, available daily or weekly.
• Pehrson Lodge Resort: The resort features a range of pontoons, from compact to triple-toon, for travelers who like to explore the lake’s many bays.
• Glenmore Resort: A good choice for groups, with larger pontoons and easy access to calm waters near Tower.

If you have your own boat, several marinas offer docking and supplies through October, depending on the weather.

Scenic Boating and Leaf-Peeping Routes

Exploring Lake Vermilion by boat is one of the most peaceful ways to take in the season. The shoreline stretches for more than 300 miles, winding past islands, coves, and quiet channels where you can see the trees reflected in the water.

• Everett Bay to Pine Island: A short route ideal for early morning cruises when the light is soft and the water is calm. The reflection of maple stands here is particularly striking in late September.
• Wakemup Bay Loop: Perfect for mid-day color viewing. The wide water gives open views of distant hills, and you can anchor for lunch in sheltered inlets along the south side.
• Moccasin Point to Tower: Offers a mix of open lake and forested shoreline. As you approach Tower, the fall colors seem to frame the town itself.

For quieter moments, paddle into the narrow bays or around the smaller islands. Canoes and paddleboats are available for resort guests who want to slow down and watch the season from the water’s edge.

Trails, Views, and Photo Spots

The area around Lake Vermilion offers miles of trails for anyone who prefers to see the colors on foot.

The Mesabi Trail

The Mesabi Trail cuts through Tower, providing smooth paths for biking or walking beneath bright yellow birches.

Vermilion Gorge Trail

Do you want something closer to the water? The Vermilion Gorge Trail near Crane Lake offers short hikes with rewarding overlooks of cliffs and waterfalls surrounded by turning leaves.

Big Sandy Overlook

For access to a panoramic view, drive to the Big Sandy Overlook just outside of Tower. From here, climb the fire tower to see the entire lake stretching out below and the trees blaze in every direction.

Where To Stay: Comfort Close to Nature

Finding the right place to stay can shape the whole experience. The best places to stay on Lake Vermilion are the ones that keep you close to both the lake and the trails.

Cabins and Lodges

Small resorts such as White Eagle Resort and Pehrson Lodge Resort have cozy cabins set among the trees. Most offer private docks and firepits, ideal for watching the sunset after a day outdoors.

Campgrounds

For campers, Hoodoo Point Campground provides simple lakeside sites with easy access to fishing and hiking. It’s quiet, family-friendly, and open through the fall season, depending on the weather.

Fortune Bay Resort Casino

If you want comfort and convenience in one location, Fortune Bay Resort Casino sits right on the lake and gives guests direct access to fishing, boating, and leaf-peeping. You can rent a boat in the morning, explore the trails in the afternoon, and enjoy dinner at Sunset Steakhouse while the last light fades over the water.

With the marina, golf course, and nearby hiking routes, Fortune Bay serves as a perfect base for exploring the northwoods.

Fall, Fun, Fishing, Foliage, and Full-Service Comfort at Fortune Bay Resort Casino

Autumn at Lake Vermilion offers something few destinations can — the chance to experience two of Minnesota’s most beloved traditions. At Fortune Bay Resort Casino, you can experience these and other wonders on Lake Vermilion from one convenient location.

Book your stay today and experience Minnesota’s fall season the way you never have before.

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