LivewellMinnesota · St. Louis County · River
Vermilion River
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Vermilion River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
3 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury, PFOS
Minnesota also has statewide guidance
Minnesota publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 50 recommendations covering 24 species — in addition to anything listed for Vermilion River below.
Strictest statewide rule: Muskellunge — For children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Vermilion River
Smallmouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-24
White Sucker
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-24
All Other Species
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated PFOS. |
| Children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant | For children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant: do not eat due to elevated PFOS. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-24
Is it legal to keep?
These are Minnesota's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Sauger | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 54" min | 1 | 06-01 – 12-01 | Same as open |
| Largemouth Bass | — | 6 | Year-round | 05-24 – 02-25 |
| Smallmouth Bass | — | 6 | Year-round | 05-24 – 02-25 |
| Bluegill | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Lake Trout | — | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Minnesota — Minnesota DNR
Getting on the water
- Crane Lake West Boat Ramp boat ramp 1.0 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 1.1 mi Directions
- Waters Edge Boat Ramp canoe launch 1.2 mi Directions
- Crane Lake (E) Public Water Access Site canoe launch 1.7 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.0 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.