East Vermillion Lake, South Dakota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  East Vermillion Lake is a McCook County water, South Dakota side. It lies 1,427 feet above sea level. The water covers around 569 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. At about 6.9 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. It is the biggest water on our McCook County list. The town to know is Hartford, 12 miles out. Beyond it, Salem at 14 miles and Crooks at 19 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on East Vermillion Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. McCook County records list black bullhead, green sunfish, orangespotted sunfish, rudd and bighead carp among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. East Vermillion Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 14°F to 73°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. Open water usually runs from early April until about late November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. That is the shape of the year on East Vermillion Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. A car park sits roughly half a mile away. Public data records a pier about half a mile out. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. A picnic spot sits half a mile from the bank. There are toilets mapped about half a mile away. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Rules at East Vermillion Lake are worth checking on the day.