Vermont Lake
About Vermont Lake
Vermont Lake is a 342-acre lake near Leaf Valley in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 59 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 6.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 11, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Vermont Lake
- 342 acres, up to 59 feet deep, near Leaf Valley
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 14.5 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 342 acres
- Max depth
- 59 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 218 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 11
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 10, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- March 10, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Vermont Lake
Compare Vermont Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Vermont Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Vermont Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Vermont Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Vermont Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Miltona
83 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Leaf Valley5,731 acres
3.1 miles away
Fish Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Parkers Prairie489 acres
3.6 miles away
Irene Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Miltona639 acres
3.8 miles away
Adley Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Parkers Prairie241 acres
4.2 miles away
Indian Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Leaf Valley99 acres
6.2 miles away
Lake Ida
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Leaf Valley4,445 acres
6.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vermont Lake?
Vermont Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Leaf Valley. It covers 342 acres and reaches 59 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Vermont Lake?
Vermont Lake covers 342 acres with about 6.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 59 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Vermont Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Vermont Lake?
Yes. Vermont Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Vermont Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Vermont Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Vermont Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Vermont Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Vermont Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Vermont Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 10, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.