Vern

Cook County

Near Lutsen

DOW: 16040900

Smallmouth BassPoor · 23Northern PikePoor · 21WalleyePoor · 15

A 123-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County — best known for bass and pike. Last surveyed 1999.

Fish Species (4)

Smallmouth Bass

Poor · 23

Small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1999

Last surveyed 1999 — treat with caution

Avg Size

7.0"

Avg Weight

0.17 lbs

Catch rate: 0.17 per gill net · typical 0.2–0.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 23, 1999	0.17	7.0"	0.17 lbs	Standard gill nets

Northern Pike

Poor · 21

Typical numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1999

Last surveyed 1999 — treat with caution

Avg Size

18.2"

Avg Weight

1.45 lbs

Catch rate: 2.8 per gill net · typical 1.2–3.9 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike0% keeper-size (24"+)

14–23" · 100%Largest sampled 22"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 23, 1999	2.83	18.2"	1.45 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 1, 1974	4.33	-	1.19 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 1, 1974	0.25	-	10.00 lbs	Standard trap nets

Walleye

Poor · 15

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1999

Last surveyed 1999 — treat with caution

Avg Size

10.3"

Avg Weight

0.49 lbs

Catch rate: 0.5 per gill net · typical 3–13.2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 23, 1999	0.12	10.3"	-	Minnow traps
Jun 23, 1999	0.50	10.3"	0.49 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 1, 1974	0.25	-	2.25 lbs	Standard trap nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Good · 64

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1999

Last surveyed 1999 — treat with caution

Avg Size

18.6"

Avg Weight

3.23 lbs

Catch rate: 3.8 per gill net · typical 2.6–11.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 23, 1999	3.83	18.6"	3.23 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 1, 1974	0.75	-	3.17 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 1, 1974	2.67	-	2.50 lbs	Standard gill nets

Biologist Notes

June 23, 1999The fish community in Vern Lake was dominated by northern pike and white sucker, with a few walleye and smallmouth bass present. The 1999 northern pik…

The fish community in Vern Lake was dominated by northern pike and white sucker, with a few walleye and smallmouth bass present. The 1999 northern pike catch was within the normal range for lakes of this class, but their average size was small. This was due to the domination of the catch by two-year-old fish from the 1997 year class. Northern pike growth rates had been fairly fast, by area standards. Two-year-old fish averaged 17.3 inches in length when collected in late June 1999.

July 1, 1974Vern Lake has a good population of N Pike and a few Walleyes. Burbot are present and Suckers occur in fair numbers.

Vern Lake has a good population of N Pike and a few Walleyes. Burbot are present and Suckers occur in fair numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Vern?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye in Vern. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Vern?

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Vern. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

How deep is Vern?

Vern has a maximum depth of 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Vern last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Vern is from 1999. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.