Patriot Guide Service | Justin Chromy

Hi, my name is Justin Chromy. I grew up in New Prague, MN. I was first introduced to the great sport of fishing when I was 6 years old on Fall Lake by Ely. I remember rolling out of bed at 5am, knowing something exciting was about to happen. My dad, brothers, and I caught our limit of walleyes in just over an hour and I was hooked! This was the start of a fiery passion that would drive my life. From that point on, I was no longer a normal kid. I would look forward to Fall Lake trips more than I looked forward to holidays. The opportunity to fish was not always there, but I took every chance that I could get on the water. Whether it was getting rides to Cedar Lake, annual trips to my uncle’s cabin by Alexandria, MN or adventures to Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park, fishing was always my first choice. When I was in high school, my driver’s license meant one thing…unlimited ice fishing! While there certainly were limits, I was able to get out and grow as an ice fisherman. I purchased my first boat at 18 years old and that’s when the “reel” addiction truly began.

I attended college in Ely, Minnesota, where I may have learned more about the local lakes than my actual major in Land Surveying. Lakes Vermilion and Basswood quickly became favorites. I later completed my four-year degree at St. Cloud State University, started a career, and realized my heart wasn’t in it. I knew I wanted to live intentionally and pursue long-term goals. Within two years, I paid off over $60,000 in student debt, bought a home, and purchased my first guide boat—a Ranger 618T.

I began guiding part-time while working full-time, never losing my work ethic or passion. That momentum led to the steady growth of All-American Fishing Guide. As my reputation grew in the Brainerd area, I was presented with the opportunity to guide on Lake Vermilion. Recognizing the potential to build a full-time guide business more quickly, I took a leap of faith and relocated.

While small business ownership never goes exactly as planned, my brand and reputation have grown every year. Today, I am proud to be one of the most reputable guides on Lake Vermilion. Patriot Guide Service represents the blood, sweat, and countless hours invested into making this dream a reality. None of it would have been possible without God’s grace and the opportunity to pursue this passion in the greatest country on earth.

This will be my fourth summer guiding full-time on Lake Vermilion, and I’m loving every minute of it. I have finished in the Top 16 in each of the last four City Auto Glass/Safelite Walleye Tournaments on Vermilion, including a 5th-place finish in 2023 and a 2nd-place finish in 2025. In January 2024, I upgraded to a 2020 Yar-Craft 2095 BTX and look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and guide on the most scenic lake in Minnesota.

There is no greater fulfillment than providing memories that last a lifetime—and I look forward to helping you create yours.

FAVORITE FISHING MEMORY

During the 2025 Safelite Walleye Classic, the weather took a dramatic turn—dropping from 85 degrees on Thursday to a high of just 41 on tournament Saturday. The bite was tough, and we spent the day grinding it out, losing several crucial 18–20” fish along the way. Despite the frustration, Klancher and I stayed focused, kept pushing, and trusted the process. With just an hour left in the tournament, I stuck a 28-inch walleye that launched us into 2nd place. It wasn’t the win we were chasing, but it was a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and mental toughness on the water—and it leaves plenty of motivation for the day we bring home the trophy.

The best way to contact me is to call or text my cell phone. (218) 820-0335.

Phone: (218) 820-0335
Email: patriotguideservice1@gmail.com

http://www.patriotguideserviceoflakevermilion.com

Al’s Vermilion Fishing | Al Wade

Al lives in Daisy Bay on Lake Vermilion.  Al has over 20 years of experience fishing on Lake Vermilion and knows the lake very well.  Al’s an avid outdoorsman who loves guiding others.  He specializes on helping you catch Walleye, Smallmouth Bass and the other species swimming in Vermilion.  Al is a versatile fisherman and knows all the latest techniques for putting fish in the live well.  You will be fishing out of a roomy and comfortable Ranger 621.  All the equipment is excellent!  Al supplies all the fishing gear, bait, and instruction to give you the best opportunity for success.  Al is flexible with times and your schedule.  He does lots of trips for families with children and can take up to 4 anglers.

Phone: (612) 669-6677

email: al@vermilionfishing.com

Website: vermilionfishing.com

Fishing with Z Guide Service | Zach Hrvol

Vice Chairman of LVGL

Welcome to fishing with Z Guide Service. My name is Zach Hrvol and I have been fishing my entire life. I have been lucky enough to call Lake Vermilion home since 2018. I have spent nearly every day since on the water learning the ins and outs of the lake. I specialize in walleye and smallmouth bass. I am very versatile fisherman so we can use techniques you are familiar with, or we can try something new! May main goal is for you to have fun and memorable experience while fishing here on beautiful lake vermilion. I run a 2026 Lund 2075 Impact, up to date Hummingbird electronics, Garmin livescope, MinnKota trolling motor, and a 225hp Mercury Outboard. I am on the pro staff for Denali Rods and a new member of the Lund Boat Pro staff. I offer 4-hour trips with all bait and tackle provided. Starting in December of 2023, I will be doing guided ice fishing trips on Lake Vermilion. As always, Keep Fishing!

Phone: (218) 404-9200

Email: zhrvoloutdoors@gmail.com

Website: fishingwithz.com

Golden Light Guide Service | Larry Burton

My name is Larry Burton . Golden Light Guide Service. I am a new member of Lake Vermilion Guides League .I join this year2022.I have 30+ years of experience on the big V during the soft water season. I mostly target walleye but I do fish multiple species. Enjoy your time on the water in a 20 foot Lund impact boat equipped with the latest electronics .I provide all of Fishing gear including bait .

Phone: 651-470-8405 
Email address lbfishin@live.com

Ashburn Guide Service, LLC | Garrett Ashburn

From the Prairie lakes of West Central Minnesota to the deep cold reservoirs of Wyoming to the Southern most Canadian Shield lake of Vermilion, Garrett Ashburn has fished several different types of walleye waters over the years. With those different waters comes a wide variety of walleye fishing techniques from Pitching and Vertical Jigging, Swimbait, Slip Bobber, Bottom Bouncing, Leadcore and Snap Weight Precision Trolling or good old fashion Lindy rigging.

As a strong advocate for fishing education, he can tailor your outing based on technique that customers would like to learn more about. Also greatly enjoys working with people both young and old that are beginners or new to fishing.

Garrett with his wife and two sons, moved to Northern Minnesota and started fishing Lake Vermilion in 2012. He guides out of a Skeeter WXR2060 with a Yamaha 250HP giving customers a solid deep boat designed for handling big water. Garrett provides all the fishing gear and bait for your trip to give you a fun, comfortable and relaxing time on the water.

Visa and Mastercard accepted

Phone: 218-290-0015

Email: ashburnguideservice@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/Ashburn-Guide-Service-Lake-Vermilion-MN-107002587739590/

Patriot Guide Service | Bill Nieters

My name is Bill Nieters and I’m a 3rd generation Cook resident. I grew up fishing Lake Vermilion with my family since the 1960’s and my wife and I have lived on the west end of Lake Vermilion since 2012. I have always enjoyed the challenge of fishing for walleyes both for fun and in many tournaments. For many years I have had the privilege of guiding for the Take a Vet and Take a Kid fishing events and enjoy teaching anyone about this lake. 

We will be fishing out of a Ranger 1880MS multi species with a 200hp V8 Mercury ProXS. The boat is equipped with a new model Humminbird Xplore 10”, (3) networked Garmin screens with a couple Livescope transducers, Minnkota Ulterra, and a 15efi pro kicker. My cell phone is 218-780-6013 please call or text.

Email  billnieters@proton.me.
Website www.patriotguideserviceoflakevermilion.com

Swenson’s Guide Service | Dave Swenson

Denny’s Guide Service | Denny Van de Linde

Over the years I have belonged to many fishing organizations and I am one of the charter members of the Lake Vermilion Guides Leage.

For years I have been in many projects that were community oriented, with the conservation department and educating the young and old (something that I have a passion for and enjoy).

I have fished Lake Vermilion since I was a young man, and as a full-time guide since 2003. If you require more than my services for a large group, I will supply guides from the Lake Vermilion Guides Leage, to make sure that your visit to Lake Vermilion is more memorable. I fish all species but my main target is Walleyes.

Comfort on the water — I have a 18’6″ Tournament Pro Alumacraft boat with a 175 hp Suzuki outboard and a 9.9 hp Suzuki kicker, on the bow a Minnkota Terrova trolling motor and all Lowrance electronics. All Bait and tackle are provided. I book 4, 6, or 8 hour trips.

Phone: 218-666-2910, if I am on the water you can leave a message with my wife, Sue.

E-mail: dennysuevande@yahoo.com

Vermilion Walleye Hunter Guide Service LLC | Steve Krasaway

Kick off your Lake Vermilion trip the right way with Steve Krasaway–the Vermilion Walleye Hunter. Many quests book Steve on the first day of their vacation to learn the current bite, explore the lake, and get dialed in for the rest of their stay. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, Steve makes your time on the water fun, productive, and unforgettable. 

Steve has spent his life fishing Lake Vermilion and has had a cabin on the lake for the past 25 years. He guides all year and is proud to be the 2023 City Auto Glass Walleye Classic Champion. As a top walleye guide, he combines local knowledge with cutting-edge technology like Garmin Livescope, giving you real-time insight into fish location and behavior.

You’ll fish from a clean, comfortable 18 foot Lund boat powered by a Mercury complete with a full windshield-a must-have for staying warm and dry on chilly days.

Walleye is his focus, but if you’re interested in bass or crappies–especially in May or June–Steve is happy to tailor the day. And you never know what might show up: perch, muskies, and bonus bites often surprise anglers when they least expect it.

Looking for the full Vermilion experience? Don’t miss Steve’s boat-access shore lunch-fresh caught walleyes cooked over and open fire-northwoods-style. 

Rods, bait, and fish cleaning are included-just bring your enthusiasm and a little luck.

Visa and Mastercard accepted

Phone:   call or text 218-213-0579
Email:  vermilionwalleyehunter@gmail.com
Website:  www.vermilionwalleyehunter.com

Cliff’s Guide Service | Cliff Wagenbach

Original charter member of the Lake Vermilion Guides League

Age: 78
Married 56 years to his wife Jean. They have two sons, Cliff Jr. and Coby. 
Moved to Tower in 1957 at the age of 10 and has been an admitted walleye addict ever since he caught his first walleye that spring! Cliff has been guiding clients to walleyes on Lake Vermilion for 20 plus years. 10 of those years being part time between shifts while working 30 years for LTV Steel. He has been a full time professional guide since he retired in 2001 and now averages 100 plus trips a summer. 
Cliff’s most enjoyable part of guiding is being able to take clients of all ages out for an enjoyable day of fishing and teaching them how to catch walleyes and then seeing them at a later date and have them say that their ability to catch walleyes has been greatly improved because of their guided trip with him.

Phone: 218-753-2005
E-mail: cwagenbach@live.com
Website: www.cliffsguideservice-lakevermilion.com

Mike’s Guide Service | Mike Estrin

Chairman of The Lake Vermilion Guides League

I grew up fishing on the many lakes of Minnesota and was “hooked” on this sport at an early age. In 1993 I fished Lake Vermilion for the first time, and it instantly became my lake of choice. I have had the privilege to take my wife, kids, family, friends, relatives and, now, grandkids fishing on this beautiful lake over the years. I have enjoyed participating in the City Glass Walleye Tournament for many years, placing in the top 10 several times. I specialize in walleye but also enjoy finding the many other species Vermilion has to offer. Cook, Minnesota has been my home since 2011, when I officially became a fishing guide. My goal as a guide is to teach fishing techniques and knowledge about the lake to anglers of any age which they can take with them and, of course, to land as many fish as possible and have a memorable experience on Lake Vermilion. I fish from a spacious 2017 Triton 216 Fish Hunter powered by a 350 Mercury Verado with all the latest equipment.

Phone: 218-666-6054 Cell 
E-mail: mikesguideservice79@gmail.com
Website: mikesguidefishing.com

The Guides