Weeks 17 and 18 of the open water season.
Water temp: 66-69
Walleye
On the east end of Vermilion the walleye are in transition mode right now. It appears the lead core bite is all but over on this end and we are starting to catch fish on jigs tipped with minnow or crawlers, spinner rigs on bottom bouncers and jigging raps.
Due to the hot labor day weekend, the transition period on the east end of Vermilion has been draw out longer than usual. However, the cooler temps has the water cooling fast and the fall bite will take off within the next couple of days. Right now we are fishing a lot of spots trying to find active fish. When pulling spinner rigs we are looking for sand flats in 20-28′ of water and pulling rigs anywhere from 1-2 MPH. The jig and jigging rap bite has been best in a few different locations. Fishing the mouth of the bays that join deep water has been producing a lot of quality slot sized fish. These spots have been best during low light hours. During the daylight hours, fishing the edges of the deep holes and sand humps close to the deep holes has been producing fish throughout the day.
The best fishing of the entire year is coming on Vermilion. This transition period might make for a tough few days or a week, but the fall bite is well on its way and once its here it will be amazing until ice up.
Baits of choice in my boat: Jigging raps, jigs, bottom bouncers and spinner rigs
Bass
I am almost finished up bass fishing for the year but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of aggressive footballs to go around. The fall time is a great time to catch a lot of fish and and a lot of big fish. The best way to catch smallies right now is throwing cranks and jerkbaits on wind blown points and rock piles in 8-15′ of water. Covering water is a must until you find them. Once you do, have fun!
Baits of choice in my boat: Jerkbaits and crankbaits
Check back in next week (9/18) for next weeks report!
Zach Hrvol
Fishing with Z Guide Service
(218) 404-9200
Thank you very much. Rick, Joe, Jerry and myself are really looking forward to coming back to Lake Vermilion. I fell in love with the Edgewater the minute I saw it and I told the guys right away that I will be staying in that cabin next year. I told them that they could stay where ever they want, but I will be staying in cabin 2 @ Glenmore. They laughed.
Doug DeMars - Chippewa Falls, WI