Labor Day Strategy - Vermilion

[Hockeyboys]

We're going up for Labor Day this year.  Our trips have always been in early August.  Any advice on how to approach walleyes that time of year?  Are crawlers usually still the bait of choice?  

Edited August 18, 2016 by Hockeyboys
Mistake

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I am usually fishing lindys with crawlers or minnows at that time.

15' to 30' depths on reefs and a few shoreline spots.

Cliff

[OhioVike]

If you have the gear to troll Rapala's, sometimes deep 25-35', I have found this approach to be very productive and even a fun change of pace for walleye fishing.  Plus you don't have to worry about keeping bait alive.  

[guideman]

OhioVike , I couldn't agree more. Trolling #9 shad raps in the main lake has always been a very productive presentation for late summer early fall. You also catch a better average fish when trolling.

"Ace"

"It's just fishing man"

[delcecchi]

Ace, any particular place, or just random out in the abyss.?

[TrueNorth]

I'm guessing Ace may something like humps or reefs next to deep water.  Come on man!

[james_walleye]

Pick out a flat, any flat. When i was up 2 weeks ago i caught eyes on every flat i trolled.  Some were 20-21 feet some were 26-28'. I'm a fan of lead core.  I prefer using #4-5 cranks. Obviously not everyone has this set up, but if you are looking to try something very effective,  I'd suggest it.

[guideman]

Like James I prefer main lake flats for most of my trolling however deep breaks off of large main lake reefs can also be very productive at times.  I like the #9 raps because they will run at 18 to 20ft without using leadcore or any other special tackle. I do use line counters however most of the time long lining gets the job done. I prefer shad or perch pattern baits because you typically catch mostly Walleyes and not Pike. Hot colors will catch Walleyes but you also catch more Pike.

"Ace"

"It's just fishing man" 

[toja9801]

I too will be heading that direction in a couple of days with one other family camping at Hoodoo Point. First trip ever to Vermilion was the weekend after opener this past spring and the lake was gorgeous but fishing was tough...sounded like everyone we talked to that weekend was having a tough time. Really hoping the fishing is better this time around since I'll have my boys along. Really appreciate the insights you guys have been willing to share here! Anyone interested in sharing reports over the weekend feel free to PM me and I'll pass along my contact info. I'll be happy to share whatever is (or isn't) working for me. Will be up there Wed to Mon.

 

Jason