Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Recommended Posts

Got back from a week on Big V from the 3rd to the 9th. I've never worn shorts on the lake during this time, even last year when it was warmer than normal but I did this year when we hit 84 for a high one day! So the weather was pretty warm until the end of the trip. Our fishing well we didn't have as much success as years past. The bites seem pretty light. Occationally they'd thump it, but the first walleye for the wife was caught because she decided to reel in and check her bait! Basically it was 2 maybe 3 quality fish in the 14-16" range per day, with a couple of missed fish sprinkled in. Caught a couple slot fish shallow 7' 8' and most of the 14-16" in 13' of water using Rainbows and 6' lindys with floating jighead. Our usual evening spot from last year was pretty slow this year but we did start to see some mayflys on the water when it was warm. I will say the quality of fish was better this year, not nearly as many 11" cigars but we didn't have any days were we just hammered'em. So we had a rough go of it but our "neighbors" renting the place next to us went out with Cliff one day and he said they boated 27 walleyes! So there are walleyes to be caught we just didn't find'em as easily. We'll back next year if not sooner.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The hatch can be frustrating, but I've also had some tremendous hauls right during the peak of the mayfly hatch. Two years ago I outfished my buddy 15-4 using jigs and leaches fishing shoulder-to-shoulder. IMO - the hatch is an excuse (albeit a good one) used for not catching fish during those times. Obviously the fish are hungry so finding the right presentation and enticement is the answer!

I think the problem is that the fish are not in the usual spots doing the usual things so you can't catch them in the usual manner.

Don't mayflies hatch out of the mud? And then swim to the surface? I bet there are walleye swimming around over the mud eating all those slow moving juicy mayfly larvae heading for the surface.

So, a jig and leech or a twister tail or maybe even a husky jerk out in the middle of nowhere might get interesting. Just a guess.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There have been a couple of big hatches on Pike Bay this week.

Saw a few Mayflys popping to the surface in Big Bay today!

Hopefully the main lake hatch is a couple of weeks off!

Cliff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great report Mark--

A quick question---about the only way I can talk the wife into fishing is if we troll----Hence my question....

What type of crankbaits do you recommend and how deep are you running them and what speed?

Also---Did you decide to get a reproduction of your trophy Walleye yet?

Bob:

I'm the wrong guy to ask about crank baits for walleyes confusedThe only time I use crankbaits is early spring in shallow bays. I use a 7 floating Rapala in silver/black, gold/black, or blue depending on the overcast. The bays I fish have a maximum depth of 8' and I usually vary the speed between 1.5mph and 2mph. The problem I have is northerns inhaling the small Rapala. It has been deadly on walleyes in the past.

I will not be getting a reproduction of the big walleye. I used to get everything mounted from stone sheep to grizzly bears. These days a nice picture is all I'll ever need grin.

Since I'm here, I'll comment on the todays fishing. We are entertaining relatives this week and, so, we fished on a day that my wife and I would have, most likely, passed on.(pretty windy for our small boat)We tried a new reef today and caught them early in 32' and ended the day in 20'-25' right on top of the rocks! We caught several walleyes including ~ half of them slot fish with the biggest 23.5"(9 between 20"-23.5"). I'm embarassed to admit blush that I had to "borrow" rainbows from my cousin. It's all they would hit! So, the transition from rainbows to leeches has been temporarily put on hold laugh.

Good Fishing,

MarkB smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Been on the West End since Saturday without much success. Nice smallmouth action.

Similar to last year........often it is hard to even find perch or bluegill to bit, let alone walleye. Got a couple of walleye in 10' water on crawlers in the evening.

We are not the best anglers, so any help would be appreciated.

Saw Doug Knoer come in with a batch of walleye, so they are out there somewhere.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's why Doug is a good guy to hire during the "non-opener" times.

Doug has been fishing the East end mostly for walleyes lately!

Cliff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lake Vermilion, 6/16/11

The walleye bite has been steadily improving on the East end this week despite much nasty weather and winds!

The pre-Mayfly hatch bite is in full swing!

There are active walleyes on almost every spot that I have fished this week!

There has been a big migration of walleyes to the reefs and rocky points the last few days.

The walleyes are hitting crawlers and minnows well when used on bait rigs. A 3' to 6' leader with a size #4 hook of any color has been my go to, as usual. smile

Good Fishing!

Cliff

26 feet to 42 feet depths are where many of my fish are being caught this week.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cliff do you ever pull slow death hooks during the may fly hatch up there? wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Steve,

I have tried the slow death hooks a few times but have not noticed any advantages over a crawler that is hooked normally, (other then a lot more twisted leaders)!

I have found that wacky worm hooked crawlers will catch many more walleyes at times!

Cliff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can't seem to find any walleye biters in the Frazer bay Fectos area. See fish on the graph at 26 to 36 feet but no takers. Any ideas..........

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Try a bait rig. Use crawlers, minnows and leeches until you find out which one that they want.

Move very slowly as they do not want to chase their food very hard yet.

Cliff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Got slot fish on a bobber today, not much wind, used a super jumbo leech and let them take it for quite a while.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Had a great time fishing with Cliff on Thursday. Caught 15 Walleye with my wife and sister in law and what a great guide with a great sense of humor to boot!! I learned more about using and reading my electronics in 4 hrs than a lifetime.

Thanks again Cliff.

Tight lines everyone !!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just returned from 3 days of power fishing the west end up in Norwegian Bay past Twin Islands and north.

Walleye: 2-4 MPH on the trolling motor while back trolling a standard Lindy rig, with 1/2 ounce walker, silver spinner and a crawler harness. Most fish were caught from 8:30-9:30 pm, while trolling 9-15 feet of water. 15 total fish were boated in 2 nights of which two were in the slot, the rest were 15-16 inches.

Pike: Managed several pike. The two largest (32, 30) were caught with a sucker set-up in 9 feet of water. The other five (under 22) were caught while crappie fishing.

Crappies: We caught 15 crappies while pitching small white Johnson Beetle Spins in the typical weedy bays throughout the day. very SLOW retrieve, 7-9 feet of water. Also lost several Beetle spins via the Pike.

Bass: Not much of a bass guy, but the 2 we caught were on a slip bobber and a leech.

Bluegill: Pretty much a locate and catch operation. Bobber and wax worms.

Enjoyed the trip, see you next year!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In the past two days have we caught 21 walleyes trolling rapalas in Pike Bay, the largest walleye was 19.5 inches. A few small ones that were mixed in with a bass or two, but we did manage to keep 9 that were between 13 and 15.5 inches. Every fish we cleaned was full of mayflies, but they still must have liked the old sivler and black or the the blue and silver over a mayfly. If I were a fish I would eat a piece of wood (with hooks) vs. a bug! It's all good....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow Flash that sounds good !still smsckin raps in pike bay huh?what a fun and easy way to fish, but there are tricks to it .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just returned from a week on the West End.

Water temps: Surface : 64-67.5 degrees.

10 feet: 61-62

20 feet: 59-60

Weather: Partly Sunny. Upper 60’s low 70’s.

Weeds seem very behind from last year, this time.

Bass: Smallmouth were very active on sunny days. 2 feet to 8 feet along rocky boulder laced shorelines.

Spoke with some guys who did very well up in Black with top water Largemouth. When the smallmouth were really turned on, I switched to a Rebel Pop-R and a Hula popper. I caught some of my largest smallmouth on top water. What a blast !

Walleye: I caught a number in 9-15 FOW. Sand bottom. Overcast days. Not much into Walleye fishing though. The ones I caught were drifting Rainbows a foot or two off the bottom. Most in the slot. Largest 27 inches.

Pike: Seemed after the water temp was warmed by the sun for a few hours, they became active. Mornings in the weedy bays produced very little action. The same bay at 3 pm and a degree higher in temp, the action was steady. Caught most of them on Black Bucktails and 5 inch rubber swim baits at a fast speed.

Muskie: I caught two smaller < 40 inchers. Both on top water lures trying to get a bass. The viciousness of the attacks was worth the price of admission. Made 9,999 casts with different Bucktails and swim baits with no luck. Had a couple follows in 10 foot bays with growing weeds.

Had a great time. Lake was beautiful as usual. If you like top water action, don’t let the cooler temps stop you. The fish sure did not mind.

Cheers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Klinger,

Thank you! It was a fun day. Very glad that you learned a little!

Cliff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Anyone know anything about lost lake just southwest of V? Just exploring options for Wednesday with forecasted big east winds.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Walleyes,perch, crappies and some bluegills. No northerns or bass. Good boat ramp with dock. One nasty rock pile about halfway from the island to the north shore.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Steve, u think the walleyes or crappie fishing is worth going after? I don't suppose it has a lake map?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whose Steve??? Not many crappies, walleyes nice sized but can be a tough lake to fish for some. There is a so so map I think maybe on lakefinder. Lake is all 10 feet deep with one 20 foot hole except for a couple of rock piles.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Haha stupid predictive text on this phone. Maybe I'll be better off putting in pike bay and tolling some raps.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Any updates on the Mayfly hatch? We were up last weekend and saw a ton of "greenish" looking stuff coming up from the bottom of the lake and subsequently a few large Mayflys flying around. We are in the Frazer/Smart's Bay area.

Any insight would be welcomed!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was up over the weekend and no hatch seen at all north half big bay to dells area or daisy bay

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There was a very large hatch on the water in Everett Bay on Monday morning!

Cliff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Any updates on the Mayfly hatch? We were up last weekend and saw a ton of "greenish" looking stuff coming up from the bottom of the lake and subsequently a few large Mayflys flying around. We are in the Frazer/Smart's Bay area.

Any insight would be welcomed!

The green stuff coming to the surface has to be either algae or perhaps pollen from the pine trees that is very thick this week.

Cliff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Heading up to Frazier for the first fishing trip of the season. Be there on June 29th through July 3 or 4th. Does it look like we will be competeing with the mayflys?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to 2020-21 Lake Vermilion Fishing Reports
  • The title was changed to 2021 Lake Vermilion Fishing Reports
  • The topic was unlocked
  • The topic was pinned

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.