2023 Lake Vermilion Fishing Reports

[StateofHockey]

Following a long tradition here's the place to exchange Lake Vermilion open water fishing information for the 2023 season.

[StateofHockey]

Looks like we'll have open water for the opener this year. Around Moccasin point we're open through channel at boat launch and remaining ice  surrounding areas from Bystrom Bay to Isle of Pine looks very black. Rain forecast for Sunday & Monday plus temps in the 60s later in the week should get rid of remaining ice.

[StateofHockey]

Stopped at the pike river hatchery Thursday,very cool to see large numbers of 27"+ Walleyes. The trophies are here and season opens Saturday.

For Opener minnows are my go to bait. In years past with late ice out I've had best success in 40+ fow, surprisingly deep.

 

Any other opener tips, stories are welcome as we wait for Saturday.

[SkunkedAgain]

Well it will be interesting to see what the water temps are come opener. I don't know if these numbers still hold, but my old walleye book says:

 

Water Temps

32 to low 40s = Pre-spawn

43 to 52 = Spawn (47-49 = Peak)

Low 50s = Post-spawn

Mid 50s to low 60s = Pre-summer mode

Mid 60s to low 70s = Summer peak

...and so on

[delcecchi]

Saw pictures of a bunch of horny walleyes at the hatchery.....does that count as an indicator?

[MarkB]

Just checkin to see if my comment section still works...

MarkB

[the stick]

Good to hear that you're still on the thread.

[partyonpine]

Opening day was beautiful!  Fishing was spotty caught a lot of 12-14 inch in 30+ feet in the mud in Big Bay.  Dock fishing did not disappoint 2 hour flurry from 9-11pm.  2 slot fish.   Huge lull however from 11am-6pm.  Tried some shallow tried mid depths 14-21 feet to no success.  Had water temps from 50-58 degrees.  Not many boats, very few docks and lifts in as expected.  Glad my fat old butt can still push my hoists in when needed.  
 

in the craziest scene we were putting the water in at the cabin as I was driving the boat over, saw a30+ inch walleye belly up on the surface.  Like a moron tail netted it as soon as I touched it took off. Biggest walleye I have witnessed in 10+ years.

[StateofHockey]

Very similar for our group. Good success 8-11pm slip bobbers of the dock with rainbows. Not much luck in the boat during the day

[Raven77]

Been catching a lot of 10-14" males in 28-30'.  No sows yet.  Guessing they are busy right now.  Manick's just dropped my docks this afternoon.  Can't complain about the weather!

[redlabguy]

Dr appointments keep us from going north so glad to see the reports. Keep them coming.

RLG

[CigarGuy]

Our group only caught a few walleyes over the weekend that were all in the slot. Finally got one keeper tonight. The crappies kept us busy for the last 3 days. We kept some for couple of meals and let a bunch go. My son's buddy caught this nice crappie that pushed 14-1/4. 

[DLD24]

We struggled to find any fish of size until we found a big pod in 12-16ft on some sand. 90% of the fish we caught in this spot were spewing the white stuff all over my boat and the females still had eggs. Saw water temps from 41-56. Couldn't ask for better weather  

[SkunkedAgain]

We did decent. The walleye were few and far between, but the crappies and pike were happy to give us a show. Despite surface temps reaching into the 60s, I think that the walleye spawn is just starting to happen.

 

I'll take a nice-weather opener every once in a while though. It was enjoyable.

[BWpineisland]

We caught plenty of small walleyes but almost all the males made a mess of the boat. My guests at the cabin trolled with raps and caught several big slot fish. We only caught fish within a hundred yards of the trout lake portage. All the regular spots drew blanks. Fishing should improve this week.  It was a great weekend to be on the water

Edited May 16, 2023 by BWpineisland

[Jayson M]

Headed up there tomorrow for a long weekend of fishing. What's the latest report and water temperature? Will be fishing around Pike bay.

[Lunderfull]

where you guys finding the crappies in the shallows?

 

[CigarGuy]

6 hours ago, Lunderfull said:

where you guys finding the crappies in the shallows?

 

4' to 6'. 

[SkunkedAgain]

Over the weekend there was very high barometric pressure and the crappies were near shore. Starting on Sunday the pressure began to fall and the crappies moved deeper.

[CigarGuy]

I've been out every night since last Thursday and still getting them in 4-6'. Been doing 100% c/r since Sunday, even my first night out last Thursday, I did c/r. Last night my neighbor did keep 6 for a meal for him and his wife. Just putting that in here so nobody calls me out for killing a bunch of fish.

[Mike89]

no one should think that but I understand you thoughts...  

[Skis]

I don't fish crappies, but just wanted to comment that I appreciate your willingness to give some information.  You didn't give a specific spot/area, you just gave a depth.  I just appreciate it when people will actually offer some information for other anglers.  Thank You!!!

[MikeG3Boat]

Where are the Crappies, over on the Cook Side of the lake?  Any ideas around the big bay/Tower side?  I am new to the lake so looking for some starting spots/areas/bays.

[EyeWannabee]

Emergent shoreline vegetation all around the lake shallow bays like black bay, greenwood, Everett and pike bays in the depths provided above 4-6’ and shallower depending on the day.  Cast small crappie grubs and mister twisters and u will usually find some and catch a nice smallie as well which is a blast on crappie rod

Edited May 18, 2023 by EyeWannabee

[delcecchi]

Neighbor lady got a 15 inch crappie the other day...  Gonna mount it.

[flingobingo]

Any updates on the walleye fishing?  

 

A week ago I had the same experience as others catching them (west end) in 28'-34' but all were between 10" and 12".  Nothing even close to eater size.

[jparrucci]

Walleye fishing was pretty slow last weekend. Plenty of smaller fish at all depths.  Females are probably post spawn now and are resting. I expect it to pick up gradually over the next week.  Crappie were not in their spawning grounds in any numbers, except Black Bay.  Seen a few muskies in the shallows as well. 

[MMG1458]

With water temps climbing, any chance the crappies will still be biting this weekend?  Got some youngsters that would love that!  We’re looking on the West end.

 

MMG

[CigarGuy]

3 hours ago, MMG1458 said:

With water temps climbing, any chance the crappies will still be biting this weekend?  Got some youngsters that would love that!  We’re looking on the West end.

 

MMG

It's been getting more difficult each night for me to catch crappies. Plus, the size has decreased big time. Last night neighbor and I got 13 crappies, about 1/2 were under 9".  Might give it one more try then switch to walleye's.

[MMG1458]

What about Norwegian Bay?  Water may not be as warm there?