July 27th, 2016

Lake Vermilion Fishing Report - West End

Fishing Report 7/26/16
Current Water Temperature 71-73 degrees Fahrenheit
 
--High Water Temperature Advisory--
Water temps near 80 degrees have been observed in the past week. These conditions do not provide fish with adequate oxygen levels to easily revive after being out of the water. Musky fishing in water temps 78 degrees and higher is fatal to large fish. If releasing your catch, please give time to fully revive before releasing. Larger fish will take longer to revive.
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Walleye – Summer patterns are in full swing. Lindy rigs with or without spinners are producing a few walleye. Most are caught during the daytime by slowly dragging worms or minnows in 17-25 feet of water, and during low light in 6-12 feet of water. Low light remains the best time.
 
Northern Pike – Pike are biting on sucker minnows and artificials in shallow weed line areas; however, these fish tend to be on the deeper edge. Look for 8 feet or deeper weed lines.
 
Bass – Largemouth and smallmouth bite remains good. Warmer temps have pushed fish deeper and tighter to shallow structure. Lily pads, docks and heavily weeded are producing. Plastic frags can be used to target largemouth in areas with heavy lily pad growth, and are also a great strategy during the mid-day heat. Smallmouths are being found on shallow rocky areas and in areas transitioning from weeds to rocks. Typical presentations are working well.
 
Panfish – Action remains fast. Look for sunfish in 4-8ft of water, around weed lines, docks and other areas with shallow structure. Crappies remain scattered.
 
Muskies – Muskies are responding to bucktails of many sizes and colors. The “Burn” style retrieves have seen the majority of action as of late. Fishing has been best in early morning, evening and night. Most classic weed and rock structure areas have a few fish on them.

–Mike Patterson 
Lake Vermilion Fishing Guide