Jason Freed from Leisure Outdoor Adventures gives us his latest Lake Vermilion fishing report on June 17th, 2024
Lake Vermillion Fishing Report: 6-17-24
The fishing on Lake Vermillion has been great the past few week. The bass and walleye fishing has been fantastic. Anglers are having success all around the lake.
Walleyes:
Water temperatures are in the upper sixties and the walleye bite has been picking up. Anglers are finding walleyes on the rock piles and structures on the East side of the lake. Fish are going to be on top of structure on sunnier days and lower down on the slopes when it is cloudier. Jigging or casting for these fish has been the best. Finding rock piles in that six to twelve feet of water.
On the West side of Lake Vermilion anglers are catching some walleyes on rocks but they can also be found on weed lines and sand/mud transitions. Focus on depths between fifteen and twenty-two feet of water. Remember to utilize your graphs and sides-can to mark these edges, and work them efficiently so that you can catch fish.
Tactics:
Slip Bobbers: A slip bobber and leech is always going strong on Lake Vermilion, especially along the weed lines. On windy days upsize the weight of your jig head to help hold the rig in place.
Jig and Crawler: Jig with half of a nightcrawler has been fishing well. We’ve had the best success using this when fishing rock piles. 1/16th ounce jig in gold or pink have been the best.
Swim-baits: Anglers can cast swimbaits using a 3-4″ paddle tails in white or pink color. This has been much more effective on the East side of the lake. It has worked both in the weeds and on the rock reefs.
Lindy Rig: Drifting or trolling Lindy rigs with a crawler or leech on those hard to soft bottom transitions has been been very good as well.
Lake Vermilion Bass:
The fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass has been very good. Anglers can throw tubes and ned rigs for smallmouth. Smallmouth bass have started to move off their beds and can be found in eight feet of water or less. Green pumpkin, rusty orange, and black are all great soft plastic colors to throw right now.
Look for smallies primarily on big rock and boulders. Rocky points and shorelines near spawning areas have also been good. Anglers can expect those fish to start hitting topwater baits as the bugs begin to hatch.
The west side of Lake Vermilion is starting to get good for largemouth bass. Anglers are starting to see them in the lily pads as those come up. Look for those back shallow water bays that have good weed growth. As the weeds continue to get thicker we should have a super exciting topwater bite in a few weeks. Right now anglers can catch bass on jigs, plastics, and some topwater baits.
Other Species on Lake Vermillion
Muskies: Lake Vermilion muskie bite has been going strong and we are seeing a number of muskies caught. Anglers can also expect to run into a few nice pike as well. Blades and big rubber baits are moving most fish.
Panfish: Crappies and bluegill are biting all over on Lake Vermilion. Look for emerging cabbage in the shallow bays.Hair jigs, mini-swim baits, and live bait is all working well.
