8/18/24 LAKE VERMILION FISHING REPORT: The Leadcore bite is now in full force on Lake Vermilion, with lots of nice fish being caught!

EAST END WALLEYES: The Leadcore bite is absolutely fantastic in the 20-30 foot mud adjacent to the midsummer lindy rig spots. No.5 and No.7 Shad Raps and Flicker Shads are the primary baits of choice. The best crankbait colors on Vermilion include Pinks, Purples, Natural Perch, Orange, Chartreuse, and Red.  Changing crankbaits often can be key, as finding a bait that the fish haven’t seen before can result in some phenomenal success! 

For those who don’t pull leadcore, there is still some success to be had on the 18-26 foot sand and gravel bars, as well as the shallow rock piles in 6-15 feet. Drag a Lindy Rig with a crawler, leech, or minnow in the sand and gravel, or throw a slip-bobber on top of a rock pile. Be willing to adapt and move and you will catch fish without having to pull lead. 

WEST END WALLEYES: The hot Leadcore bite has not yet moved its way to the west end. However, there are some fish showing up in the 20-30 foot mud. The best bite continues to be in the early morning and late evening hours on the 18-26 foot sand and gravel bars. Lindy Rigs continue to be the most popular presentation, but don’t overlook jigging raps or a simple jig and minnow. Hitting the most opportune bite window at the beginning or end of the day can be key for landing on a great bite. 

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Bass fishing continues to be excellent! Cast Ned Rigs, Swimbaits, Creature Baits, Jerkbaits, or a slip-bobber with live bait at rocky shorelines or on top of mid-lake rock piles in 6-15 feet of water and you will catch fish!

The fall bite has begun on the most beautiful lake in the state! It’s a great time to be at Lake Vermilion!