Lake Vermilion fishing report.

Hi all,After a very tough bite before the holiday weekend the walleye action has started to improve. Unstable weather ismaking it almost impossible to find a consistent patern however, flexibility is the secret to finding fish when no one else is.We are in the mist of our annual early July bug hatches which means if you can locate the walleyes they will be active and ready to eat. I started the week on crankbaits trying to locate some active walleyes. I was able to cover a lot of water and eliminate the unproductive areas. After locating some hungry walleyes I changed my presentation to abottom bouncer with a spinner crawler combination. It was the right thing to do as I have been absolutely pounding the walleyes since last Thursday.

The locations have been large soft bottom flats in the main lake. The key for ths location is the bugs that are getting ready to hatch. The walleyes are feeding heavily on the emerging bug larva and they are very agressive while they are feeding. My rig consisted of a medium light 7ft bait casting rod with 8 or 10lb test mono. Rigged with a 2oz bottom bouncer and a 3ft snell of 8lb mono. My spinners have been #5 coloradoblades in either orange or chartruce.

I have had some success with jumbo leeches however, crawlers have been by far, the top producer for me this week.I use my bow mount to pull these rigs at 2 mph for the best results. Speed has been a very important trigger for the walleyes feeding on the hatch. IF I try to slow it down, the bite slows down, If I speed up to much they seem to disapear.Watch for the hatch on your electronics has you drive over the flats. They will appear as large clouds just above the bottom.

The smallmouth bass action is HOT all over the Big V. Most of the fish are males defending the nest, so they have been very aggressive. Cranks, plastics and spinnerbaits, have all been very effective for me this week. Shorelines with broken rock, docks, gravel and themainlake island points are key areas to fish. Saddle areas beween islands have been exceptional for me this week. They can offer some of the best fishing you will ever experence this time of year.Have a great week everybody and please remember to put some back.