Labor Day week on Lake Vermilion offered up a mixed bag as the Lake Vermilion water temp has started its downward slide.  We got out yesterday and found the water temp at 56 degrees in Big Bay, two degrees lower than the day before.  So how did we do?  Well Dave caught his limit of walleyes and a few more small ones, his largest a fat 19″.  Diane had limited success, with just one nice one for the skillet.  Dave used crawlers while rigging, and Diane should have too as the minnows were fruitless.  While trolling cranks, same Rapalas so no clue why he had the hot hand. But today is a new day!

The pictures above show a day on the lake with Matt was fruitful for Doug and Larry.  John and Debbie enjoyed their time with Buck.  The early part of the week surrounding the holiday seemed to be a little tougher bite.  Just based on yesterday it looks like things should be pretty good in the coming weeks for walleyes and jumbo perch.

On the muskie front, there were mixed reports.  Some reported seeing several really nice fish on lazy follows that they were unable to trigger.  Others had unfortunate misses, a couple first fish under the 40″ mark, yet others found them to be elusive.   Some northerns were caught as well.

We heard about a 20″ smallie for Jason Anderson, an 18.5″ smallie for Rick McKee and a 3.5 pound smallie for Doug Schmelter.  Dan Schmelter caught and released a nice 23.5″ walleye.

What’s in store for the rest of the month?  Several returning guests are here this week with more arriving in the next couple weeks.  We had a cancellation in the big house and have a couple smaller cabin options coming up, including this week & weekend.  At this time of the season, don’t just rely on the availability screen.  We may have something that we can downsize to get a smaller party up here.  Give us a shout and we can see if something will work for you.  Plans for next season are being made.  If you are one who missed “your cabin, your week” this year, let’s make sure is doesn’t happen in 2020.

Stop wishing…come fishing!