Ely / North Shore Launcheson Lake Vermilion
Predatory species embracing fall feeding patterns
- 01Predatory species embracing fall feeding patterns.
- 02Cooler water temperatures mean fish are keying into sluggish baitfish and leeches.
- 03Chironomids and Mysis shrimp are staple forage in deeper sections.
- 04Focus on known walleye haunts like the mouth of Everett Bay and around Raspberry, Strawberry, and Comet Islands.
- 05For muskie and pike, explore weed lines and transition areas in Pike Bay and Big Bay.
What to tie on at Ely / North Shore Launches
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Conehead Sculpin
Sculpins are a year-round food source near rocky bottoms, and this pattern is particularly effective for walleye, pike, and bass in the fall.
Buy at AmazonPink Squirrel
A legendary Upper Midwest pattern; the pink hot spot and flashy body are highly visible under thick ice and effective for enticing winter walleye and perch.
Buy at AmazonPerch Pattern
Mimics yellow perch, a common forage fish for walleye, pike, muskellunge, burbot, whitefish, and larger panfish in the fall.
Mysis Shrimp
Mysis shrimp are a consistent and important food source year-round in deep lakes, attracting whitefish, crappie, burbot, and even opportunistic walleye in the fall.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are the most active winter insect. A black or red Zebra Midge mimics chironomid larvae which are a staple for perch and bluegill in the winter.
Buy at AmazonScud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) remain active in weed beds throughout the winter. Bright pink or orange versions provide a necessary trigger in low-light conditions.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer mimicking leeches and baitfish, effective for nearly all predatory species in Lake Vermilion during summer.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
Strip this slowly along weed lines and submerged vegetation to imitate active damselfly nymphs, a key food source for panfish, bass, and opportunistic walleye in summer.
Clouser Minnow (Chartreuse/White)
An excellent baitfish imitation for aggressive walleye, musky, pike, and bass keying in on juvenile forage fish during summer.
Minnesota season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.