Week #18 September 9-15, 2025

Water temp: 60-64

What a crazy weather week this week!! A cool start to the week gave us a glimpse of what this fall bite had to offer and it was lights out good! A warm ending to the week has the fish confused it seems and the bite is much tougher right now. The fish are there, they are just tough to get to bite unless it’s the first or last hour of the day!

The best bites this week were lead core, jigging, and some jigging rap fish! There are still some fish to be caught trolling in deep basins but it’s very hit or miss for me and I’ve basically phased it completely out of the techniques in focusing on. With this warm up, I could see the trolling bite picking back up again like it did last September.

My main focus has been jigging with minnows. We have been anywhere from 6’ down to 36’ with this warm up and everywhere in between! The typical fall spots, deep holes off of structure, are holding some fish and they are willing to bite most days. Catching 1-2 fish per spot has been the theme for the last few days. Don’t be afraid to make some long casts and catch them out away from the boat either!

Once the warm weather hit, it’s been very hit or miss for us. Finding fish is easy, but catching them not so much. Downsizing and capitalizing on those low light periods are key. You will want to make sure you land the fish that bite because it’s been about an hour window where they are willing to bite. I have been getting a few fish here and there on jigging raps too. That bite was much better when it was cooler as well. It looks like fall weather is setting in for good later this week and then it’s only up from here!

September is full, October is slowly booking up, and ice houses are well on their way to being full for weekends for the year! Something new for this fall, starting October 6 through October 20, I will be offering some Muskie trips! These will be very limited spots as I’m getting a feel for how I want to do these trips in 2026! Late fall is the absolute best time to catch a muskie on Vermilion! Feel free to call or text (218) 404-9200 with any questions or if you want to book a trip!

As always, tight lines!

Z

Zach Hrvol

Fishing with Z Guide Service

(218) 404-9200

zhrvoloutdoors@gmail.com