The smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Vermilion this season is nothing short of world-class. These hard-fighting fish are abundant and aggressive.
**Current Conditions**
Water temperature is 65F and the smallmouths are in their prime summer feeding pattern. They are relating to rock structure and gravel bottoms throughout the lake.
**Hot Spots**
– Pike Bay Island: Rock reefs holding quality smallmouths
– Greenwood Island: Deep rock piles producing trophy fish
– Armstrong Bay: Shallow gravel flats for topwater action
**Bass Tactics**
Topwater lures early and late in the day are producing spectacular strikes. During midday, drop-shot rigs with crawfish imitation plastics are deadly. The fight these fish put up is incredible!