Week #14: August 10-17, 2026

Week #14 8/10-8/17, 2026

Water temps: 70-74

Another solid of week of fishing on the Big V! Stable weather, before Saturday, allowed us to dial in a very solid and consistent bite! Pulling cranks has been our pattern and we are sticking to it.

This week our best action was in 20-26’ over mud but close to structure. It seemed like being close to some form of structure provided us with nicer fish and more action.

We are using minnow style crank baits in all colors. The hot color seems to change daily but once you figure out a few colors they like it’s been great action! I am getting 6’ of depth for each color of lead core on my set ups when pulling them at 2-2.5 mph.

I have been moving around a lot lately. Each area has been producing better on different days. I haven’t really done much moving around in previous years when pulling lead but this year I am really focusing on switching basins when the bite is slow. It’s paying off big time!! Sometimes we are in spots 4 or 5 before we really get some quality action! The average size of our keepers is well over 14” right now as Vermilion is producing some of the best quality I’ve seen in years.

Short report this week! Moving a lot and changing baits if the bite is slow has been the biggest keys to having success this August. We are using all #5 sized baits and they are still producing so no need to change up to bigger or smaller.

I still have a few days next week left for some half days of fishing as well as a bunch of openings in September and October for that great fall bite I always talk about! We are hoping for a cold fall to really get the fish fired up which we haven’t had in a few years! Walleyes and Muskies are on tap for the rest of the season!

Don’t forget about our night time Muskie trips with guide Noah! Fall is coming and that’s when the best action of the entire year is! I will be running Muskie trips through mid October as well so if you prefer day time action let me know!

To book a trip, call or text anytime (218) 404-9200 or book directly online at fishingwithz.com!

As always, tight lines!
Captain Z