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Posts: 1237
Location: South Portsmouth, KY | Hey guys i was up on east side of vermilion last year and loved it. I love fishin the rock structure. I was wonderin if the west side has a comparable amount of rock islands and reefs and big water as the east side does? I have also heard of more weeds on the west as well. Thanks
Edited by muskie_man 5/6/2010 4:33 PM
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Posts: 313
Location: Bemidji, Lake Vermilion | Comparably, the East overall is larger and has more rock, not to say that the West doesn't have plenty of rock, the whole lake has plenty of rock. The West definitely has more weeds, no doubt about it. Whats really nice on the West end is that there are way more "combo" spots that feature both rocks and weeds together or in very close proximity to really stack up fish. I have a family connection on the very far West end, so I am somewhat biased, but I'd still choose the West end any day for overall diversity of habitat. There is no shortage of fish or lack of size, there are true behemoths there in as high or higher density than the East has. |
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Posts: 32
Location: Tower, Lake Vermilion | Well Brian, as much as I respect your opinion I just can't totally agree with all that you said. The DNR's Muskie assesments just don't back up what you are saying.
There are good numbers of large fish on the west end that is true however numbers on the east side are much higher. Both ends have things that the other doesn't have and they can be very different at times as to the way you fish them.
I don't think either side is always better than the other, however at times one end can be better than the other. I fish both ends regularly and I love the west end early in the summer. The clearer water allows the weeds to grow a bit faster than on the east end. Once we get into the summer peak I much preferr the deeper mainlake structures on the east end. When it comes to main basin structure there is no comparison beween the two sides, the east end wins hands down.
I think it just depends on what you like to fish. If you are a weed guy, the west end is for you I guess. If you like to fish islands, saddles, reefs and deeper mainlake structure, the east end is more your cup of tea. But hey that only my opinion.
"Ace"
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| I have been fishing Big V for many years and when I first started I always fished the west end. As the years went on I fished a lot more on the east end. Without knowing any of the DNR data I would have to agree that the muskie population is better on the east end.
So, if you just want to catch a muskie, period, then the east end is probably your best shot. However, if you just want to catch a 50 incher then your chances on the west end are every bit as good if not better. Actually, your chances of catching a 50 incher on the west end are arguably better since they represent a larger percentage of the total population.
In total over the years I estimate that I have spent equal time on both the east and west end. My biggest muskie from Big V, a 53.5 came from the west end and I've seen some true monsters on that end of the lake. The biggest fish I've ever seen in my life (I estimate it was about 57 inches) was also on the west end.
But I guess that's what makes Big V so great. There are plenty of true monsters on BOTH sides so you really can't go wrong. It''s a beautiful lake and it can also truly humble you at many times, and if it didn't have that quality I guess it wouldn't be muskie fishing. |
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| Stay in the middle and be mobile. Once you get there or just prior to your trip see where the best bite is and base your decision on where to fish on that. Ace is right, things change, both sides offer something different. Personally, my two favorite sections on the lake are the area just west of wakemup narrows and the far east end east of ely island. so in order to fish both these areas on a trip, its makes sense to stay in between. I try to stay around Frazier Bay or Hindale Island, although there aren't as many lodging options. Good luck. |
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Posts: 427
Location: Wausau | 1. Hire a guide and then hire a guide again. I have been fishing Big V going on seven years and I bid on a guide-trip for Operation Musky. One can always learn more and different ways.
2. IMO - East end has more simplistic structure. Meaning one can drop the trolling motor and start fishing around most buoys or island and see fish. However, if you don't take the time or don't have the experience "marking" locations, you are giving yourself less opportunity to catch those fish b/c of casting angle, late contact, shock value boat-side slash, etc.
3. One should not overlook the northern/southern East end and/or the middle section
I think the East end receives more pressure b/c of it's more easily identified locations. Even if it was your first time out and you heard, "hit the East end", as you drive out you may see two dozen other boats fishing similar structure. When you turn to your partner and ask, "where to next" - just hop on the merry-go-round...no pun intended  |
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Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | agrimm - 5/7/2010 7:14 AM
1. Hire a guide and then hire a guide again. I have been fishing Big V going on seven years and I bid on a guide-trip for Operation Musky. One can always learn more and different ways.
2. IMO - East end has more simplistic structure. Meaning one can drop the trolling motor and start fishing around most buoys or island and see fish. However, if you don't take the time or don't have the experience "marking" locations, you are giving yourself less opportunity to catch those fish b/c of casting angle, late contact, shock value boat-side slash, etc.
3. One should not overlook the northern/southern East end and/or the middle section
I think the East end receives more pressure b/c of it's more easily identified locations. Even if it was your first time out and you heard, "hit the East end", as you drive out you may see two dozen other boats fishing similar structure. When you turn to your partner and ask, "where to next" - just hop on the merry-go-round...no pun intended :)
Great advice right there. Andy knows a thing or two (or 55 actually) about that puddle.
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