Early Fall Walleye Fishing Video: Al Lindner and Billy Rosner spend the day on Lake Vermilion, one of the most scenic lakes in the United States to catch walleyes. Here the walleye action is so good, you can catch fish using your presentation of choice everywhere on the lake all season long.
Fall Fishing Magic on Lake Vermilion: A Northern Minnesota Gem
A Legendary Lake with Legendary Fishing
There’s something special about stepping onto a boat in the early hours on Lake Vermilion, northern Minnesota’s multi-species powerhouse. As the sun breaks over the water, longtime fishing buddies share banter and anticipation, and the sound of the first fish hitting the net signals the beginning of another unforgettable day on one of the Midwest’s most productive waters.
Fishing veteran and guide Billy Rosner, who has spent over 20 years mastering these waters, joined up with a longtime friend to explore what Vermilion has to offer during a chilly early fall frontal passage. With dropping water temperatures and consistent northwest winds howling through the area for three days, conditions were ideal for classic autumn walleye fishing. 
Jigging Raps and Eater-Class Gold
The initial catches were modest but promising: perfect eaters, the kind of healthy walleyes that make up Vermilion’s reliable “table fare” class. These fish are a testament to a robust and well-managed fishery. Since implementing a protected slot limit—where anglers can keep four walleyes under 20 inches and must release all fish between 20 and 26 inches—Vermilion has seen a notable improvement in the health and sustainability of its walleye population.
Billy emphasizes the collective effort behind this success. “You’ve got the DNR out of Tower, the Lake Vermilion Tourism Association, lake associations, guides like myself, and private lake owners all working together. It’s why this fishery is so special.”
A key tool in the day’s success? The original Rapala Jigging Rap. “It’s a really, really good jigging rap lake,” Billy says. And as the anglers show, these versatile lures excel in Vermilion’s clear waters. From bouncing on the bottom to darting through mid-depths, jigging raps consistently trigger bites from active fish.
Multi-Species Opportunities and Techniques Galore
Lake Vermilion offers far more than just walleye action. Billy explains that the lake is a year-round multi-species paradise. “Largemouth, smallmouth, pike, musky, big crappies, big bluegills—you name it, Vermilion’s got it.”
The versatility doesn’t stop at the species list. Anglers can catch fish here using nearly every method in the book. Whether it’s corking, Lindy rigging, trolling leadcore or planer boards, or vertical jigging with plastics or hard baits, Vermilion accommodates all styles.
Today’s bread and butter? Jigging raps, fished with either monofilament or braided line depending on the conditions. One story stood out as a perfect example of the importance of line choice: while filming a show earlier in the season, Billy’s son Troy outfished him eight to zero on the same lure. The difference? Troy used braid. Once Billy switched, he was right back in the game.
“These baits are still relatively new in terms of open-water applications,” he reflects. “We’re still learning all their nuances.”
Boat Control, Trolling Paths, and Finding Fish
Fall fishing on Vermilion also means dialing in your boat control. With the wind pushing hard into key cuts and breaks, the ability to maintain precise positioning is crucial. Al handled the trolling motor, using spot lock and tracking different paths to pick apart areas filled with scattered fish.
“I keep changing my angles and zig-zagging across semi-basins,” he explains. “It’s how you find those nudges of active fish.”
As the team works a mix of breaklines, deep humps, and basin transitions, the result is consistent action with quality fish, even if the giants haven’t shown up yet.
More Than Just the Fishing
Beyond the rods and reels, Vermilion is a full-package experience. With dozens of resorts catering to all budgets, excellent restaurants, and all the amenities an outdoorsperson could hope for, it’s as much a place to relax and recharge as it is to chase fish.
“If you don’t want to clean fish at the end of the day, no worries,” says Billy. “Plenty of great places to eat nearby.”
And for first-time visitors overwhelmed by the lake’s vast 40,000-acre footprint, there’s help. “Hire a guide,” Billy advises. “The resorts can connect you with someone who knows the water and will help get you on fish right away.”
Dialing in Locations: Rocks, Humps & Transitions
Once you’re comfortable running Vermilion’s maze of reefs and humps, the next step is pinpointing where walleyes actually hold. Because the lake is cut from Canadian Shield granite, almost every high-spot is rock-laden on top, then tapers to softer sand or mud. Spend time with your electronics to locate that hard-to-soft transition; more often than not, that sharp edge is where fish stack up.
Pro tip: If you’re losing jigging raps every few minutes, you’re probably too shallow on the crown. Slide off the peak until the bottom softens, then work the fringe vertically—your lure (and wallet) will thank you.
Vertical or Cast? Let the Fish Decide
On this trip the strongest pattern was an almost straight-down presentation: spot-lock, pound the lure off bottom, pause, and repeat until the rod loads up. Many days a long cast away from the boat will out-produce, especially when you can see fish on forward-facing sonar and swim the bait through them. Keep both options in your toolbox and adjust on the fly.
Reading the Fall Calendar
With surface temperatures hovering around 60 °F and shoreline maples barely half-turned, the lake was running a full two weeks “behind schedule.” That meant eaters were easy, but the true bruisers were roaming suspended over basin flats—prime targets for anglers pulling lead-core but trickier for structure fishermen. As water cools into the low-50s the annual turnover stabilizes, baitfish push shallower, and the big walleyes migrate from open water onto rocky breaks where vertical tactics shine.
Rod, Reel & Line: A Proven Jigging-Rap Setup
- Rod: St. Croix Icon Walleye Series 7’ 1” medium power, moderate-fast action (shorter 6’ 6” and 6’ 8” models cover every jigging style).
- Reel: Daiwa Fuego 2500-size spinning.
- Main line: 8 lb Sufix Advance Monofilament for a bit of shock absorption.
- Leader: 8 lb Sufix Fluorocarbon tied direct to the lure.
The mix of medium mono stretch with a low-visibility fluoro leader delivers solid hook-ups yet cushions violent headshakes—critical when you’re horsing fish on a no-give ice jig.
When the Giants Play Hard to Get
Even the best game plan can be humbled by conditions. While lead-core trollers out over 30 ft basins were scratching out a couple trophy-class fish each day, our structure program produced numbers but no giants—proof that fall walleyes are constantly on the move during turnover. Patience (and flexibility) pays: revisit productive humps after the chill sets in, or switch tactics and chase those open-water marks with crankbaits until temperatures drop.
See You on the Water
From meticulous electronics work on rocky humps to selecting the perfect Jigging Rap rod, a fall trip to Lake Vermilion is equal parts strategy and soul food. Embrace the season’s shifting patterns, stay adaptable, and, above all, enjoy the experience this remarkable fishery offers.
Fishing with Deep Water Baits
During the fishing trip, the anglers were using deep water baits to target walleye. They found success by using a Rapala Jigging Shadow Rap, which provided a different kind of action compared to other baits. One angler noticed that his fishing partner was using braided line while he was using mono. After switching to braided line, he immediately started catching more fish. This experience highlighted the importance of using the right equipment for the specific bait and fishing style.
Learning from the Experience
The anglers were fishing in depths ranging from 22 to 30 feet, targeting walleye on Lake Vermilion. They noticed that the fish were spread out and not concentrated in one area. They had to cover a lot of ground and try different spots to find the fish. This experience taught them the importance of being adaptable and willing to try different techniques and locations to find success.
Vertical Fishing and Pounding the Bottom
One technique that proved successful during the trip was vertical fishing and pounding the bottom. By using a jigging rap and bouncing it off the bottom, the anglers were able to entice the walleye to bite. They found that this technique worked best when fishing vertically, directly below the boat. It was important to maintain contact with the bottom and create a jigging motion to attract the fish.
The Importance of Guides and Resorts
Lake Vermilion is a large and intimidating lake, spanning almost 40,000 acres. For first-time visitors, it can be overwhelming to navigate and find the best fishing spots. The anglers recommended hiring a guide or seeking assistance from local resorts to make the most of their fishing trip. Guides and resorts have valuable knowledge about the lake, including the best fishing spots, bait recommendations, and seasonal patterns. They can help anglers have a more enjoyable and successful fishing experience.
Understanding the Lake’s Structure
Lake Vermilion is known for its rocky structure, with many humps and high spots throughout the lake. The anglers emphasized the importance of using electronics to locate the transition areas between rocky and softer bottoms. These transition areas are often prime fishing spots, as walleye tend to congregate there. By understanding the lake’s structure and finding these key areas, anglers can increase their chances of catching walleye.
Early fall walleye fishing on Lake Vermilion can be a rewarding and exciting experience. From using deep water baits to understanding the lake’s structure, there are many factors to consider when targeting walleye. The anglers in the transcript shared their experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of adaptability, using the right equipment, and seeking guidance from guides and resorts. They also touched on the mystery of fishing and the role of faith in navigating life’s uncertainties. So, if you’re planning a fishing trip to Lake Vermilion, take these lessons to heart and enjoy the adventure.
