Weekly Stream Conditions
Lower Shore (Lester to Knife rivers)
River conditions in the lower shore remain great despite intermittent rains over the past week. Steelhead remain in the rivers and are actively spawning. Less chrome (fresh from the lake) steelhead and more drop-back, post-spawn females were reported caught this week compared to last week. Water temperatures remained in the high-30s to mid-40s. It appears that the transition from fishing streams to fishing in Lake Superior has started, as a lot more lake (boat) anglers have been observed fishing this week, particularly from the Lester River (south) toward Duluth.
-Lake Superior Area Fisheries Creel Crew
Middle Shore (Stewart to Baptism rivers)
Angler pressure on the middle shore was low this week, probably due to wet windy conditions. Water temperatures increased significantly over the past week and almost all rivers have water temperatures in the low-50s by the afternoon hours. Recent precipitation increased water levels a bit this week and most rivers remain at moderate levels. The number of steelhead caught continues to be in the low-average range, albeit some anglers had good to great success this week. Brook Trout and suckers have also been caught over the past week.
-Joel T., MN DNR Middle Shore Creel Clerk
Upper Shore (Cross to Brule rivers)
River conditions in the upper shore have remained relatively stable during this reporting period despite some rainfall this week. River levels have remained normal and very fishable, and as of today (5/8) all rivers are falling and clearing up. River temperatures have been gradually warming and now are at or above fifty-degrees, even during mornings. Angling pressure was light this reporting period. Steelhead remain in most upper shore rivers, but fewer have been observed (particularly in smaller rivers) over the past few days. Anglers reported some chrome (fresh from the lake) steelhead in many rivers, but most fish were dark and tired from spawning over the past couple weeks. Brook Trout and suckers have also been caught over the past week.
-Phil K., MN DNR Upper Shore Creel Clerk
Station
|
Avg. Temp.
(range; °F)
|
Conditions
|
| Lester River |
48 (45-51) |
F, A, C |
| Talmadge River |
47 (44-50) |
F, A, C |
| French River |
48 (44-50) |
F, A, C |
| Sucker River |
48 (47-50) |
F, A, C |
| Knife River |
49 (49-52) |
F, A, ST |
| Stewart River |
47 (45-50) |
S, A, C |
| Silver Creek |
46 (44-50) |
S, A, ST |
| Gooseberry River |
48 (46-51) |
S, A, ST |
| Split Rock River |
48 (47-51) |
S, A, C |
| Beaver River |
47 (46-50) |
S, A-H, ST |
| Baptism River |
48 (45-50) |
S, A, C |
| Cross River |
47 (42-50) |
F, A, C |
| Temperance River |
47 (42-50) |
F, A, ST |
| Poplar River |
No angler access via Cook County Sheriff (Fire Investigation) |
F, A, ST |
| Cascade River |
46 (42-51) |
F, A, ST |
| Devil Track River |
46 (42-50) |
F, A, C |
| Kadunce River |
46 (40-52)
|
F, A, C |
| Brule River |
48 (46-53) |
F, A, ST |
Stream conditions key
River Stage: F=Falling, S=Stable, R=Rising
Water Level: L=Low, A=Average, H=High
Water Clarity: C=Clear, ST=Slightly Turbid, T=Turbid
More information on North Shore streams and stream conditions available at Minnesota Steelheader – Discover. Learn. Fish.
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