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August 1, 2024

North Shore fishing report

Lower Shore: Duluth to Two Harbors

The weather was variable for anglers last week as storms and heat made it hard to stay on the lake. However, the Lake Trout fishing picked up quite a bit with 20-24 inch fish being the norm. Anglers were fishing 50-75 feet down in around 200 feet of water. Down rigging with brightly colored spoons was the most common presentation, but a few folks did very well with flasher/fly combos and/or smelt. Anglers reported catching more Coho Salmon this week than previous weeks. Most were caught on down rigged spoons while trolling for Lake Trout near McQuade. Decent numbers of Walleye were caught on Lake Superior this week, especially close to Duluth, but there are still decent numbers of fish in the St. Louis River Estuary. Hot colored stickbaits and planar boards were the most effective tactic in the Estuary.

Upper Shore: Twin Points to Hovland

Anglers from Twin Points to Hovland reported surface water temps were 62-69 °F. Fishing for Lake Trout was excellent over the week, particularly out of Grand Marais and Hovland. Most of the fish were 4-6 pounds and scattered throughout the top 100 feet of the water column with many being caught fairly close to shore and near the surface. Brightly colored spoons and plugs were productive as well as flasher/fly combos trolled with divers or downriggers. Anglers from Silver Bay and Twin Points reported the Coho Salmon that they caught in fair numbers only a week ago disappeared and they were not caught at the stations further up the shore either. Very few Chinook Salmon were caught at any station this week, but anglers were still quite interested in them as the few caught were large fish weighing 10+ pounds. Angler pressure was light to moderate from all stations with Grand Marais experiencing the most.  

Have You Caught a Warty Walleye?

What causes it? The growths are caused by a virus that infects the skin of fish and is known as Lymphocystis. What does it look like? This disease is characterized by "warts" or tumors on the skin and/or fins of adult fish. Which fish species are affected? It has been documented throughout the world on many species of freshwater and marine fishes, but in Minnesota it is most commonly observed on adult Walleye. How is it spread? The virus spreads from fish to fish through physical contact or through the water. Lymphocystis infections are usually not fatal to fish, although very severe infections can cause damage to vital organs and possibly death. In addition, secondary bacterial or fungal infections can develop at sites of dislodged growths. Are the fish safe to eat? This disease is not known to infect humans. However, proper cooking of any freshwater fish is recommended. How can I prevent the spread? There is no practical control or treatment for this disease. Disposal of unused portions? Dispose of uneaten portions by burying or in household waste. Fish entrails should never be discarded back into the lake.

Helpful Links

• North Shore fishing techniques
• Shore fishing tips
• How to troll on Lake Superior
• Fish identification
• Lake conditions (Buoy data)
• Weather conditions (near shore marine forecast)
• Great Lakes weather (NWS) wave, wind and precipitation)
• DNR fisheries management plans and reports

Questions?

Visit us online at mndnr.gov
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Email us at Lake Superior fishing report
Give us a call at 218-302-3277
Fishing report hotline at 218-302-3293
Report suspicious activity at 800-652-9093