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Lower Shore: Duluth to Two Harbors
Surface water temps were 37-39 °F on most of the Lower Shore with warmer stained water in the low 50’s reported closer to Duluth. Fishing conditions were generally good, with a couple evenings getting a little windy and bumpy for anglers in smaller boats. Anglers who caught Lake Trout typically found success trolling colorful pink or silver spoons or jigging, in 75-125 feet of water. Often, fishing near the edge of the stained water line can be productive at this time of the year. Coho Salmon were not uncommon with the only real trend being they were caught closer to the surface while trolling for Lakers. Anglers who fished further north near Two Harbors and Knife River reported marking a lot of fish on sonar but catching only a few of them. The Walleye bite on the St. Louis River Estuary was good over the week with many boats limiting out trolling colorful stick baits.
Upper Shore: Twin Points to Hovland
Surface water temps were 34-36 °F along the Middle and Upper Shore. While weather conditions were pretty good during this period, most boaters contacted were running their motors and checking gear in preparation for the season. Anglers interviewed at Grand Marais reported fair fishing for 20-24 inch Lake Trout using brightly colored spoons and downriggers. Fish were in deep water from 100-200 feet and generally holding close to the bottom. Shore anglers reported slow fishing, which is normal during the early season while water temps remain cold. River anglers reported some Steelhead remain in rivers with the Devil Track seeming to hold the most. With warmer weather coming, Steelhead will likely not be in the rivers much longer.
Management Update: Lake Trout Declared Recovered!
Lake Trout fishing has been very good in recent years, with the highest catch rates on record observed in 2024! Lake Trout populations have been doing so well, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s Lake Superior Committee recently declared Lake Trout rehabilitated to pre-1940 levels. All indicators point towards healthy Lake Trout populations into the future despite above-target Sea Lamprey abundance the past few years. The outlook for another awesome summer of fishing on Lake Superior is great!
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 Questions?
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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
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