Lower Shore: Duluth to Two Harbors
Surface water temps were 60-65 °F near Duluth, 55-60 °F near Knife River, and 45-50 °F near Two Harbors this week. Construction continues on Highway 61, at the McQuade intersection, and on Lighthouse Point Road in Two Harbors. Anglers reported a steady bite for 18-30 inch Lake Trout, 16-21 inch Cohos, and a few 20-24 inch Chinooks from all access sites. Anglers near Duluth found success trolling spoons, flasher flies, and stick baits down 20-50 feet, in 70-120 feet of water. Further north, anglers found success trolling the same presentations but in 150-250 feet of water and jigging around deep structure. Anglers also reported catching decent numbers of 18-24 inch Walleye and the occasional larger one near Duluth. Fishing effort was low on the St. Louis River Estuary, with no reports received this week.
Upper Shore: Twin Points to Hovland
Surface water temps were variable this week, ranging from the low 40’s to the mid 50’s. Water temps were cooler and more variable near shore and warmer and more consistent further offshore. Silver Bay and Grand Marais anglers travelled several miles offshore to find warm water and found some large Lake Trout weighing up to 20 pounds, although not in large numbers. Most were fishing 10-75 feet down using brightly colored spoons and flasher fly combos. Larger lures produced larger Lake Trout for some anglers. The fishing in near shore waters was less consistent than further offshore, and Lake Trout were scattered. Fair numbers of 18-20 inch Coho Salmon, weighing around 2 pounds, were reported from all stations. Anglers were most successful trolling spoons and flasher fly combos close to the surface using planer boards, lead flatlines, and shallow downriggers.
Management Update: Releasing Your Catch
Many anglers choose practice catch-and-release rather than keeping their catch. This allows fish to continue growing and gives other anglers a chance to potentially catch them. If you decide to release your fish, follow these tips and consider your bait's depth to help ensure fish keep swimming after release.
- Wet your hands before handling the fish.
- Keep it out of the water for a short period of time.
- Unhook it, snap a quick photo, and let it go.
- If you hold the fish by its mouth, you should also support it horizontally underneath its body.
- Avoid touching its gills when handling.
- Have pliers or forceps ready to get a tough hook out quickly and gently.
- Release the fish gently back into the water, don’t toss it.
Learn more about proper fish handling techniques here!
Helpful Links
 Questions?
Email us at Lake Superior fishing report
Give us a call at 218-302-3277
Report suspicious activity at 800-652-9093
Visit us online at mndnr.gov
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