So here you are on the biggest freshwater lake in the world. Have you thought about fishing?
You can fish Lake Superior, it’s tributaries or inland lakes and streams. Catch lake trout and a variety of salmon on the big lake, trout and salmon in streams, and walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch and brook trout from inland lakes. See fish descriptions and a few tips on catching below.
No boat? Don’t worry. Shore cast form any public lands along Lake Superior, [think public access areas and state parks]. Inland, choose one of the fishing piers noted below, or hire a charter. You can find charter fishing boats in Duluth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay and Grand Marais. Inland fishing guides are centered along the Gunflint Trail with a few near Grand Marais.
Licenses, bait, tackle and gear can be found at most gas stations and outfitters along the shore and up the Gunflint Trail. You will need a trout stamp if fishing for trout. What happens if you don’t catch any? Well, you probably had a great day outdoors, but check local grocery stores and fish markets for fresh and smoked Lake Superior fish, too!
Check out details on the specific fish below and here are the details for the Spring Creel Report on Lake Superior Tributaries
Did you know boating and fishing are threatened by the spread of aquatic invasive species? Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are organisms that are not native and cause significant harm to an ecosystem when introduced. Harmful impacts can include effects on local game fish populations and impaired swimming waters.
Follow the three steps when leaving a body of water:
For more information contact local government or visit this website.
Good luck fishing!
Grand Marais
We leave the dock in the morning and head out in search of Lake Superior’s Trout and Salmon. All ages are welcome and our USCG license allows us to take up to 6 passengers.
Captain Randy is a USCG licensed boat captain. He has been navigating the waters of the great lakes since 1984. With over 30 years of experience on inland water, Gulf of Mexico, and the great lakes. He has boated on Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, and Lake Superior. Lake Superior is our favorite, and where we stay today.
612-889-7273 | Website |
Grand Marais
Captain Gary is a USCG licensed charter boat captain with over 30 years of experience fishing out of the Grand Marais marina on Lake Superior. During May and June, we will be downrigging in deeper water for lake trout and salmon. During the months of July, August, and September the salmon action picks up and the lake trout come closer to the surface. During these months we will be using a combination of downriggers, boards, and dipsy divers.
218-370-5800 | Website |
Gunflint Trail
Christianson Guide Service provides guided fishing tours on the Gunflint Trail in Minnesota and Canada.
A normal day consists of two guests per guide boat. If one or more are children it is possible to take three guests. I have a 16-foot aluminum boat with a 25 hp Honda so weight restrictions are an issue to consider.
Walleye are the preferred catch in these parts and it is not unusual, in fact, expected, to catch fish in the 28-32 inch range. We are known for Hawg Walleyes more than we are known for limits. Catch and release of the larger Walleyes is highly encouraged and you should expect to be able to take any smaller Walleyes home to eat.
Grand Marais
Enjoy a guided fishing trip in our Classic 165 Alumacraft. Equipped with a 50HP 4-stroke and up-to-date electronics. We also supply rods & reels, bait, tackle, and life vests.
Catch and Release or take them home. We clean and package your catch upon request. If you don’t want to touch your bait or fish I’ll do that for you. I was born and raised here so I know all the good spots! My Idea of a good fishing trip: Safety First!, Catching Fish, and Good Conversation.
Sorry, we do not do expeditions on Lake Superior. Children Welcome!
Gunflint Trail
Guided fishing in and near the BWCA on mid-Gunflint Trail lakes for walleyes, smallmouth bass, bluegills, rainbow trout, splake trout, lake trout, and brook trout.
Prices include everything needed for trip except MN fishing license, lunch, drinks, and bait. Bait can be provided by guide; customer will be charged for what is used. Shore lunches can be arranged for in advance; cost is $7.00 per person (not available during fire bans). Customer will purchase own fishing license and bring own drinks.
Our mission is simple. To help anglers experience the wonderful fishing opportunities on the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Wisconsin Bois Brule River.
While we try our best to get fish to hand, our goal is to help our clients learn the tactics and techniques so when they leave us they have the knowledge to confidently fish our waters on their own.
North Shore Guide Service (NSGS) is a Minnesota fishing guide service based out of Duluth and the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Grand Marais
Take a charter fishing trip on Lake Superior and fish for trout and salmon or go inland and fish for Smallmouth bass, walleyes, northern pike or muskie or do both! I offer a morning Lake Superior Charter, the donut run, and an evening inland fishing package.
Grand Marais
Fly fishing opportunities abound near Grand Marais.
The tributaries that flow into Lake Superior and our inland lakes are some of Minnesota’s most wild and scenic settings. Our guides are experienced and accomplished in a few sport-fishing methods, including fly-fishing and spin-fishing or baitcasting. Stone Harbor also specializes in the Japanese-style fly-fishing known as Tenkara. We’ve taught clients new methods and have had them fishing in a matter of hours.
No previous experience is required. Each tour begins with outfitting and then basic instruction occurs at the lake/tributary. We cover kick boat operation, stream wading technique, and basic fly casting.
Tofte
Welcome Aboard Tofte Charters! Join us for a relaxing scenic cruise or fishing trip aboard Tofte Charters on Lake Superior.
Watch the Sawtooth Mountain range and the Superior National Forest slide slowly by as we troll along the rugged North Shore. King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead and Lake Trout inhabit the local waters and all make for fine dining after the trip.
Average 1-2 pounds, but can exceed 10 pounds
Found in shallow waters (less than 15 feet) moving to deeper waters as temperatures increase, best bite is at dawn & dusk
A “walleye chop” (waves) on the water or overcast skies usually means more active fish
TipsTry a spinner-bait, slip-bobber rig or jig head with bait (minnow, leech or nightcrawler)
average weight 1 pound; great fighting fish
found in shallow water [less than 15 feet] moving to deeper waters as temperatures increase
Tipstry a spinner-bait combo or troll with a Rapala
average 2-3 pounds, but can exceed 40 pounds
prefer cold water, so move deeper as temperatures rise
Tipsfor shorecasting, try yarn flies, tiny spinners or spoons
from a boat, try dodger fly with downriggers or planer boards
average .5 – 1 pound, elusive fish
found in pools on shaded small streams, and tributaries and small inland lakes
Tipssmall spinners, nightcrawlers or flies
check regulations concerning live bait
size varies with type of salmon
can be found on Lake Superior and it’s tributaries
Tipspinks run in odd-numbered years and are caught late summer
Coho prefer cooler water and are found in early July
Chinook run peaks in early July
Atlantics have a fall run around the first of October
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR] and US Forest Service [USFS] provide accessible fishing piers in the North Shore area. These are great areas to fish if you don’t have a boat.
Accessible fishing pier at rustic campground; fish for rainbow trout and splake
From Hwy 61 MM 60, drive north on the MN Hwy 1 for 22 miles, turn east / right on the Wanless Road for 11.9 miles
Fish for walleye, smallmouth bass and an occasional muskie from this pier. An accessible campsite is adjacent to the pier.
From Hwy 61 MM 83.2, drive north on the Sawbill Trail for 17 miles, turn west / right on the Wanless Road for 11.9 miles
Cast for walleyes and enjoy the view of the lake.
From Hwy 61 MM 83.2, drive north on the Sawbill Trail for 23 miles.
Try for walleye or northern at dawn or dusk.
From Hwy 61 MM 92.5, drive north on the Caribou Trail 6.7 miles, go west / left on the Honeymoon Trail for 2.6 miles, then right onto white Pine Access Road
Catch splake and rainbow trout off the pier.
From Hwy 61 MM 109.1, drive north on 5th Ave W for .7 miles, turn left onto the Gunflint Trail for 10 miles, thens east / right onto Trout Lake Road for 1.7 miles
Note the old railroad trestle crossing the lake; fish for rainbow and splake.
From Hwy 61 MM 90.1, drive north on 5th Ave W for .7 miles, turn left onto the Gunflint Trail for 3 miles, west / left on Devil Track Road for 5.7 miles, north / right on Ball Club Road 4.6 miles, then east / right on Trestle Pine Road for .9 miles
