If you're planning to hit Lake Superior near Duluth today, here’s what you need to know:
First off, there's no tide on Lake Superior, but you should be aware of the seiches, which are oscillations in the lake caused by changes in wind or air pressure[5].
As of today, January 10, 2025, the weather is quite active. Expect west winds of 10 to 20 knots veering northwest by late morning and increasing to 15 to 25 knots by mid-afternoon. There's a chance of snow showers, and wave heights are expected to build to 3 to 6 feet, occasionally reaching up to 8 feet[2].
Sunrise is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:30 PM, so plan your fishing trip accordingly to take advantage of the dawn and dusk periods when fish are most active[1].
Yesterday's fishing was decent, with anglers catching steelhead, coho salmon, and lake trout. The fish are staging at river mouths as the North Shore rivers start to melt, making this a great pre-spawn time to fish. Smaller flies or spawn under a casting bobber worked well for targeting these fish[1].
For shore fishing, consider using smaller stonefly patterns like the Superior X-legs if the water is clear and calm. If you're looking for other options, spoons and stickbaits are also effective, especially when trolled at shallow depths[1][3].
Hot spots include areas near river mouths and break walls. Canal Park in Duluth and the stretches up the North Shore into Canada are particularly good. Make sure to fish early or late in the day to maximize your chances[1].
Given the current weather conditions, be prepared for changing wave heights and potentially icy shorelines. However, the clear waters of Lake Superior, which can be seen down to an average depth of 27 feet, offer a great opportunity for a successful fishing trip[5].
Stay safe, and good luck on the water