As of December 1, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene in the Duluth area of Lake Superior:

Today, the lake trout season opens, and anglers are eager to get back out on the water. The weather is expected to be chilly, with temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s, and a light breeze out of the northwest. Sunrise is at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 4:20 PM.

Tides are not a significant factor on Lake Superior, but water temperatures are crucial. Currently, the water is in the low 40s, which is ideal for targeting trout and salmon.

Yesterday, anglers had success catching lake trout, coho salmon, and even a few king salmon. The best method for catching these species has been using flasher fly combos, especially in the clearer waters north of Duluth. For walleyes, focus on the stained water coming out of the St. Louis River, where stick baits and crankbaits have been effective.

Inland lakes around Duluth are also producing well. Walleyes are being caught on reefs and sunken islands using Northland Puppet Minnows in gold and wonderbread colors. Bass and northern pike are active along weed lines, where spinnerbaits and chatterbaits are working well.

For panfish, bluegills are spawning in shallower vegetation, and crappies are being caught off weedlines in 8-12 feet of water using crappie minnows and small plastics.

Hot spots include the areas around the St. Louis River mouth for walleyes and the deeper waters north of Duluth for trout and salmon. The Apostle Islands are also a good target, especially for brown trout and splake as the water cools.

Best lures and bait include flasher fly combos for salmon and trout, Northland Rumble Shad in perch, gold, and silver colors for walleyes, and crappie minnows for panfish. For walleyes in the St. Louis Estuary, slow trolling with crankbaits and spinners at 0.8 to 1 mph has been productive.

Get out there and enjoy the opening day of lake trout season