Artificial Lure here with your April 30th Lake Superior Duluth fishing report. Sunrise hit at 5:56 AM today and we’re looking at sunset around 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for casting lines. Weather’s brisk but promising, with highs near 9°C (48°F) and lows dipping just below freezing, so dress in layers if you’re heading out on the water or hitting the shoreline. There’s little to no tidal influence on Lake Superior, so you can focus on wind and weather more than tides.

Fishing action is heating up with near-shore trolling picking up steam. Local anglers trolling out from Duluth, as well as over by Washburn and Bayfield, are hauling in solid numbers of lake trout and coho salmon. Browns are making a decent showing too, especially for those who know where to find them. One lucky angler recently landed a 25-inch Seeforellen brown while wading the Duluth shoreline, proof that these trophy fish are lurking close in spring. Chrome Seeforellens are also showing up along the MN shore, and they’ll hit flies, spoons, and plugs.

Streams feeding into the Big Lake—like Lester River and Sucker River—are opening up, and river mouths are hot spots early in the morning. There’s good steelhead action, with fish stacking up as the spring melt opens the lower shore streams. Grab your gear and check out those river mouths, especially at first light.

Best bets for lures right now are bright spoons, stickbaits, and smaller crankbaits in natural colors or anything with a bit of flash. Shore anglers are having luck casting Little Cleos and Kastmasters, while trollers are scoring on shallow-running Rapalas and dodger-fly combos. For steelhead and browns in the rivers, drift spawn sacs or swing egg patterns and nymphs if you’re fly fishing.

If you’re after numbers, stick to the classic hot spots: Canal Park shoreline, the mouth of the Lester River, Brighton Beach, and anywhere you can reach the edge of deeper water from shore. For boats, try trolling parallel to shore between the Aerial Lift Bridge and McQuade Safe Harbor.

To sum it up: lake trout and coho are biting in good numbers for trollers, browns and steelhead are active along the shoreline and in rivers, and conditions are ripe for a productive day if you’re willing to brave the spring chill. Don’t forget to pack your gloves and enjoy one of the best times to fish the North Shore.

Tight lines and see you out there!

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure reporting in with your Lake Superior Duluth fishing report for Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The near-shore trolling bite is off to a booming start, and folks around Duluth are making the most of these mid-spring conditions.

Sunrise this morning was just before 6 AM, with sunset coming up around 8:10 PM. The big lake is chilly with daytime highs near 48 degrees Fahrenheit (about 9°C), dropping down to the upper 20s at night. Winds have stayed moderate, making for decent boating and shoreline casting conditions. No tides to worry about on the Great Lakes, so you can focus on weather and water clarity instead.

Out on the water, the bite has been strong for coho salmon, with browns also showing up closer to shore. Trollers out of Washburn, Bayfield, and up the North Shore near Duluth are reporting plenty of healthy fish. Early risers trolling stickbaits and spoons in the top 20 feet have been landing solid numbers, with silver, blue, and chartreuse patterns taking the lead lately. Some folks switching it up with smaller crankbaits have seen success when the salmon are finicky[1][3].

Along the streams, steelhead are running, and anglers on rivers like the Lester and Knife are finding good fish, especially early in the morning. Spawn bags and brightly colored yarn flies are the ticket for these spring-run fish. There are also reports of smelt inshore, attracting larger trout and salmon close to river mouths[5].

For those looking to target browns, try casting spoons or plugs right at dawn or dusk when fish are prowling the shallows. You never know when one of those Seeforellen browns might surprise you—recently a 25-incher was landed right from shore near Duluth[5].

Best hotspots today are the mouth of the Lester River and the harbor edges near the Aerial Lift Bridge. Trolling outside of Agate Bay near Two Harbors is also turning up salmon and the occasional lake trout. Boat anglers should keep an eye out for temperature breaks and focus efforts along the first drop-off.

Live bait is still hard to beat for big browns and occasional walleye—try a big shiner or sucker minnow beneath a slip bobber. For lure anglers, silver and blue spoons are top picks, with size 7 to 9 stickbaits in clown or fire tiger colors getting lots of attention from salmon and browns.

To sum up, it’s shaping up to be an excellent week around Duluth, with plenty of action for both trollers and stream anglers. Dress warm, get out just after first light, and good luck chasing those spring salmonids.

Tight lines from Artificial Lure!

This is Artificial Lure with your local Lake Superior Duluth fishing report for April 21, 2025.

Starting the day off, sunrise in Duluth is around 6:13 AM and sunset is about 8:08 PM. Weather is cool and clear, with highs near 9 degrees Celsius and lows dipping close to the freezing mark overnight. It’s a jacket morning, but the winds are down and the lake looks inviting.

On the water, near-shore trolling action is outstanding right now, especially out of Duluth and up the North Shore. Anglers are reporting great catches of lake trout, coho and chinook salmon, and even some chunky walleyes in the mix. The word from local guides is that the continuing cisco boom has filled the lake with prey, so the trout and salmon are coming in fat and abundant. Recent catches have included lake trout averaging 3 to 8 pounds with some bigger fish pushing up over 10, and cohos running mostly 2 to 5 pounds but with some larger specimens in the mix. Steelhead are sliding into the streams and there’s chatter about some prime chrome fish showing up, especially after this last push of melting ice.

As far as hot spots go, the Lester and Knife River mouths are worth a cast for chrome steelhead right now, with streamer flies or spawn sacks both producing. Further out on the lake, try trolling just outside the shipping canal breakwall or up toward McQuade Safe Harbor—both have been giving up numbers of trout and cohos. If you’re looking to fill a cooler, focus on 20 to 60 feet of water just off structure.

With water still cold and baitfish abundant, flashy spoons in silver-blue or green, jointed Rapalas, and trolling flies behind dodgers are all working well. For steelhead and brown trout pushing up the streams, spawn bags, pink worms, and dark-colored streamers are the old reliables. Cisco-patterned lures are a smart bet given what everyone’s feeding on. Early in the day, natural tones work well, but don’t be afraid to switch to brighter patterns as the sun climbs.

No tidal report for Lake Superior, as she’s a freshwater inland sea, but watch for subtle wind-driven current changes along the shore. Overall, fish activity is high, and with the recent trout and salmon numbers, it’s a good time to be on the water.

That’s today’s boots-on-the-ground report from Duluth. Good luck, keep your lines tight, and see you on the water.

Good morning from Duluth, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Superior fishing report for April 20, 2025.

Weather today is shaping up cool with daytime highs around 9 Celsius or 48 Fahrenheit, dipping to about minus 2 overnight. That means you will want to dress in layers, especially if you are getting out before dawn or staying out past sunset. Sunrise this morning was right around 6:13 AM and sunset will be at approximately 8:06 PM, giving you a good long fishing window out on the water[2].

The harbor and nearshore surface waters are just starting to warm, pushing into the low to mid-40s Fahrenheit. That temperature is keeping the bite active, particularly for brown trout. Browns in the 20 to 22 inch range are being caught steadily, with a handful of reports of fish over 28 inches showing up for lucky anglers. Splake are in the mix, though in fewer numbers this week[1].

Stream mouths and river flows into the big lake, like those at the Lester and Sucker Rivers, are opening up nicely. The steelhead are starting to show up, especially with the recent warm days helping to clear ice and boost flow. Smelt are beginning their annual run, which usually fires up mid-April and lasts just a couple weeks, so it is prime time for netting or targeting smelt-hungry trout at stream mouths[4][5].

Best baits this week include a mix of brightly colored spoons, minnow-imitation plugs, and spawn sacs for trout. Locals are having success with gold and orange Little Cleos, silver-blue Kastmasters, and smaller crankbaits around river mouths. For steelhead in the streams, try drifting spawn sacs under a float or working bead-head nymphs and streamers through the seams. Nightcrawlers can produce if you are fishing bottom rigs. For smelt, a simple dip net is the tool of choice during the evening runs[4][5].

Hot spots to focus your efforts include the mouth of the Lester River, where both steelhead and browns are active, and the Canal Park breakwall where schools of baitfish are drawing in bigger trout. The McQuade Small Craft Harbor shoreline is another solid bet for browns and an outside shot at an early season coho.

To sum up, if you are after browns, stick to the river mouths and rocky points with spoons and crankbaits. For steelhead, hit the lower stretches of the Lester, Sucker, and Knife Rivers with spawn or flies. And if you want fast action and a big pail of fish, the smelt run is peaking now—look for them after dark along the beaches and stream mouths.

That’s the report. Good luck, and tight lines out there on the big lake.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with today’s Lake Superior fishing report for Duluth, April 19, 2025.

We’ve got a classic spring day lined up. Weather-wise, expect mild conditions with highs around 9 degrees Celsius, just shy of 50 Fahrenheit, and overnight lows dipping a bit below freezing. Winds are gentle out of the west, and wave heights are sitting at a manageable 1 to 3 feet. Sunrise this morning was at 6:35, and you’ll have daylight right through to 7:50 this evening, so there’s plenty of time to get a line wet and see some action out on the water or along the shorelines.

The hot story this week is the near-shore trolling bite, which is off to a fantastic start all up and down the South and North Shores. The steelhead run remains active in the North Shore streams, and anglers working the French and Knife rivers have had solid luck, especially early and late in the day. There have been good numbers of steelhead reported moving in the current, so if you like chasing big, hard-fighting fish on the fly or spinner, now’s your window. Upstream near the barriers on French River is a local favorite right now, with both steelhead and Kamloops rainbows being caught.

For those preferring the lake, coho salmon and Kamloops rainbow trout, locally called loopers, have been turning up for shore casters, with some fish reaching up to 6 pounds over the past week. Lake trout are still hungry in the deeper water just off the reefs—anglers trolling with spoons and stickbaits in 40 to 80 feet of water are reporting some big fish. Out of Washburn, Bayfield, and Little Sand Bay just over the border, folks are also seeing good numbers, so the lake-wide bite is in full swing.

When it comes to tackle, the consensus remains that flashy spoons and stickbaits in bright colors are doing the trick for lake trout and cohos, especially in the clearer water. For stream steelhead and rainbows, smaller drifting spawn sacs, waxworms, or bead presentations are producing, and fly anglers are finding success on bright egg patterns and stoneflies.

A couple of hot spots to put on your list today: First, the French River tributary stretch is prime for both steelhead and Kamloops action right now. Second, Park Point near Duluth is always a reliable place for shore anglers, with recent reports of trout and coho being landed this week.

With the spring bite heating up, now’s the time to hit the water—tight lines and good fishing to everyone out there today.

This is Artificial Lure with your Friday, April 18 Lake Superior Duluth fishing report. The bite is heating up around the Twin Ports and we’re seeing spring patterns start to peak as water continues to warm and river mouths open up.

Let’s start with the weather. We’ve got a steady east wind at 10 to 15 knots, gusting up to 20, with clouds building and a chance of rain showers this afternoon. Wave heights are mostly in the 1 to 3 foot range near shore, making trolling manageable for most small boats but do keep an eye on changing weather if you’re heading out. Sunrise today was bright at 6:16 AM, with sunset at 8:01 PM. That gives us long daylight hours to work the bite[9][6].

Tide swings don’t mean much on the big freshwater, but if you’re curious, the next low tide is around 2:41 PM and the next high around 9:55 PM—though for Duluth anglers, wind has a bigger say in water levels than the minor lunar tides[6].

Fish activity is on the upswing. Cohos have been showing up consistently out front, with most in the 15-17 inch range. Brown trout are hot too, running 18 to 22 inches, and a few nice steelhead have been caught near the stream mouths during the early season run, particularly at the mouth of the Lester and French Rivers[1][5]. Smelt are running, though it’s nothing like the heydays in the ‘70s, but there are still enough for dip-netters to have some fun at night along the beaches[2].

Best action has been found trolling stickbaits and shallow crankbaits high in the water column, especially early and late in the day. Orange, chartreuse, and anything with a bit of flash have been producing. Spoons—particularly bright silvers and blue—are also landing fish when trolled just off the breaks in 10 to 30 feet of water. For those targeting lake trout, try vertically jigging a heavier spoon or a Crippled Herring just above rocky structure, or troll deeper flats with the “Monkey Ball” system or copper longlines if you’ve got the gear for it[7][10]. Live bait is still tough to beat for browns and lakers—try large shiners or sucker minnows near drop-offs, but don’t overlook a well-presented spawn bag or nightcrawler.

Hot spots today:
1. The mouth of the Lester River, especially early morning for steelhead and browns, drifting spawn sacks or casting stickbaits[5].
2. The rip-rap and shoreline stretch from Brighton Beach to McQuade Safe Harbor for cohos and browns—troll close to shore with flashy stickbaits or spoons.

Boat landings are open from Duluth to Two Harbors, and lake access is good. Most rivers are running high with the recent snowmelt, which is pulling in fresh fish every day. The next 10 days should see even better action as the water continues to warm and more fish push up to spawn.

Get out there, play the wind, and don’t be afraid to change up lures until you dial in the bite. Good luck and tight lines!

This is Artificial Lure reporting from Duluth, right on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Today is Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, and anglers are waking up to a classic mid-April on the big lake—cold, raw, and a little bit restless.

Weather’s chilly, with highs barely scraping 48 degrees and lows dipping just below freezing at night. Today we’re looking at a stiff southeast wind, ramping up through the afternoon, topping out around 15 to 25 knots and bringing in some rain showers by mid to late afternoon. Waves are set to build, running 2 to 4 feet and pushing higher overnight. Water temperature’s still icy, hovering around 34 degrees, so make sure you bring the right gear and layer up. Sunrise today hit at 6:17 a.m., and sunset’s coming at 8:01 p.m. No tides to worry about—this is Superior, after all—but be mindful of the wind-driven water movements, especially near river mouths and harbor entries[3][6][9].

Fish activity is picking up as more open water appears and tributaries are thawing out. Steelhead are starting to show on their spring run, moving into North Shore tributaries like the Lester and French Rivers. It’s still early, but locals are reporting steelhead caught on spawn sacs, waxies, and pink or orange yarn flies. Most fish are running in the 20–26 inch range, with a handful of bonus Kamloops and browns showing up for lucky anglers[1][3].

On the lake, the bite for lake trout has started in earnest. Boats working 50 to 100 feet of water five miles off the Duluth entry are pulling some nice lakers and a few bonus cohos and browns. Stickbaits in silver-blue, deep-diving crankbaits, and wobbling spoons like the Williams Wabler or Acme Little Cleo are all putting fish in the boat. If you’re jigging, try a heavy 1-2 oz jig or a Crippled Herring in white or chartreuse tipped with a minnow. Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is your friend in these clear waters[5][7][10].

Hot spots today include the mouth of the Lester River for steelhead and the shipping channel out past the Duluth entry for lakers and browns, especially in the deeper holes near the drop-offs. The French River trap area is also worth trying for shore anglers looking for steelhead action, especially early morning and just before sunset[1][5].

Best baits right now are spawn sacs, waxworms, and bright yarn flies in the streams; silver and blue spoons, stickbaits, and large jigging lures for trolling and jigging deep water on the lake.

That’s the scoop for today. Bundle up, keep an eye on the wind, and get ready for some early-season action out of Duluth. Tight lines, folks.

Today, April 14, 2025, fishermen heading to the waters near Duluth on Lake Superior can expect a mix of chilly spring conditions and promising fishing opportunities. With sunrise at 6:22 AM and sunset at 7:55 PM, there is plenty of daylight to make the most of the day, but anglers should bundle up as temperatures hover between 36°F and 50°F. A light breeze and slightly cloudy skies are forecast, with a chance of minor flurries given the recent weather trends.

The early spring season marks an exciting period for steelhead runs along the tributary streams of Lake Superior. Streams like the Knife and French Rivers are excellent spots right now, as steelhead are actively migrating upstream to spawn. The Minnesota DNR has observed rising steelhead numbers, and anglers using traditional flies, such as the Prince Nymph or Pheasant Tail Nymph, tipped with a waxworm, have reported success. Looper bugs in darker colors like black or purple also remain an excellent choice for targeting Kamloops rainbow trout ("loopers") and steelhead.

Out on the lake, trolling has been delivering excellent results for lake trout and coho salmon. Popular lures include wobbler spoons like the Williams Wabler in silver or brass, as well as brightly colored casting jigs and plastic swimbaits. Anglers trolling near the bottom with a three-way rig or vertical jigging over shoals are seeing consistent action. If fishing closer to shore, try using casting spoons such as Kastmasters, Little Cleos, or Krocodiles in 1/4 to 3/4-ounce sizes, particularly in orange/gold or blue/silver patterns.

Recent fishing reports indicate good catches of lake trout averaging in the 5-10 pound range, with some larger specimens landed earlier in the week. Additionally, coho salmon, although smaller in size, are showing up in respectable numbers. For smelt enthusiasts, the spring smelt run is minor compared to historical peaks, but small hauls can still be found near stream mouths during the night.

Hotspots to target today include the mouth of the French River for steelhead and the waters around McQuade Safe Harbor for lake trout. Experienced boaters might venture further out to troll deeper waters near Two Harbors for larger lake trout. Keep in mind that conditions can change quickly on the big lake, so stay cautious and prepared.

Overall, Lake Superior offers great fishing opportunities today whether you're casting spoons from the shore, jigging over shoals, or trolling for larger game fish. Dress warm, bring the right gear, and enjoy the thrill of spring fishing on this incredible lake!

Lake Superior’s fishing opportunities around Duluth are picking up as spring progresses. Today, April 12, 2025, anglers can expect a decent day on the water. Weather conditions in Duluth feature daytime highs around 9°C (48°F) and lows dipping to -2°C (28°F), with south winds at 5-15 knots and calm to 2-foot waves, making for manageable boating and shore casting conditions. Sunrise will be at 6:22 AM, with sunset at 7:55 PM, offering a solid window for fishing.

For anglers targeting tributary streams, steelhead trout activity is on the rise given the warming waters, as this species typically spawns in spring. Steelhead catches have been reported along tributaries like the Knife River and French River, with some success noted when using spawn sacks or brightly colored nymph flies. Streams are experiencing moderate flows, making for good drift fishing conditions.

Smelt runs are also beginning in nearby areas, with spawning typically starting mid-April when ice melts. The smelt run presents a fun nighttime fishing opportunity, particularly around the St. Louis River estuary. Use dip nets for best results, as smelt are most active in shallow waters at night.

In deeper sections of Lake Superior, lake trout are the prime target. Trolling with wobbling spoons like Williams Wablers in silver or brass has proven effective. As for vertical jigging, a white or pearl tube jig is recommended for those fishing shoals or near drop-offs. Shore anglers can also use casting spoons such as Kastmasters or Lil’ Cleos in bright colors, which work well for lake trout and steelhead.

Recent catches in the region include steelhead, coho salmon, and Kamloops rainbow trout (loopers). Steelhead and loopers have been yielding moderate success near river mouths, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon. While reports of coho salmon are fewer, anglers trolling with stickbaits and smaller spoons have had occasional luck.

Hot spots to consider include the French River mouth, where steelhead are making runs, and Lester River for shore casting. Additionally, the St. Louis River offers opportunities for both smelt and steelhead fishing.

For bait, spawn sacks, waxworms, and minnows continue to be versatile choices. Shore anglers may also tip flies such as Looper Bugs or stonefly imitations with these baits for added effectiveness.

The fish are biting, and weather conditions look favorable, so take advantage of the season’s momentum to enjoy some excellent fishing in and around Duluth this weekend. Tight lines!

Fishing around Duluth and Lake Superior this Friday, April 11, 2025, promises some exciting opportunities for anglers. Here's your detailed report for today:

The weather in the Duluth area is expected to be mild with calm winds from the west, making it a great day to hit the water. Wave heights on Lake Superior are low at 1 to 3 feet, ideal for nearshore fishing. Sunrise is at 6:35 AM, and sunset follows at 7:50 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to explore the fishing grounds.

**Fish Activity and Recent Catches:**
The steelhead run is still active in the North Shore tributaries, with good numbers reported near the French and Knife rivers. Anglers targeting these areas have seen success, especially during early morning or late evening hours. Coho salmon and Kamloops rainbow trout (loopers) are also being caught from shore, with some fish hitting 3 to 6 pounds. In Lake Superior’s open waters, lake trout remain the highlight, with some larger specimens being reported near deeper reef structures.

**Hot Spots:**
1. **French River:** Prime for steelhead and Kamloops, especially upstream near barriers.
2. **Park Point:** A reliable location for shore fishing, especially for trout and coho salmon.

**Best Baits and Lures:**
- For lake trout: Wobbler spoons (hammered silver or brass), and larger jigs paired with white or pearl tube baits are highly recommended. These work well for trolling or vertical jigging on deeper reefs.
- For steelhead and coho salmon: Try casting spoons like Kastmasters, Lil’ Cleos, or Krocodiles in orange/gold or silver/blue. Bobber fishing with looper bugs tipped with waxworms or butterworms has also been highly effective in tributary streams and near river mouths.
- General tip: Bring a mix of live bait such as nightcrawlers and medium-sized minnows for versatility, especially when fishing from shore.

**Conditions to Keep in Mind:**
The water temperature remains cold at around 34°F, so dress warmly and bring gear suited for chilly conditions. The calm water today will be favorable for both boaters and shore anglers, and with more stable ridging weather expected, fish activity should remain consistent throughout the day.

Whether you're targeting lake trout offshore or steelhead near the tributaries, today’s calm and clear conditions are perfect for getting lines in the water. Tight lines and good luck out there!