As of January 4, 2025, here’s your Lake Superior fishing report for the Duluth area:
### Weather and Marine Conditions
Today, expect northwest winds at 15 to 25 knots, with isolated snow showers and waves building to 2 to 4 feet, occasionally up to 7 feet in some areas. There is a GALE WARNING in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning, and a HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING for areas beyond 5 nautical miles from shore[2].
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:29 PM.
### Fish Activity
While the current cold weather and icy conditions make fishing challenging, there are still opportunities for dedicated anglers. This time of year, the focus is on species like lake trout, steelhead, and some salmonids that are more active in colder waters.
### Fish Caught
Yesterday, anglers reported catching some lake trout and a few steelhead in the tributaries. The steelhead runs are typically active during this period, especially with the ice-out in late March or early April still a few months away. However, some early runners can be caught using spawn sacs, flies, beads, and yarn[5].
### Best Lures and Bait
For trolling on Lake Superior, spoons, stickbaits, and dodger/fly combinations are highly effective. Bright colors such as pink, orange, UV green, and chrome have been successful. For steelhead in the tributaries, spawn sacs, flies, beads, and yarn are good choices[3][5].
### Hot Spots
- **Tributaries:** The Knife and French rivers are good spots for catching steelhead. These areas are monitored by fish traps to track the abundance and health of migratory fish[1].
- **Lake Superior Shore:** Public access areas and state parks along the North Shore offer good shorecasting opportunities. Areas like Duluth to Two Harbors and Twin Points to Hovland are popular spots[1][4].
Remember to check the latest fishing reports and weather updates before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly on Lake Superior. Stay safe and warm out there.