For December 20, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Superior near Duluth is shaping up to be quite active, despite the winter conditions.

### Weather and Ice Conditions
Ice thickness is improving across the region, making ice fishing a viable option in some areas, although it's crucial to check the ice thickness before venturing out. On Lake Superior itself, the waters remain ice-free, with significant wave activity expected. Today, northwest winds of 10 to 20 knots are forecasted, with waves subsiding to 2 to 4 feet. There is a chance of snow showers, which could affect visibility and fishing conditions[2].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:48 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:23 PM, giving you a decent window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw good numbers of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, and pike being caught in nearby areas like Lake of the Woods, which is a good indicator for Lake Superior as well. On the tributaries, steelhead are active, particularly on the South shore where water levels are favorable[1][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 in catching salmon and trout. For ice fishing or shorecasting, tip-up rigs with bait like minnows or jigging with hair jigs and plastics can be productive for panfish and other species[3][5].

### Hot Spots
- **Public Access Areas and State Parks**: Shorecasting from public lands along Lake Superior can yield good results for species like lake trout and salmon.
- **Duluth and Two Harbors**: Charter fishing boats operating out of these areas can take you to prime spots for catching a variety of fish.
- **Tributaries**: The South shore tributaries are good for steelhead, using spawn sacs, flies, beads, and yarn.

Remember to check the local fishing regulations and ensure you have the necessary permits before heading out. Stay safe, and enjoy your time on the water.

For those venturing out to fish on Lake Superior near Duluth today, here’s what you can expect:

First, let's talk about the conditions. The water temperature is currently at 37°F, which is typical for this time of year[2].

As for the weather, expect cold temperatures with possible light winds. The sunrise today is at around 7:48 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:22 PM[2].

Ice conditions on the St. Louis River, Duluth Harbor, and Chequamegon Bay are still not ideal, so it's best to stick to open water fishing on Lake Superior itself[1].

Fish activity has been decent, especially for those trolling. Anglers have been catching coho salmon and lake trout. Trolling stickbaits and spoons have been effective, with colors like pink, purple, and firetiger working well[1].

For trolling, use an eight-foot medium to medium-heavy rod with a bait-casting reel and a line counter. Braided line of 30-pound test or more paired with a six-foot long 17-pound test monofilament leader is recommended. Lures such as spoons, stickbaits, and dodger/fly combinations are popular choices. Experiment with different depths and speeds to find the best bite[3].

From shore, long rods paired with heavy spoons are a good option. Public access areas and state parks along Lake Superior offer good spots for shorecasting[4].

Hot spots include areas around Duluth's public access points and state parks. For those with boats, trolling near the mainland or around the Apostle Islands can be productive. If you're looking for a guided experience, consider charter fishing boats available in Duluth or nearby towns like Two Harbors and Grand Marais[4].

Overall, it's a good time to get out and catch some fish on Lake Superior, just make sure to bundle up and stay safe in the cold conditions.

For December 14th, 2024, fishing on Lake Superior near Duluth is challenging due to the winter conditions, but here’s what you need to know:

**Weather and Waves:**
A gale watch was in effect until late Wednesday night, but as of today, the winds have subsided. Expect southeast winds at 10 to 20 knots, with waves building to 2 to 4 feet and then subsiding to calm to 2 feet. There's a chance of snow and rain showers, so dress warmly and be prepared for changing conditions[2].

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at around 7:47 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:23 PM.

**Fish Activity:**
During this time of year, the fish activity is generally slower due to the cold water. However, if you're targeting species like lake trout, chinook salmon, or coho salmon, you might still find some action. Steelhead can also be caught in the tributaries, although the rivers are likely icy and challenging to access.

**Fish Caught:**
Given the season, there isn't much recent data on specific catches from yesterday. However, typically in late fall and early winter, anglers can catch lake trout and some salmonids. Steelhead are often targeted in the tributaries using spawn sacs, flies, beads, and yarn[4].

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For lake trout and salmon, trolling spoons and stickbaits in bright colors like pink, orange, UV green, and chrome can be effective. For steelhead in the tributaries, use spawn sacs, flies, beads, and yarn[4].

**Hot Spots:**
If you're looking to fish from shore, consider Arrowhead Pier, which is a good spot for walleyes and other species. Another good location is Barker's Island, where you can find spots both before crossing the bridge and on the island itself. These areas are more accessible during the winter months compared to open lake fishing[3].

Remember to check the ice conditions carefully if you plan to venture onto frozen areas, and always follow safety guidelines. Happy fishing

As of December 13, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Superior near Duluth is looking promising, despite the chilly winter conditions.

### Weather and Marine Conditions
Today, expect southeast winds at 10 to 20 knots, with waves building to 1 to 3 feet. There's a chance of snow showers, and the winds will veer southwest later in the day[2].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:43 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:14 PM.

### Fish Activity
The lake trout fishing has been excellent, thanks to their remarkable comeback in Lake Superior. The Minnesota DNR has reported a significant increase in lake trout catches, with 16.6 lake trout per 1,000 feet in the recent annual fisheries report[1].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw good catches of lake trout, as well as some coho salmon and occasional king salmon. The lake trout bite has remained strong, especially in areas with good forage like lake herring (cisco)[1][5].

### Best Lures and Bait
For lake trout, the Bondy Bait Junior is highly recommended due to its fast-sinking, darting action that mimics fleeing preyfish. The Scatter Rap Minnow is also effective, especially when trolled through open water with occasional rod tip jerks to accentuate the evasive action[3].

### Hot Spots
If you're looking to fish from shore, Arrowhead Pier is a great spot. It offers a deeper hole at the end of the dock where walleyes and sometimes lake trout tend to congregate[4].

Another good spot is Barker's Island, particularly the long dock in its little harbor. This area is known for its consistent fish activity and is easily accessible[4].

Given the current weather and fish activity, it's a good idea to focus on areas with good structure and forage, and to use lures that mimic the natural prey of lake trout. Stay warm and enjoy your fishing trip on Lake Superior.

As of December 12, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Superior near Duluth is quite different from the summer months, but there are still some great opportunities for anglers.

First, let's talk about the conditions. The water levels and outflows from Lake Superior are managed according to Regulation Plan 2012, with the St. Marys River flow expected to be around 1,900 m3/s (67,100 cfs) for December, which is typical for this time of year[2].

The weather today is cold, with temperatures in the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit, which is normal for this time of year in Duluth. Sunrise was at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:15 PM.

Despite the cold, the fish activity remains decent. Anglers have been having success catching lake trout, coho salmon, and even some walleyes. The best method for catching these fish is trolling, particularly using flasher fly combos for salmon and lake trout, and stickbaits or crankbaits for walleyes[1][3].

For lake trout and salmon, focus on the clearer waters farther out from the St. Louis River. The stained water coming out of the St. Louis River is better for walleyes. Common lures include spoons, stickbaits, and dodger/fly combinations. Bright colors like pink, orange, and UV green can be effective, especially for salmon[1][3].

If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the areas around the St. Louis River mouth and the deeper waters north of Duluth. For shore fishing, Arrowhead Pier is a good spot, especially for walleyes. There's a deeper hole off the end of the dock where walleyes tend to congregate[4].

In summary, while the winter conditions are setting in, Lake Superior near Duluth still offers some excellent fishing opportunities. Dress warmly, use the right lures, and head to the known hot spots for a productive day on the water.

As of December 8th, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Superior near Duluth is quite unique given the winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather is cold, with temperatures in the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. Lake Superior's water levels are currently 16 cm (6.3 in) below the seasonal long-term average, which might affect fish behavior slightly[2].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is at about 4:15 PM, giving you a relatively short window for daylight fishing.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold, fish are still active, particularly in deeper waters. Walleyes, coho salmon, and lake trout are the main targets. The walleye bite has been good in the stained water coming out of the St. Louis River, while trout and salmon are being caught farther out in clearer waters[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes, stick baits and crankbaits are working well. Focus on using Northland Rumble Shad in perch, gold, and silver colors. For trout and salmon, flasher fly combos are highly effective. If you're targeting lake trout, consider using aggressive presentations like Northland Puppet Minnows in gold and wonderbread colors[1].

### Hot Spots
- **Arrowhead Pier**: This long fishing pier is a great spot to catch walleyes, especially off the end where there's a deeper hole.
- **St. Louis Estuary**: Trolling in the estuary at 0.8 to 1 mph with crankbaits and spinners can yield a good number of walleyes and other species[1][4].

### Tidal Report
Lake Superior does not have significant tidal changes, so you don't need to worry about tides affecting your fishing.

Overall, it's a good time to bundle up and hit the water for some winter fishing on Lake Superior. Be prepared for the cold, and don't hesitate to try different presentations to trigger those reaction bites.

As of December 7, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene in Lake Superior around Duluth:

First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, you can expect southeast winds at about 5 to 15 knots, veering south later in the day. There's a chance of showers, and the waves will be calm to 2 feet, making it a relatively stable day on the water[2].

Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:15 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

Fish activity has been good, especially for those targeting lake trout, coho salmon, and walleyes. Yesterday saw a decent catch of lake trout and coho salmon using flasher fly combos, particularly in the clearer waters farther north. Walleyes were caught in the stained water coming out of the St. Louis River, with stick baits and crankbaits being the most effective[1].

For lures, stick with what's been working: flasher fly combos for trout and salmon, and stick baits or crankbaits like the Northland Rumble Shad in perch, gold, and silver colors for walleyes. If you're jigging, tip your jig with a worm, minnow, or leech for walleyes and other species[1].

Hot spots include the areas around the St. Louis River mouth, where the stained water provides a good habitat for walleyes. Another spot is the deeper waters north of Duluth, where you can find lake trout and coho salmon.

Remember, the nearshore waters are generally calm, but always keep an eye on the weather as it can change quickly on Lake Superior. Enjoy your day on the water

As of December 6, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Superior near Duluth is quite dynamic, despite the colder winter conditions.

**Weather and Waves:**
Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a northwest wind of 5 to 10 knots, transitioning to a west wind early in the morning. Waves are anticipated to be around 1 foot or less, making for relatively calm waters[3].

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:15 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and late afternoon fishing.

**Fish Activity:**
Despite the cold water temperatures, which are currently around 40.3°F[2], the fish activity remains promising. The recent cisco boom in Lake Superior has led to an abundance of larger fish, including lake trout, coho salmon, and walleyes. These fish have been feeding heavily on the abundant ciscoes, resulting in noticeably bigger sizes[5].

**Types and Amounts of Fish:**
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of lake trout, coho salmon, and walleyes. The lake trout and salmon are being caught farther out in the clearer waters, while walleyes are more active in the stained water areas near the St. Louis River[1].

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For salmon and lake trout, flasher fly combos have been highly effective. Stick baits and crankbaits, particularly the Northland Rumble Shad in perch, gold, and silver colors, are working well for walleyes. Jigging with a worm, minnow, or leech is also a good strategy for walleyes[1].

**Hot Spots:**
Focus on the areas around the St. Louis River for walleyes, where the stained water provides a good habitat. For lake trout and salmon, head a bit farther out into the clearer waters up north. The reefs and sunken islands on the main lake are also productive spots for walleyes and other species[1].

Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Superior, even in the winter, with the right gear and knowledge of where and how to fish. Stay safe and enjoy the catch

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

For November 30th, 2024, here’s your Lake Superior fishing report focused on the Duluth area:

First off, let's talk about the weather and daylight. Sunrise today is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:34 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing. The weather is expected to be nippy with some snow around the area, so make sure to bundle up.

As for the tidal report, Lake Superior doesn't have significant tides like ocean waters, but wind and rain can still affect fishing conditions. Currently, there are high winds which might make the water a bit choppy.

Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity. Anglers reported catching a variety of fish, including lake trout, which have fully recovered in most of Lake Superior according to recent announcements[4].

Lake trout were the stars of the show, with several catches reported in the deeper waters. Chinook and coho salmon were also caught, although in smaller numbers compared to the lake trout. Steelhead, particularly those from the captive broodstock, are still present in the North Shore streams, but the run is mostly over for this season[1].

For lures, spoons and jigs are working well for lake trout. Try using glow-in-the-dark lures or those that mimic smelt, as these tend to attract the larger trout. For salmon, stick with traditional salmon lures like plugs or flies that imitate baitfish.

As for bait, live bait such as smelt or minnows can be effective, especially for lake trout. However, due to the decline in smelt populations, you might need to rely more on artificial lures[1].

Hot spots include the areas around Duluth, particularly the waters from Twin Points to Hovland, where creel clerks have reported high angling pressure and good catch rates[1]. Another spot is near the mouth of the French River, where steelhead and other salmonids can be found.

Remember to check the local fishing regulations for any updates on seasons and limits before you head out. Stay warm and good luck on the water