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.