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Spring Fishing Heats Up on Lake Superior Near Duluth
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!
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!
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By Quiet. PleaseLake 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!
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!