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Spring Fishing on Lake Superior's Duluth Region
Today, April 9, 2025, anglers in the Duluth region of Lake Superior are enjoying solid spring fishing opportunities. With sunrise at 6:22 AM and sunset at 7:55 PM, there’s plenty of daylight to hit the water. Weather conditions are cold, between 30°F to 46°F, with occasional light snow or flurries. Bundle up if you’re heading out, as windy conditions could make it feel even colder.
Recent angler reports show that the near-shore waters are still productive for trout and salmon due to the colder temperatures. Lake trout, coho salmon, and steelhead are being caught in water depths under 30 feet. Fishing activity has been consistent with a mix of trolling and jigging methods being successful. Near the French River and along the shoreline north towards Two Harbors are reliable hotspots. The Knife River mouth is also seeing some early steelhead runs, attracting both fly and spin anglers.
For bait and tackle, trolling with spoons like the Williams Wabler (silver or brass) or deep-diving crankbaits such as a Rapala Tail Dancer has been effective. Casting spoons like Acme Little Cleo or Luhr Jensen Krocodile over reef tops is another great option, particularly along rocky points and structure. Stickbaits and dodger/fly rigs are also performing well. For jigging, heavier options like the Crippled Herring jig are producing results deeper in the water column. When fishing steelhead in tributaries, nightcrawlers under a bobber or small spinners tipped with bait have been reliable.
Catches reported this week include solid numbers of lake trout, with fish ranging from 3 to 8 pounds commonly landed. Anglers are also seeing coho salmon up to 5 pounds and occasional rainbow trout around 16 inches, particularly near tributary mouths. Some smelt activity is being noted, but the run appears minor compared to past decades.
If you're planning to fish today, consider targeting trout over submerged rocks or along temperature breaks in the water. Duluth Harbor and Lester River are promising spots for those fishing from shore, while Knife and French Rivers are ideal for tributary fishing. Remember to experiment with lure color, depth, and retrieval speed to maximize your success.
Stay warm, stay safe, and tight lines!
Recent angler reports show that the near-shore waters are still productive for trout and salmon due to the colder temperatures. Lake trout, coho salmon, and steelhead are being caught in water depths under 30 feet. Fishing activity has been consistent with a mix of trolling and jigging methods being successful. Near the French River and along the shoreline north towards Two Harbors are reliable hotspots. The Knife River mouth is also seeing some early steelhead runs, attracting both fly and spin anglers.
For bait and tackle, trolling with spoons like the Williams Wabler (silver or brass) or deep-diving crankbaits such as a Rapala Tail Dancer has been effective. Casting spoons like Acme Little Cleo or Luhr Jensen Krocodile over reef tops is another great option, particularly along rocky points and structure. Stickbaits and dodger/fly rigs are also performing well. For jigging, heavier options like the Crippled Herring jig are producing results deeper in the water column. When fishing steelhead in tributaries, nightcrawlers under a bobber or small spinners tipped with bait have been reliable.
Catches reported this week include solid numbers of lake trout, with fish ranging from 3 to 8 pounds commonly landed. Anglers are also seeing coho salmon up to 5 pounds and occasional rainbow trout around 16 inches, particularly near tributary mouths. Some smelt activity is being noted, but the run appears minor compared to past decades.
If you're planning to fish today, consider targeting trout over submerged rocks or along temperature breaks in the water. Duluth Harbor and Lester River are promising spots for those fishing from shore, while Knife and French Rivers are ideal for tributary fishing. Remember to experiment with lure color, depth, and retrieval speed to maximize your success.
Stay warm, stay safe, and tight lines!
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By Quiet. PleaseToday, April 9, 2025, anglers in the Duluth region of Lake Superior are enjoying solid spring fishing opportunities. With sunrise at 6:22 AM and sunset at 7:55 PM, there’s plenty of daylight to hit the water. Weather conditions are cold, between 30°F to 46°F, with occasional light snow or flurries. Bundle up if you’re heading out, as windy conditions could make it feel even colder.
Recent angler reports show that the near-shore waters are still productive for trout and salmon due to the colder temperatures. Lake trout, coho salmon, and steelhead are being caught in water depths under 30 feet. Fishing activity has been consistent with a mix of trolling and jigging methods being successful. Near the French River and along the shoreline north towards Two Harbors are reliable hotspots. The Knife River mouth is also seeing some early steelhead runs, attracting both fly and spin anglers.
For bait and tackle, trolling with spoons like the Williams Wabler (silver or brass) or deep-diving crankbaits such as a Rapala Tail Dancer has been effective. Casting spoons like Acme Little Cleo or Luhr Jensen Krocodile over reef tops is another great option, particularly along rocky points and structure. Stickbaits and dodger/fly rigs are also performing well. For jigging, heavier options like the Crippled Herring jig are producing results deeper in the water column. When fishing steelhead in tributaries, nightcrawlers under a bobber or small spinners tipped with bait have been reliable.
Catches reported this week include solid numbers of lake trout, with fish ranging from 3 to 8 pounds commonly landed. Anglers are also seeing coho salmon up to 5 pounds and occasional rainbow trout around 16 inches, particularly near tributary mouths. Some smelt activity is being noted, but the run appears minor compared to past decades.
If you're planning to fish today, consider targeting trout over submerged rocks or along temperature breaks in the water. Duluth Harbor and Lester River are promising spots for those fishing from shore, while Knife and French Rivers are ideal for tributary fishing. Remember to experiment with lure color, depth, and retrieval speed to maximize your success.
Stay warm, stay safe, and tight lines!
Recent angler reports show that the near-shore waters are still productive for trout and salmon due to the colder temperatures. Lake trout, coho salmon, and steelhead are being caught in water depths under 30 feet. Fishing activity has been consistent with a mix of trolling and jigging methods being successful. Near the French River and along the shoreline north towards Two Harbors are reliable hotspots. The Knife River mouth is also seeing some early steelhead runs, attracting both fly and spin anglers.
For bait and tackle, trolling with spoons like the Williams Wabler (silver or brass) or deep-diving crankbaits such as a Rapala Tail Dancer has been effective. Casting spoons like Acme Little Cleo or Luhr Jensen Krocodile over reef tops is another great option, particularly along rocky points and structure. Stickbaits and dodger/fly rigs are also performing well. For jigging, heavier options like the Crippled Herring jig are producing results deeper in the water column. When fishing steelhead in tributaries, nightcrawlers under a bobber or small spinners tipped with bait have been reliable.
Catches reported this week include solid numbers of lake trout, with fish ranging from 3 to 8 pounds commonly landed. Anglers are also seeing coho salmon up to 5 pounds and occasional rainbow trout around 16 inches, particularly near tributary mouths. Some smelt activity is being noted, but the run appears minor compared to past decades.
If you're planning to fish today, consider targeting trout over submerged rocks or along temperature breaks in the water. Duluth Harbor and Lester River are promising spots for those fishing from shore, while Knife and French Rivers are ideal for tributary fishing. Remember to experiment with lure color, depth, and retrieval speed to maximize your success.
Stay warm, stay safe, and tight lines!