Duluth Fishing Report: Coho, Trout, and Laker Action Heating Up on Lake Superior

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Superior Duluth fishing report for Saturday, May 31, 2025.We kicked off the day with sunrise at 5:22 AM, and anglers can enjoy casting lines right up to sunset at 8:52 PM. Weather is on our side—partly cloudy skies and moderate winds are making for perfect conditions out on the big lake.Water temps nearshore have finally climbed into the mid-40s after a slow spring warm-up, and it’s paying off for folks on the water. The smelt run has wrapped up, but the real action is just beginning. Salmon and trout fishing has been exceptional—locals and visitors alike are landing plenty of coho salmon in the 14-17 inch range, with a handful of those legendary 12-pounders still being reported this week, according to both recent trip logs and the Minnesota DNR. Brown trout (16-24 inches), splake (15-20 inches), and the odd steelhead and Chinook (king) salmon are showing up in coolers from Duluth Harbor on up the shoreline.Lake trout fishing is really heating up as surface temps continue to rise. DNR survey crews are noting record-high abundance, so if you’re targeting lakers, expect steady action. Just be aware: you might spot a few more sea lamprey marks on your catch, but ongoing treatments are helping to keep those numbers in check.Best action has been coming for trollers working stickbaits and mini spoons off planer boards in 10-40 feet near shore for brown trout and splake, and running shallow dipsy divers or riggers with dodgers and flies out in the top 50-70 feet for coho. Meat rigs—smelt on flies or squids behind dodgers or flashers—are also putting big fish on deck this week. If you prefer casting, try smaller spoons and crankbaits from the breakwall or any of the public access points along Park Point or the shoreline east toward Two Harbors.For those looking to maximize their chances, hot spots include the waters around Park Point, Duluth Harbor’s Superior Entry, and shoreline structure heading up toward Two Harbors. Early mornings along the breakwall have seen some of the best trout and salmon numbers lately.No tidal swings to worry about on the big lake, but fish activity is definitely peaking early and late in the day. Make sure you’ve got your trout stamp if you’re targeting trout, and as always, check your line regularly—more than one angler has reported a surprise king or bonus steelhead this week!Thanks for tuning in to today’s Lake Superior Duluth fishing report. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates and local insight. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI