Winter Fishing on Lake Superior: Challenges and Rewards Near Duluth

As of December 28, 2024, fishing on Lake Superior near Duluth is challenging but rewarding, given the winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know:**Weather and Waves:** 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.**Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at around 7:47 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:23 PM, giving you a relatively short window for daylight fishing.**Fish Activity:** Despite the cold water, fish are still active, particularly in deeper waters. Lake trout, coho salmon, and walleyes are the main targets. The recent cisco boom in Lake Superior has led to an abundance of larger fish, with lake trout being a highlight due to their remarkable comeback.**Types and Amounts of Fish:** Yesterday saw a decent catch of lake trout and coho salmon using flasher fly combos, especially 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 effective.**Best Lures and Bait:** For trolling, spoons, stickbaits, and dodger/fly combinations are highly recommended. Bright colors such as pink, orange, UV green, and chrome have been working well. For walleyes, stick with stick baits and crankbaits in the stained waters.**Hot Spots:** Focus on the areas around the St. Louis River for walleyes, and venture farther north into the clearer waters for lake trout and coho salmon. The tributaries are also worth checking for steelhead, although the rivers may be icy and challenging to access.Remember to stay warm and adapt to the changing weather conditions. Good luck on the waterThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI