Winter Fishing on Lake Superior: Tactics for Trout, Salmon, and Walleyes in Duluth

As of December 27, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Superior near Duluth is quite different from the summer months, but there are still some opportunities for dedicated anglers.### Weather and ConditionsThe weather is cold, with temperatures around 22°F and winds coming from the south-southwest at about 1-8 mph. The surf forecast is flat, with no significant swell to speak of[2].### Sunrise and SunsetSunrise today is at around 7:53 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:23 PM.### Fish ActivityWhile the fish activity is not as vibrant as in the warmer months, anglers can still target species like lake trout, coho salmon, and walleyes. These fish tend to be deeper in the water column during the winter.### Types and Amounts of FishIn recent reports, anglers have had success catching lake trout and salmon using flasher fly combinations and stickbaits. Walleyes are also present, particularly in areas with stained water coming out of the St. Louis River[1].### Best Lures and BaitFor lake trout and salmon, flasher fly combinations and stickbaits are highly effective. For walleyes, focus on using stickbaits and crankbaits, especially in the stained water areas. Trolling at various depths with spoons, dodger/fly combinations, and using longlines with copper or lead core weighted lines can also be productive[1][3].### Hot Spots- **Lake Superior Offshore**: Target areas a bit farther out into the clearer water up north for trout and salmon.- **St. Louis River**: This area is good for walleyes, especially when slow trolling at 0.8 to 1 mph with crankbaits and spinners[1].### Additional TipsSince the water is cold, fish are likely to be more sluggish, so slower presentations may be more effective. Using a reel with a line counter can help in calculating lure depth and distance from the boat, which is crucial in winter fishing[3].While the conditions are challenging, the right gear and knowledge can still yield a successful fishing trip on Lake Superior near Duluth.This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI