As of November 21, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Superior near Duluth is thriving despite the cooler fall weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

The weather is partly cloudy, with a high of around 45°F and a low of 35°F. Expect moderate winds from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Tides are not a significant factor on Lake Superior, but water temperatures have cooled down to the mid-30s to low 40s, typical for this time of year.

Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:34 PM, giving you ample time for both morning and afternoon fishing.

Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity. Anglers reported catching brown trout, splake, coho salmon, and even some steelhead. The cooler water temperatures have pushed fish into nearshore areas, making them more accessible. Brown trout were plentiful, ranging from 15 inches to some trophy-sized fish over 30 inches. Splake were common, typically between 15-20 inches. Coho salmon, mostly around 12-14 inches, were caught near river mouths and in deeper waters. A few steelhead were also reported, particularly in areas with rocky structures.

For brown trout and splake, trolling with spoons and crankbaits in less than 40 feet of water has been effective. Jigging swimbaits and minnows are also productive presentations. For coho salmon, try using spoons and crankbaits near the surface over deeper water. Live bait such as minnows or sucker minnows worked well for walleye and smallmouth bass.

Some hot spots to consider include nearshore areas from Port Wing to Saxon and around the Apostle Islands, which are known for their brown trout, splake, and coho salmon. Chequamegon Bay is excellent for smallmouth bass and walleye; target rock piles and structure in 15-30 feet of water. For walleye, troll along weedlines on the Ashland shoreline or use live bait along structures and weedbeds.

Additionally, areas like Green Can, Lighthouse, Houghton Point, and Long Island are good for whitefish, using jigging spoons and minnows in 30-65 feet of water.

Dress warmly and enjoy the fall fishing experience on Lake Superior.