Lake Superior Tributaries
Inland Lakes and Streams Fish
Useful Fish Links
Superior Basin Information
- Lake Superior Basin
- Special Projects
- About Lake Superior
- Basin Plan
- Forestry
- Lake Superior Basin Forests
- Brule River State Forest
- Lake Superior Fish Team
- Wildlife
- Environmental Protection
- Partners and Links
- Coastal Wetlands of Wisconsin
Lake Superior - Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any shore-fishing opportunities along Lake Superior's south shore?
- WHEN should I be fishing for WHAT along Lake Superior's south shore?
- Why are the walleye regulations on Lake Superior different from those on the St. Louis River?
- How are Lake Superior's rainbow smelt populations? Do they still run? If so, when?
- Can I get lake maps from the DNR Web site?
- What should I do if I catch a tagged fish?
Are there any shore-fishing opportunities along Lake Superior's south shore? Where / when?
In the spring and fall, trout and salmon congregate at streams mouths because water temperatures are warmer than the open lake, which attracts baitfish followed by the bigger fish. Trout and salmon are also drawn to the mouths since they must ascend the streams and rivers to spawn. If you're after northern pike, try the Superior entry in spring and fall, Short Bridge in spring and early summer and in Port Wing during the openwater season.
WHEN should I be fishing for WHAT along Lake Superior's south shore?
The south shore of Lake Superior is an excellent shallow water trolling fishery for trout and salmon beginning in late April and continuing through May. During June and through September, the fish move offshore and can be found near the surface along temperature breaks or deep at preferred temperatures. Also check the fishing calendar.
Why are the walleye regulations on Lake Superior different from those on the St. Louis River?
On Lake Superior, the restriction on the number of fish over 20 inches provides better protection to the mature female walleyes, which are the spawners, and are important to the population's ability to naturally sustain its numbers. On the St. Louis River, the 2 fish bag limit protects the quality of the fishery by limiting the number of mature males and immature fish harvested while they are concentrated in the river and susceptible to heavy angling pressure.
How are Lake Superior's rainbow smelt populations? Do they still run? If so, when?
While not as abundant as in the past, there are still populations of rainbow smelt in Lake Superior that run along the south shores in the spring. Since the runs are smaller and have short peaks, it is all about being at the right place at the right time. The runs typically peak just after the ice leaves the bays, and is first seen at the Hot Pond on the Ashland side of Chequamegon Bay.
Can I get lake maps from the DNR Web site?
Go to the lake directory.
What should I do if I catch a tagged fish?
The Department of Natural Resources tags and tracks fish for research purposes. If you catch a tagged fish, it is important that you report information about the tag and the fish to the DNR. Anglers can also receive the tagging history of the fish you have caught by reporting this information to the proper DNR office. It is important to note the color of the tag, the number and the address on the tag. For complete information go to the tagged fish information page.
RSS