What Fish Can You Catch In Lake Superior
If you love outdoor activities, you may already be familiar with Lake Superior – the largest of the Great Lakes that straddle the U.S. and Canadian border. As with many inland bodies of water, Lake Superior offers up a bounty of freshwater fish that anglers can catch.
The abundance of fish in Lake Superior is incredible, and it’s home to a wide variety of species. Among the types of fish commonly caught in Lake Superior are lake trout, brook trout, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, walleye, whitefish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, muskellunge, northern pike as well as some other species.
Most of the fish species found in Lake Superior are unique to the Great Lakes. For instance, the lake trout can only be found in the Great Lakes and some of their tributaries. The lake trout is a popular sport fish and can reach a size of up to 48 inches and weigh in excess of 30 pounds. It is also an excellent table fish, making it an angler’s favorite species to target.
The brook trout is one of the most beautiful fish species in the lake, as well as being highly sought after by anglers. It can reach a size of up to 16 inches and its smaller size makes it a great option for anglers looking for a bit of light tackle action. The Chinook salmon is also a common fish in Lake Superior. It’s a powerful, exotic critter and is highly desired by anglers looking for a challenging catch. This species can reach a size of up to 60 inches and weigh in excess of 40 pounds.
Coho salmon are also caught in Lake Superior, and they make a great eating fish. They can reach a size of up to 30 inches and weigh around 20 pounds. Walleye is another popular species found in Lake Superior, and anglers looking to target these fish can use a wide variety of baits and lures. Walleyes can reach a size of up to 40 inches and weigh up to 20 pounds.
The whitefish is another popular fish species found in Lake Superior, and it’s prized for its tender white flesh. These fish can reach a size of up to 30 inches and weigh up to 35 pounds. Smallmouth bass can reach a size of 17 inches and weigh up to 3 pounds, making them another popular sportfish for Lake Superior anglers.
Largemouth bass can also be caught in Lake Superior, and they make a great eating fish. They can reach a size of up to 19 inches and weigh in excess of 10 pounds. Rock bass are also found in Lake Superior, and they’re a favorite target of anglers looking for some light tackle action. These fish can reach a size of up to 12 inches and weigh up to 1.5 pounds.
Finally, Lake Superior is also home to muskellunge and northern pike. Both of these species are highly sought after by anglers, and they can reach a size of up to 44 inches and weigh in excess of 25 pounds. Both of these fish are legendary for their fighting power and offers anglers a great challenge when fishing for them.
Where to Fish
Because of the size and scope of Lake Superior, there are many different places to fish. The most popular spots to spin a line are near the shoreline, along reefs, as well as in the bays and inlets of Lake Superior. Anglers can also find good fishing spots in the outflows of rivers and streams, which will often have fish congregating in them.
Anglers should also be aware that the areas of Lake Superior will provide different opportunities for different fish species. For instance, areas near the shoreline typically have better opportunities for lake trout and brook trout, while the deeper waters and reefs offer more of a challenge for anglers who target Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and walleye.
Finally, anglers looking for northern pike or muskellunge should look for structure such as points and weedlines, as these fish will often congregate in these areas. Fishing for these two species can be very productive in the early summer months when the water is warmer.
Baits and Lures
The type of bait and lures used in Lake Superior will depend on the species you are targeting. For lake trout and brook trout, anglers typically use live baits such as worms or minnows. Artificial lures such as jigs and spoons are also very effective for these species.
When targeting Chinook salmon and coho salmon, anglers will typically use larger lures such as plugs, spoons, and flies. These species are also fond of live baits such as herring, salmon eggs, and anchovies. For northern pike and muskellunge, anglers often use large lures such as plugs, crankbaits, and spoons.
Walleye can be caught using live or artificial baits such as minnows, worms, jigs, crankbaits, spoons, and spinners. Anglers should also be aware that many of the other species found in Lake Superior can also be caught using a variety of lures and baits. It is also important to note that the use of live bait is prohibited in some areas.
The Best Time To Fish
The best time to fish in Lake Superior will depend on the species you want to target. Lake trout and brook trout can be caught throughout the year, although the best time to target them is during the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. Chinook salmon and coho salmon can be caught throughout the summer months.
The best time to target walleye is typically in the early morning and late evening when the fish are more active. Northern pike and muskellunge are most active in the warmer months of summer and early fall, and anglers should look for structure such as weedlines and points when fishing for these species. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are also best targeted in the warmer months of summer.
Regulations and Season Dates
Anglers fishing in Lake Superior should be aware of the regulations and season dates that are in place to protect this valuable fish population. The exact dates and regulations will vary depending on the species, so it is important to check with your local fisheries department for the most up-to-date information.
It is also important to note that most fish species in Lake Superior are catch-and-release only. This means that anglers are not allowed to keep their catch, and all fish must be immediately released back into the water. It is also important for anglers to practice the principles of conservation and respect all the fish and the environment.
Conclusion
If you love fishing, Lake Superior offers up an incredible abundance of fish and a great opportunity for an angler to test their skills and enjoy the outdoors. There are many different species of fish to target and anglers should pay attention to the regulations and season dates to ensure a safe and successful fishing trip. With proper knowledge, preparation and respect for the environment, Lake Superior is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts.
