As of October 4, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Superior near Duluth is looking promising, despite the autumn chill setting in. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

The weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. Winds will be moderate, coming from the southwest at about 10 mph, making for a comfortable and fishable day. There is a slight chance of light precipitation, but it shouldn’t hinder your plans.

Sunrise is at around 7:10 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:45 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish. Tidal changes are minimal on Lake Superior, but water levels are currently stable.

Yesterday saw decent catches of various species. Lake trout were biting deep, with spoons and flashers being the most effective. Coho salmon and walleyes were also active, particularly in the stained water coming out of the St. Louis River. For walleyes, stick baits and crankbaits worked well, while for salmon, flasher fly combos were the ticket.

For lake trout, focus on the deeper areas where the water temperature has cooled down to the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit. Bright colors such as pink, orange, UV green, and chrome have been working best for salmon and trout.

If you're targeting walleyes, the St. Louis Estuary is a hot spot. Slow trolling at 0.8 to 1 mph with crankbaits and spinners in five to eight feet of water has been productive. Jigging with a worm, minnow, or leech is also effective.

Another good area is the south shore of Lake Superior, particularly around the mouths of the tributaries where smelt are starting to show up. Although the smelt run is not as robust as in the past, it still attracts a variety of fish.

Overall, the fishing conditions are ideal, and with the right lures and bait, you should have a successful day on Lake Superior. Enjoy your time on the water