North Shore fishing report and Lake Superior fisheries information
The Lake Superior summer creel survey began on May 24 and ended on September 30. The last regular report for the year was on September 30, 2008. Regular fishing reports will no longer be posted until next spring, when the Spring Creel Survey begins. Depending on weather conditions, this is usually around early to mid-April.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for September 30, 2008
The summer Lake Superior Creel Survey ended on September 30, 2008. Angler fishing pressure was light, although when the weather was good a fair number of anglers got out before the lake trout season ended on September 30. For anglers who got out, fishing was good the last week of the survey. We saw several boats out in the areas of McQuade Public Access, Knife River and Two Harbors. On the Upper Shore, anglers caught most of the lake trout over deep water in near shore areas. The lake trout were in the 25 to 35 inch range, weighing from 5 to 10 pounds. Salmon were caught along the whole shore. The best area for Chinook salmon was at Taconite Harbor. A good number of Chinook salmon were also caught at Grand Marais. Anglers reported seeing low numbers of pink salmon in most of the Upper Shore tributaries and we have seen a few on the Lower Shore also. Surface water temperatures were still quite warm for this time of year, in the mid-50s F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for September 26, 2008
Weather conditions including high winds, waves and storms kept anglers of the lake on several days during the past week. However, when anglers did get out, the fishing was good along the North Shore.
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was heavy at McQuade Public Access and at Two Harbors and light at other Lower Shore stations. Anglers had good success catching lake trout about 5 to 6 miles out from the Duluth Entry in 100 to 150 feet of water. Lake trout fishing was also good out of Knife River and in front of the breakwall at Two Harbors. Anglers had good luck catching salmon out of McQuade Public Access, Knife River Marina and out from the breakwall at Two Harbors. Most of the salmon were caught in 30 to 50 feet of water. Surface water temperatures ranged between the mid-50s to mid-60s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was moderate at Grand Marais and light to moderate at other Upper Shore Stations. Lake trout fishing continued to be good to very good along the Upper Shore. Increasing numbers of large lake trout in the 5 to 12 pound range were caught in nearshore areas, especially in the Tofte-Taconite Harbor area and at Grand Marais. Fishing for Chinook salmon was good, especially at Grand Marais. Our clerk observed Chinook salmon from 19 to 25 inches. Our clerk observed small numbers of pink salmon in the Cascade River. Another angler sent in reports of seeing low numbers of pink salmon in some of the other Upper Shore tributaries as well. Our creel clerk did not see, or get reports of Chinook salmon coming into tributaries. However, we have heard that others have seen a few Chinook salmon in some of rivers. Water temperatures have been in the mid 50s F during the past week.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for September 19, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was heavy at McQuade Public Access and Two Harbors and light to moderate at other Lower Shore Stations. With good weather for much of the past week, anglers got out on the lake and fishing for both salmon and lake trout was very good on the Lower Shore. The sites where anglers had the best success were on the flats about a mile and a half out from the mouth of the Lester River, in the area in front of McQuade Public Access, and in Two Harbors about a half-mile off the breakwall. While most of the lake trout were caught in 80 to 120 feet of water, some were caught near shore in 10 feet of water and others were caught as deep as 200 feet. Lake trout ranged in size from 21 to 33 inches, and most weighed from 3 to 5 pounds. Our clerk also observed several lake trout between 10 and 20 pounds. Most of the salmon were Chinook salmon and were caught between 35 and 50 feet of water. They ranged from 19 to 24 inches. Surface water temperature averaged about 50 degrees F during this period.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was moderate at Grand Marais and light to moderate at other Upper Shore Stations. Lake trout fishing has been good to very good along the Upper Shore. Anglers reported having success fishing for lake trout as they move into shallower water. Most of the lake trout were caught at depths of 90 to 120 feet, and lake trout have also been caught suspended over deep water in near shore areas. Lake trout ranged from 24 to 31 inches, and most were between 4 to 12 pounds. Fishing for Chinook salmon slowed down a bit from last week, but remained good to very good, especially at Grand Marais and Taconite Harbor. Our clerk observed Chinook salmon from 15 to 25 inches. An angler reported seeing small numbers of pink salmon in the Cross, Cascade, Poplar and Brule rivers. Water temperatures have been in the mid 50s F during the past week.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for September 11, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light at Duluth area stations and Knife River, and moderate to heavy at McQuade public access and Two Harbors. Fishing for lake trout was good about a mile and a half out from the mouth of the Lester River. Most of the lake trout were caught in 70 to 105 feet of water using a variety of lures. Anglers also caught a few lake trout from shore in just over 10 feet of water. Anglers also had success jigging for lake trout in 180 feet of water off the Stewart River. Anglers also caught a few salmon between 35 and 50 feet deep. Surface water temperature averaged about 40 degrees F during this period.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was moderate from Twin Points to Taconite Harbor, heavy at Grand Marais and light at Hovland. Lake trout fishing has been fair to good along the Upper Shore. Anglers reported having success fishing for lake trout at depths of 120 to 160 feet. Fishing for Chinook salmon continued to be very good to excellent at Grand Marais and was good at Twin Points and Taconite Harbor. Most of the salmon have been in the 20 to 25 inch range, weighing from 2 to 5 pounds. Anglers also caught coho salmon averaging 20 to 23 inches. Water temperatures have varied from 45 to near 60 degrees F during the past week.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for September 4, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light at Duluth area stations and Knife River, moderate at McQuade public access and heavy at Two Harbors. Fishing for lake trout was very good to excellent off the McQuade public access, on the flats 1.5 miles off the Lester River and about a half mile out from the breakwall in Two Harbors. Lake trout were caught in good numbers in 70 to 100 feet of water using a variety of lures. A few salmon were also reported by anglers fishing in these areas. Anglers also had success jigging for lake trout in 180 feet of water off the Stewart River. Water temperature averaged about 64 degrees F during this period.
A note to anglers fishing in the areas near the McQuade public access: The University of Minnesota at Duluth (UMD) has placed a buoy about a half mile out from the access that records a lot of current lake data including water temperature, winds, etc. Anglers can get this information by logging on to: http://www.d.umn.edu/~jaustin/buoy_2008.html.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was moderate from Twin Points to Taconite Harbor, heavy at Grand Marais and light at Hovland. Lake trout fishing has been fair along the entire Upper Shore. Anglers are catching them both in shallow waters and suspended over deep water, which are typical places at this time of year. Anglers report having more consistent results fishing for lake trout near the bottom in the 150 to 200 foot range. Several large lake trout in the 30-inch range have been caught at Taconite Harbor. Fishing for Chinook salmon has been very good to excellent at Grand Marais. Most of the salmon have been in the 19 to 22 inch range, but our clerk has observed several larger salmon around 25 to 26 inches. The largest reported Chinook was 29 inches and weighed nearly 10 pounds. Anglers also caught coho salmon averaging 18 to 21 inches. Most anglers are fishing in waters fairly close to shore and are finding the salmon in the top 80 feet of water. Some very small salmon, ranging from 10 to 15 inches and including pinks, cohos and Chinooks have also been observed in the catch. Water temperatures have varied from 45 to 62 degrees F during the past week.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for August 28, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was moderate at the Duluth Charter Dock and light to moderate at other Lower Shore stations. In the Duluth area, anglers continued having success catching lake trout about 2 miles out from the Lester River and off the Lakewood Pumphouse, at depths from 85 to 120 feet. Most of the lake trout ranged from 21 to 27 inches. Anglers also had good luck catching lake trout a couple of miles offshore at Larsmont. Some of the lake trout caught here were large, weighing around 15 pounds. A few Chinook and Coho salmon were caught out of McQuade Public Access. Water temperatures in Lake Superior and St. Louis Bay were in the lower 60s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was heavy at Grand Marais, moderate at Twin Points, Silver Bay and Taconite Harbor and light at Hovland. West winds drove water temperatures down to around 40 degrees F at the beginning of the week. Fishing picked up in the latter half of the week as water temperatures increased to around 50 degrees. Lake trout fishing was fair at all stations, with anglers noting that the fish were widely scattered, both near and far from shore and throughout the water column, from the surface to 160 feet. Salmon fishing was good during the past week, with coho and Chinook salmon being caught at Twin Points, Silver Bay and Grand Marais. Anglers at Silver Bay had the best success catching salmon, and most of the fish were Chinook salmon. Although most salmon were caught in the top 50 or 60 feet of water, anglers at Grand Marais caught salmon throughout the water column, including in deep water.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for August 15, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was heavy at McQuade public access and Knife River, moderate at Two Harbors and the Duluth Charter Dock and light at Lakehead Marina and Rice’s Point access. In the Duluth area, anglers continued having success catching lake trout in the area between the Lester River and the Lakewood Pumphouse, at depths from 40 to 100 feet. Salmon were also caught in this area. Some anglers have gone out farther, near the MI/WI border, in search of larger lake trout,. Anglers fishing out of McQuade public access to Two Harbors had excellent fishing during the past week. They fished waters from 60 to 130 feet, but most of the fish were caught at 20 to 40 feet. The catch included lake trout, coho salmon and Chinook salmon. Anglers from Knife River and Two Harbors also had success catching lake trout in deeper water, from 110 to 175 feet, using downriggers. Our clerk observed lake trout from 15 to 30 inches, cohos from 17 to 20 inches and Chinook salmon from 17 to 26 inches. Water temperatures in Lake Superior and St. Louis Bay were in the mid 50s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was heavy at Grand Marais, moderate at Twin Points, Silver Bay and Taconite Harbor and light to moderate at Hovland. Lake trout fishing was fair to good at all stations, with anglers catching lake trout in deep water from 150 to 200 feet. These lake trout averaged 16 to 20 inches. A few lake trout ranging in size from 20 to 25 inches were caught higher up in the water column. Salmon fishing was good, with both coho and Chinook salmon reported from all stations except Hovland. The best salmon fishing was at Grand Marais. Anglers caught the salmon in the top 60 feet of water. Most Chinook salmon were in the 18 to 20 inch range and a few Chinooks up to 26 inches were reported. Coho salmon averaged 18 to 21 inches. A few pink salmon were reported from Silver Bay and Grand Marais. The lake water temperatures ranged to the mid-50s F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for August 7, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was heavy at the Duluth Charter Dock and moderate at other Lower Shore stations. Lake trout fishing was good this past week. Anglers had good success trolling at 50 to 90 feet in 100 to 120 feet of water between the Lester River and the Lakewood Pumphouse. Fishing was a bit slower farther up the shore, but anglers had success fishing for lake trout off Knife Island and toward the Sucker River, and straight out from Agate Bay in Two Harbors. Lake trout ranged in size from 18 to 32 inches. A few coho salmon averaging about 18 inches were caught in the Knife River area and a few Chinook salmon ranging from 21 to 24 inches were caught by anglers in the Duluth area. Water temperatures in Lake Superior were in the low 50s F, and temperatures in the Bay were in the mid- to upper 60s F.
Upper Shore Update- August 12, 2008
Our Creel Census Clerk has reported that anglers from Silver Bay to Grand Marais have had very good salmon fishing the last few days. Most of the fish are Chinook salmon in the 18 to 22 inch (2 to 4 pounds) range. Coho salmon are also being caught. Most have been caught just below the surface and the best catches seem to be from Taconite Harbor to Grand Marais.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for August 1, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure has picked up at Lower Shore stations. Pressure was heavy at the Duluth Charter Dock and Two Harbors, moderate at McQuade Public Access and Knife River and light at Lakehead marina and Rice’s Point public access. Lake trout fishing was very good this past week. Anglers had very good success trolling at 65 to 90 feet in 100 to 140 feet of water between the Lester River and the Lakewood Pumphouse. Anglers also had very good success fishing for lake trout off Knife Island, and out of Two Harbors. Anglers at McQuade access reported slow fishing for lake trout. Lake trout ranged in size from 18 to 31 inches, and anglers reported that they are catching larger lake trout more frequently than in previous weeks. A few coho salmon in the 18 to 22 inch range were caught at Two Harbors and a couple of Chinook salmon were caught by anglers in the Duluth area. Water temperatures in Lake Superior were in the low 50s F, and temperatures in the Bay were in the mid- to upper 60s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was high at Taconite Harbor and Grand Marais, moderate at Twin Points and Silver Bay and light at Hovland. In the Silver Bay area, lake trout and salmon fishing were good. Anglers there reported the fish were widely scattered and the best fishing was several miles offshore in the top 120 feet of the water column. They also reported smaller lake trout in the 17 to 21 inch range near the bottom at 120 to 200 feet. Lake trout fishing was very good in the Taconite Harbor-Tofte area where most of the lake trout were in the 18 to 25 inch range. The most consistent action here was in water from 90 to 160 feet deep. At Grand Marais, lake trout fishing was good. The lake trout were scattered at various depths. Salmon fishing has picked up on the Upper Shore. In recent days, anglers at Twin Points and Taconite Harbor have caught good numbers of both Chinook and coho salmon, and reported seeing them splashing on the surface. Salmon fishing was also very good at Grand Marais. The Chinook salmon were between 18 and 24 inches and the coho salmon were averaged about 18 inches. Salmon were caught in the top 120 feet of the water column. The lake water temperatures ranged from the mid-40s to mid-50s F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for July 24, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure has picked up at Lower Shore stations. Pressure was moderate at Lakehead Marina, McQuade Public Access and Knife River, and light to moderate at other Lower Shore stations. Lake trout fishing was good this past week. Anglers had the best success trolling in water from 100 to 120 feet between the Lester River and Lakewood Pumphouse. Lake trout were also caught on lines closer to the surface; and farther up the shore in the Two Harbors area, jigging worked well in water up to 165 feet. The lake trout ranged between 16 and 34 inches. Very few salmon were reported during the last week. They were caught out of Knife River and were in the 18 to 20 inch range. Water temperatures in Lake Superior were in the low 50s F, and temperatures in the Bay were in the mid- to upper 60s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure rose at all stations on the Upper Shore last week. Pressure was moderate to high at Taconite Harbor and Grand Marais, moderate at Twin Points and Silver Bay and light at Hovland. In the Silver Bay to Taconite Harbor area, the best catches of lake trout, coho salmon and Chinook salmon came 5 to 10 miles from shore, in the top 100 feet of the water column. At Grand Marais, anglers reported catching lake trout at various depths, from near-surface waters to 170 feet deep. Most of the larger lake trout came from deeper water, although some large lake trout were also caught near the surface. The largest lake trout observed by our clerk was 40 inches and weighed close to 18 pounds. In the Grand Marais area, smaller lake trout in the 16 to 20 inch range were also caught in shallow water, near to shore. Coho and Chinook salmon were caught at Silver Bay, Taconite Harbor and Grand Marais. Coho salmon averaged around 18 inches and Chinook salmon were in the 18 to 25-inch range. A few Chinook salmon weighing about 7 pounds were observed at Grand Marais. The lake water temperatures averaged in the 50s F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for July 18, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light to moderate at Lower Shore stations. The weather was poor and kept anglers off the lake on several days of the past week. When anglers got out, lake trout fishing was good. Lake trout from 17 to 31 inches were recorded, with most being between 20 and 24 inches. Anglers in the Duluth area had good success catching lake trout 5 to 6 miles out from the Lester River in 80 to 130 feet of water. Lake trout fishing was also good at McQuade public access, Knife River and Two Harbors. Most of the fish were caught between 90 and 150 feet. At McQuade public access, some anglers also had good luck fishing higher in the water column near the surface, and anglers fishing straight out from Knife Island also had good success in deeper water, at around 210 feet. At Two Harbors, several anglers got their limits fishing straight out from Agate Bay in 120 to 150 feet of water. A few coho salmon in the 18 to 20 inch range were also caught off Two Harbors. Duluth area anglers caught a couple of Chinook salmon from 24 to 27 inches. Water temperatures in Lake Superior ranged from the low to mid-50s F, and temperatures in the Bay were in the mid-60s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was moderate at Silver Bay, Taconite Harbor and Grand Marais, and light at Twin Points and Hovland. Windy conditions and storms kept anglers off the lake on several days during the past week. Lake trout fishing was good in the area from Silver Bay to Taconite Harbor, where anglers caught lake trout between 18 and 25 inches at a variety of depths, with most lake trout either suspended in the water column or near the bottom in 120 to 170 feet of water. Increasing numbers of coho and Chinook salmon have also been reported in this area. They have ranged in size from 18 to 21 inches and were caught at 90 to 120 feet. Anglers in the Grand Marais reported slow fishing for lake trout. Lake trout between 17 and 24 inches were caught in deep water. Our clerk did not record any salmon at Grand Marais in the last week. Lake water temperatures remained cold, with average surface temperatures in the upper 30s to the low 40s F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for July 10, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light at Lower Shore stations. Anglers say it is still difficult getting fish to bite. Anglers had fair success catching lake trout. Most lake trout were caught at depths between 140 to 160 feet. Anglers had the best success catching lake trout trolling in waters from the Lester River to the Lakewood Pumphouse. Anglers also had fair success catching lake trout out of Two Harbors. The lake trout were mostly between 15 and 25 inches. Our clerk observed a single 24-inch Chinook salmon during the week. Most of the anglers at Rice’s Point targeted walleye in St. Louis Bay. Anglers report good walleye fishing on the Bay and caught walleyes from 8 to 26 inches. Water temperatures in Lake Superior ranged from the upper 40s to mid-50s F, and temperatures in the Bay ranged from the mid-60s to mid-70s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was moderate at Grand Marais and light at other stations on the Upper Shore. Lake trout fishing was good in Grand Marais. Most of the lake trout were caught near the bottom in 120 to 170 feet of water. Some larger lake trout were caught suspended off the bottom in deep water. Lake trout fishing was fair in the Taconite Harbor area. Grand Marais anglers also caught a few Chinook salmon in the 17 to 22 inch range. For most of the past week, lake water temperatures remained cold, with average surface temperatures in the upper 30s to the low 40s F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for July 2, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light to moderate at Lower Shore stations. Although the water has cleared up, and warmer water has become easier to find, anglers say it is still difficult getting the fish to bite. Anglers had fair to good success catching lake trout. Most lake trout were caught at relatively shallow depths, below 50 feet, over deeper water. Anglers had the best success catching lake trout trolling in waters from the Lakewood Pumphouse to French River. The lake trout were mostly between 14 and 22 inches. A few cohos between 16 and 18 inches were also caught in this area. Most of the anglers at Rice’s Point targeted walleye in St. Louis Bay. Anglers report that walleye fishing on the Bay has slowed down a bit, but they are still catching fish in the 14 to 19.5 inch range. Water temperatures in Lake Superior ranged from the low to mid-50s F, and temperatures in the Bay ranged from the mid-60s to low 70s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Although fishing pressure is rising at some stations on the Upper Shore, overall the pressure remained light. Anglers from Twin Points and Silver Bay had good success catching lake trout in the 18 to 23 inch range. Most of the fish were caught near the bottom in 150 to 200 feet of water. Anglers also reported catching some lake trout suspended at 90 to 140 feet over deeper water. Anglers in the Grand Marais area reported fair catches of lake trout in the 17 to 20 inch range. Most of these fish were caught near structure and near the bottom at 120 to 180 feet. Our clerk has heard that a few salmon were caught in the Grand Marais area. Lake water temperatures remained cold, with average surface temperatures between the upper 30s and low 40s F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for June 26, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was moderate at Rice’s Point Public Access and at Knife River and light at other Lower Shore stations. Fishing picked up in the past week as the water cleared up following the rains the previous week, and as warmer water became easier to find. Anglers had good success catching lake trout. Most lake trout were caught at relatively shallow depths, from 30 to 60 feet. However, anglers also reported catching lake trout in deep water, from 120 to 160 feet. The best success for lake trout was out of Knife River, and in waters from the Lakewood Pumphouse to French River. A few salmon were also caught in these areas. The lake trout were mostly between 17 and 24.5 inches. The cohos were between 16 and 18 inches and the one Chinook salmon our clerk observed was 30 inches. Most of the anglers at Rice’s Point targeted walleye in St. Louis Bay. They had good luck catching walleyes between 15 and 25 inches. Water temperatures in Lake Superior ranged from the low 40s to the mid 50s F, and temperatures in the Bay ranged from the upper 50s to mid-60s F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure remained very light at all stations on the Upper Shore. Anglers on the Upper Shore encountered adverse weather conditions including fog, rain and moderate to high winds during the week. Fishing conditions remained difficult as surface water temperatures remained near 40 degrees F. In the Grand Marais area, anglers reported catching a few lake trout in the 4-8 pound range from depths of 90 to 150 feet. From Twin Points to Taconite Harbor, anglers reported catching smaller lake trout, from 1 to 3 pounds near structure in water from 150 to 190 feet deep.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for June 19, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light at all Lower Shore stations. Fishing was slow for lake trout, although a few were caught by anglers from all stations. Experienced anglers, including charters, reported difficult fishing conditions. Those who had some success catching lake trout found them in the upper part of the water column over deeper water from 120 to 140 feet. Anglers had success trolling along the South Shore and between the Lakewood Pumphouse and McQuade Road. Farther up the shore, they fished straight out from Knife Island and Agate Bay. The lake trout observed by our clerk were between 13 and 29 inches. Water temperatures in Lake Superior were in the low to mid-40s, and temperatures in the Bay were around 60 degrees F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure remained very light at all stations on the Upper Shore. The water remains dark and dirty from the recent rains. Experienced lake anglers, including charters, reported difficult fishing conditions because of this. Water temperatures ranged from 38 to 41 degrees F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for June 12, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light at all Lower Shore stations. Poor weather conditions including rain, wind and fog kept most anglers off the big lake. Most of the anglers that did get out went into the Bay and St. Louis River where walleye between 12 and 15 inches were common in the catch. Anglers that got out on Lake Superior encountered fair to good fishing, especially out from the Lester River, in water about 120 to 140 feet deep. Anglers caught lake trout, coho salmon and Chinook salmon in these areas, although the fish were higher in the water column. Most anglers were trolling with planer boards or vertical jigging. Lake trout ranged from 16 to 25 inches, cohos ranged from17 to 19 inches and Chinooks ranged from 17 to 27 inches. Water temperatures in Lake Superior were in the low to mid-40s, and temperatures in the Bay were between 55 and 60 degrees F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: As on the Lower Shore, bad weather and rough water kept fishing pressure light at all stations on the Upper Shore. The recent heavy rains have caused tributaries to flood, resulting in dark, dirty water in the lake. Experienced lake anglers reported difficult fishing conditions because of this. Anglers at Taconite Harbor and Grand Marais caught a few lake trout in the 16 to 26 inch range. Water temperatures ranged from 39 to 41 degrees F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for June 6, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light at all Lower Shore stations. Poor weather conditions including rain, wind and fog kept many anglers off the big lake. Most of the anglers interviewed by our clerk were targeting walleye, fishing in the Bay or in the St. Louis River. Walleye fishing was good, and the fish ranged from 20 to 31.5 inches. Fishing was fair for lake trout and Chinook salmon and a couple of coho salmon were also caught. The lake trout ranged in size from 17 to 27 inches and the Chinook salmon ranged from 20 to 28 inches. Water temperatures Lake Superior were in the upper-30s to low 40s, and temperatures in the Bay were between 55 and 60 degrees F.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: As on the Lower Shore, bad weather and rough water kept fishing pressure light at all stations on the Upper Shore. At Twin Points, a boat party brought in a lake trout, a Chinook salmon and 2 brown trout. Anglers from Silver bay to Taconite Harbor reported having difficulty finding lake trout and catches were light. Grand Marais anglers reported fair catches of lake trout in the 17 to 22 inch range, trolling and vertical jigging near deep-water structure in the 140 to 220 foot range. Water temperatures ranged from 38 to 40 degrees F.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for May 29, 2008
Lower Shore-Duluth to Two Harbors: Fishing pressure was light at all Lower Shore stations. Poor weather conditions including rain, wind and fog kept many anglers off the lake over the Memorial Day weekend. Water temperatures were in the upper-30s.
Note: McQuade public access is NOT OPEN yet. Please do not launch boats from here until it is finished. Vehicles with trailers can cause delays in construction and also may result in safety concerns for the construction workers and boaters.
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: As on the Lower Shore, fishing pressure was light at all stations on the Upper Shore. Boat anglers in Grand Marais and Silver Bay, either trolling with downriggers or jigging, reported catching a few lake trout in water from 150-220 feet. The lake trout were mostly between 17-21 inches. Water temperatures were in the mid- to upper 30s.
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) are greater than the 40 to mid-50 degree spawning window for steelhead on the Lower Shore. As a result, the Lower Shore creel concluded on 5/22. The Lower Shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. The Knife River trap continues to sample 15-20 spent adult steelhead migrating downstream, indicating most spawning activity has occurred and adults are headed back to the lake. Most streams on the Lower Shore are low and clear with very few steelhead remaining in the streams.
Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) also exceed 55 degrees, and the spring creel on the Middle Shore also concluded on 5/22. Most streams on the Middle Shore are low and clear with very few steelhead remaining in the streams. The Middle Shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers.
The Upper Shore creel was extended to include the Memorial Day weekend due to cooler water temperatures resulting in steelhead remaining in the rivers. Water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 52 and 57 degrees. The Upper Shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers. Anglers interviewed by the Upper Shore creel clerk caught 3 steelhead and 1 walleye. Stream flows continue to be moderate with some color in the water, due to rain on the evening of 5/25. The run has likely peaked on the Upper Shore; however, steelhead will remain in the streams until water temperatures approach 60 degrees and become clear.
As of 5/27/08, we have sampled 252 unclipped steelhead, 251 clipped steelhead, and 21 Kamloops strain rainbow trout with the Knife River fish trap, while we have sampled 68 unclipped steelhead, 11 clipped steelhead and 315 Kamloops with the French River fish trap. The French River adult trap was closed for the spring season on 5/23, and the Knife River adult trap will remain open until approximately mid-June. Juvenile steelhead continue to migrate downstream on both the French and Knife rivers as temperatures increase and water clears.
This is the last spring creel update for the North Shore in 2008. Have a good year.
The spring creel reports will be followed by the summer creel (starting the week of 5/25) on this same web site and will be updated weekly. The summer creel takes place at public boat accesses and targets Lake Superior anglers, while the spring creel targets stream anglers.
Smelt: The smelt run is over. The smelt run has been very small in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
5/19-5/23/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 55 and 60 degrees. Water temperatures now exceed the 40 to mid-50 degree spawning window for steelhead, on the Lower Shore. The Lower Shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught 3 Kamloops. The Knife River trap continues to sample 15-20 spent adult steelhead migrating downstream, indicating most spawning activity has occurred and adults are headed back to the lake. Most streams on the Lower Shore are low and clear with very few steelhead remaining in the streams.
Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 50 and 55 degrees. Water levels are also becoming low and clear on the Middle Shore, but due to cooler water temperatures (compared to the Lower Shore), some adult steelhead remain in the rivers, typically in the first few pools downstream of the waterfall barrier. The Middle Shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the Middle Shore creel clerk caught 1 steelhead this past week.
Water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) also ranged between 50 and 55 degrees. The Upper Shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers. Anglers interviewed by the Upper Shore creel clerk caught 9 steelhead and 7 brook trout. Stream flows continue to be moderate with some color in the water. The run continues to peak on the Upper Shore with several fresh, chrome steelhead being caught daily. Steelhead were also observed spawning in most streams north of Grand Marais this past week.
As of 5/23/08, we have sampled 227 unclipped steelhead, 245 clipped steelhead, and 21 Kamloops strain rainbow trout with the Knife River fish trap, while we have sampled 68 unclipped steelhead, 11 clipped steelhead and 315 Kamloops with the French River fish trap. Juvenile steelhead have started their emigration down both the French and Knife rivers this past week, with over a hundred migrating down each stream daily.
Smelt: The smelt run is over. The smelt run has been very small in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
5/16-5/18/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 50 and 62 degrees. Water temperatures now exceed the 40 to 50 degree spawning window for steelhead on the Lower Shore. The Lower Shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught 2 steelhead and 1 brook trout. The Knife River trap sampled 15-20 spent adult steelhead migrating downstream, indicating most spawning activity has occurred and adults are headed back to the lake. Most streams on the Lower Shore are low and clear with very few steelhead remaining in the streams.
Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 47 and 49 degrees. Water levels are also becoming low and clear on the Middle Shore, but due to cooler water temperatures (compared to the Lower Shore), some adult steelhead remain in the rivers. The Middle Shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the Middle Shore creel clerk caught 5 steelhead.
Water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 45 and 49 degrees. The Upper Shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers. Anglers interviewed by the Upper Shore creel clerk caught 9 steelhead, 1 Kamloops, 3 brook trout, and 1 walleye. Stream flows continue to be moderate with some color in the water. The run is likely peaking with numerous fresh, chrome steelhead being caught daily.
As of 5/19/08, we have sampled 202 unclipped steelhead, 243 clipped steelhead, and 21 Kamloops strain rainbow trout with the Knife River fish trap, while we have sampled 67 unclipped steelhead, 11 clipped steelhead and 313 Kamloops with the French River fish trap.
Smelt: The smelt run is over. The smelt run has been very small in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
5/12-5/15/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 45 and 50 degrees. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught 5 steelhead, 2 Kamloops, and 1 brook trout.
Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 42 and 50 degrees. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers continue to catch steelhead on the middle shore.
Water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 45 and 50 degrees. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers. Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk caught 4 steelhead.
The rivers are now all running low and clear on the lower shore, and while rivers on the upper shore have moderate flows and some color. We feel the run has peaked and is now declining on the lower shore, the run is currently peaking on the middle shore, while the run should be peaking on the upper shore within the next week.
As of 5/16/08, we have sampled 196 unclipped steelhead, 240 clipped steelhead, and 21 Kamloops strain rainbow trout with the Knife River fish trap, while we have sampled 66 unclipped steelhead, 11 clipped steelhead and 309 Kamloops with the French River fish trap. Spent females continue to migrate back down the Knife River, indicating the peak of the run is over on the Knife.
Smelt: The smelt run is over. The smelt run has been very small in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
5/9-5/11/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 48 and 54 degrees. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught 7 steelhead and 2 Kamloops.
Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 42 and 48 degrees. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the middle shore creel clerk caught 22 steelhead and 1 Kamloops.
Water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 45 and 49 degrees. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers. Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk caught 7 steelhead.
The rivers are now all running low and clear. Anglers report fish can be observed, but are apprehensive and less aggressive. Rain is in the forecast for the Minnesota shore for 5/13 and 5/16 through 5/19, which will likely bring a few new fish into rivers and result in fish being more aggressive if flows increase and streams become turbid. Water temperatures are now appropriate for steelhead to be present in all rivers on the Minnesota shore. We feel the run has peaked and is now declining on the lower shore, the run is currently peaking on the middle shore, while the run should be peaking on the upper shore within the next week or so.
As of 5/12/08, we have sampled 190 unclipped steelhead, 238 clipped steelhead, and 21 Kamloops strain rainbow trout with the Knife River fish trap, while we have sampled 65 unclipped steelhead, 11 clipped steelhead and 306 Kamloops with the French River fish trap. Spent females started migrating back down the Knife River this past weekend indicating the peak of the run is over on the Knife.
Smelt: Smelters reported fewer and fewer smelt being caught in Duluth area streams as the week progressed. Reports of some success continue to come in, primarily at the Lester River. The smelt run has been very small in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
5/5-5/8/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 40 and 50 degrees this past week. Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 40 and 52 degrees, while water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 43 and 48 degrees. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught 14 steelhead and 7 Kamloops. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the middle shore creel clerk caught 28 steelhead and 1 brook trout. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk caught 9 steelhead and 1 brook trout. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers.
This was the first week that the creel clerk observed steelhead jumping and surfacing at the barrier falls on all rivers on the upper shore. Water temperatures are now appropriate for steelhead to be present in all rivers on the Minnesota shore. Water levels continue to decrease and clear shorewide. We feel the run has peaked and is now declining on the lower shore, the run is currently peaking on the middle shore, while the run should be peaking on the upper shore within the next week or so.
As of 5/9/08, the Knife River fish trap has sampled 185 unclipped steelhead, 235 clipped steelhead, and 21 Kamloops, while the French River fish trap has sampled 62 unclipped steelhead, 9 clipped steelhead and 296 Kamloops strain rainbow trout.
Smelt: Smelters reported fewer and fewer smelt being caught by the night this past week in Duluth area streams. Commercial smelters pulled their nets for the season on 5/1/08 and their total catch for the season was very similar to last year. Smelters have no longer reported successful outings along Park Point. The smelt run has been very small in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
5/2-5/4/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 40 and 46 degrees this past week. Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 40 and 48 degrees, while water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 36 and 40 degrees. Water temperatures are warmer in the lower and middle shore, resulting in more rainbow trout being caught there. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught a total of 4 steelhead and 4 Kamloops. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the middle shore creel clerk caught 36 steelhead and 2 Kamloops. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk caught 4 steelhead and 0 Kamloops. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers.
Streams continue to run high in the middle and upper shore, but are clear. Rainbow trout numbers in the lower and middle shore creel have been high over the past week, but we feel the run has peaked and may start trending downward on the lower shore. We expect numbers to increase in the upper shore this week as air and water temperatures increase.
As of 5/5/08, the Knife River fish trap has sampled 173 unclipped steelhead, 212 clipped steelhead, and 18 Kamloops, while the French River fish trap has sampled 51 unclipped steelhead, 7 clipped steelhead and 259 Kamloops strain rainbow trout.
Smelt: A few reports of smelt continue to come in, with smelters having some success along Park Point with seines. Stream water temperatures are just starting to approach the 44-50 degree range when smelt typically move into North Shore streams. Some reports of smelt continue to trickle in from the Lester River to the Gooseberry River up the shore. Commercial smelt fishermen continue to catch low numbers on a daily basis. The smelt run has been very small in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
4/28-5/1/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 37 and 44 degrees this past week. Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 35 and 40 degrees, while water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 36 and 40 degrees. Water temperatures are warmer at the Duluth end of the lake, resulting in more rainbow trout being caught there. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught a total of 46 steelhead and 5 Kamloops. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the middle shore creel clerk caught 3 steelhead and 0 Kamloops. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk caught 5 steelhead and 0 Kamloops. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers.
Streams continue to run high, but are running clearer as of 5/2. Most North Shore watersheds received several inches of precipitation on 4/24 and 4/25. Rain is expected on 5/2 and 5/3, which should add some color to the water again. We expect numbers in the run to increase in the middle part of the shore this week as air and water temperatures increase.
As of 5/2/08, the Knife River fish trap has sampled 162 unclipped steelhead, 198 clipped steelhead, and 17 Kamloops, while the French River fish trap has sampled 44 unclipped steelhead, 6 clipped steelhead and 230 Kamloops strain rainbow trout. Very few ripe female steelhead have been sampled with the Knife River trap (>90% green), indicating, the run is still in its early stages on most streams due to low water temperatures.
Smelt: A few reports of smelt continue to come in, with smelters having some success along Park Point with seines. Stream water temperatures remain below the 44-50 degree range when smelt typically move into North Shore streams. There are some reports of smelt at the Lester River, with low numbers sporadically being caught. Commercial smelt fishermen have consistently caught low numbers each day throughout the week. The smelt run has been very small in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
4/25-4/27/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 38 and 42 degrees this past weekend. Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 35 and 39 degrees, while water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 36 and 37 degrees. Streams continue to run high, but have cleared up as of 4/28. Most North Shore watersheds received several inches of precipitation on 4/24 and 4/25. Ice has now disappeared from Grand Marais Area streams. Due to cold water temperatures, more rainbow trout continue to be caught on streams at the Duluth end of the lake. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught a total of 6 steelhead and 14 Kamloops. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the middle shore creel clerk caught 5 steelhead and 2 Kamloops. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk caught 5 steelhead and 1 Kamloops. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers.
Water temperatures decreased and are currently in the upper 30's on many streams, due to rain/snow on Friday and Saturday and nighttime air temperatures in the 20's. We expect numbers in the run to increase in the middle part of this week as air and water temperatures increase and water levels decrease. Despite the calendar reading of April 28th, the run is still in its early stages on most streams due to low water temperatures.
As of 4/28/08, the Knife River fish trap has sampled 122 unclipped steelhead and 151 clipped steelhead, and the French River fish trap has sampled 17 unclipped steelhead, 4 clipped steelhead and 112 Kamloops strain rainbow trout.
Smelt: A few reports of smelt have come in, with smelters having limited success along Park Point with seines. Stream water temperatures remain below the 44-50 degree range when smelt typically move into North Shore streams. Commercial smelt fishermen caught smelt for the first time on the 4/24 (mostly males) and are starting to catch a higher number of females (4/28); however, it still appears to be early for the smelt run. The smelt run has been very small to nearly nonexistent in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
4/21-4/25/08 Spring Creel Report
Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 41 and 44 degrees this past week. Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 39 and 42 degrees, while water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 33 and 42 degrees. Streams are still running high and turbid, and some ice is still present in Grand Marais Area streams. Projections of greater than two inches of rain between today and Monday will likely increase flows substantially. Due to cold water temperatures, more rainbow trout were still caught on streams at the Duluth end of the lake. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught a total of 16 Kamloops and 14 steelhead. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the middle shore creel clerk caught 2 steelhead and 1 Kamloops. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk were unsuccessful in catching a steelhead or Kamloops. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers.
Although water temperatures are currently in the low to mid 40's on many streams, weekend air temperatures with highs in the upper 30's and lows in the 20's, will result in stream temperatures likely decreasing. We expect numbers in the run to increase in the early part of next week as air and water temperatures increase and water levels decrease. Despite the calendar reading April 25th today, the run is still in its early stages on most streams due to water temperatures.
As of 4/25/08, the Knife River fish trap has sampled 119 unclipped steelhead and 149 clipped steelhead, and the French River fish trap has sampled 17 unclipped steelhead, 4 clipped steelhead and 112 Kamloops strain rainbow trout.
Smelt: A few reports of smelt have come in, with smelters having limited success along Park Point. Stream water temperatures remain below the 44-50 degree range when smelt typically move into North Shore streams. The smelt run has been very small to nearly nonexistent in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
4/21/08 Creel Report
The spring creel on the North Shore started on 4/18/08. Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 38 and 41 degrees this past weekend. Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 34 and 36 degrees, while water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) were 33 degrees. Streams are all running high and turbid, and some ice is still present in Grand Marais Area streams. Due to cold water temperatures, more rainbow trout were caught on streams at the Duluth end of the lake. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught a total of 18 Kamloops and 18 steelhead. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers. Anglers interviewed by the middle shore creel clerk caught 14 steelhead and 6 Kamloops. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers. Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk caught a total of 7 steelhead. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers.
We expect numbers in the run to increase quickly as both water temperature and flow rates have increased over the past few days. If warming trends increase (sunny days), good numbers of fish should be moving into the lower and middle shore streams this week and weekend.
As of 4/21/08, the Knife River fish trap has sampled 25 unclipped steelhead and 21 clipped steelhead, and the French River fish trap has sampled 16 unclipped steelhead, 4 clipped steelhead and 100 Kamloops strain rainbow trout.
Tags: Anglers should be aware that there is a research study going on with archival tags recording temperature and depth implanted in Kamloops and steelhead. These fish will possess a tag printed with "$50 reward for return, MNDNR Duluth, call 218-525-0853 x223". Anglers should return the whole fish, without freezing, so that we can obtain growth and diet information along with the tags.
Smelt: No smelt have been reported. The smelt run generally takes place when water temperatures in the rivers warm to the 44-50 degree range and remain above 40 over night. The smelt run has been very small to nearly nonexistent in recent years. We do not expect this to change. Please see the smelt page.
Lake Superior Fishing Update for June 6, 2008
Upper Shore-Twin Points to Hovland: Fishing pressure was high at Silver Bay, Taconite Harbor and Grand Marais, and moderate at Twin Points and Hovland. Lake trout fishing was very good at Twin Points this past week. Good numbers of lake trout between 18 and 21 inches were caught in deep water there. In the Silver Bay area, lake trout fishing was fair. Anglers there reported the best fishing was several miles offshore near temperature breaks. Anglers also reported slow lake trout fishing in the Grand Marais area, with fish being in the 20 to 26 inch range. Salmon fishing was good at all stations, especially at Taconite Harbor and Grand Marais. Both Chinook and coho salmon have been caught in water from the surface to about 60 feet, fairly close to shore. Chinook salmon ranged from 19 to 24 inches and coho salmon ranged from 18 to 23 inches. The lake water temperatures ranged from the low-40s to mid-50s F.
