Lake Superior – Port of Superior, Wisconsin
After two weeks of heavy rain and rough weather, fishing on Lake Superior’s South Shore is picking up again. The recent storms mixed the water, and we’re now seeing a greenish-brown stain with about 5–6 feet of clarity—plenty to get bit.
We’re trolling slow and primarily pulling crawler harnesses. The bite is improving: yesterday we landed eight walleyes and lost about as many—some popped off midway in or right after removing the planer board. Misses happen, but overall fish activity and mood are trending up.
Forward-facing sonar has been a difference-maker. Not every fish will go, but having 3–4 presentations ready to cast keeps the odds in your favor.
Inland Lakes – North of Duluth
Walleyes have been finicky, so with kids in the boat we pivoted and found a hot crappie bite. We parked over a deep-water school and, using bobbers and crappie minnows, put about 40 fish in the boat—nonstop action.
For walleyes, fish are spread out. Spinners and crawlers on boards will produce, but expect perch and bluegills to peck at baits. Your best windows remain early morning and late evening, especially with wind pushing over structure, weed beds, and humps.
If you’ve got forward-facing sonar, move quickly until you mark fish, then work them with bobbers and leeches, a jig and crawler, or search baits. Adjust to their mood fish-by-fish.
Final Word
Action is improving on both Lake Superior and the inland lakes. Whether you’re chasing walleyes or switching gears for fast crappie action, there’s plenty of opportunity to bend a rod. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of summer!
— Walleye Wade
