Duluth Harbor Ice

I just went down and checked it and found 3 to 4 inches. Two groups were out when I stopped to check. There were some cracks to contend with but both groups found a way to navigate them successfully. I didn’t check in with either group to see how the bite was. Hopefully I can get back up in the next week with fishing gear to give it a look. To anyone heading out…the harbor can be tricky during early ice with commercial traffic still moving around in the area so BE CAREFUL out there.

Ice fishing here in upper WI on Lake Superior has just started. Couple people out on 3-6in of ice.

Nice to hear the ice has a good start as I’ll be heading up fishing on the 19th. When does the shipping season end? Can I expect solid ice conditions by then?

Alex W wrote:

Nice to hear the ice has a good start as I’ll be heading up fishing on the 19th. When does the shipping season end? Can I expect solid ice conditions by then?

I think the shipping season typically runs well into January.

People were out fishing yesterday and more ice will be made between today and the 19th of December so you should be able to get out. As is always the case no ice is safe so use your head. By the 19th there will likely be a bunch of people out fishing and some well worn access points that will give you a starting point for getting out on the ice.

This thread got me to thinking about last years’ episode where James was fishing on the big Lake hitting the Lake Trout. It was probably my favorite episode and I’ve been kicking myself ever since for not making it up there last year.

That being said, with this start, it looks like there may be a chance at redemption this year to give it a shot. Stay tuned I guess….

I’m heading out on the harbor in the morning I’ll let ya know how much ice and how the fishing was…

michaelcfi79 wrote:

last years’ episode where James was fishing on the big Lake hitting the Lake Trout

I know I should be able to find this… but????

I may be in the Duluth area right after January 1…. never been that far north, never to the area, nor have I ever chased trout through the ice. Want to start digging into the info as much as possible.

I’ll be coming up to Allouez Bay, Superior, WI for a motorcycle and atv ice race.

Jan 1 will be too early for Lake Superior ice. Even if there is ice, a first timer shouldn’t go out there that early if you don’t know what to look for. It’s definetly worth the trip but I’d be looking more towards late February to mid March.

Ice fishing in that area doesn’t happen all that often anymore. Last year was an exception. I was able to go out there for 5 weekends in a row.

I’m not looking for anything sketchy…. for sure. I’ll be in that bay area for a race on Saturday, then driving back to Green Bay that evening. Was thinking of coming up a day or so early, and try to get some fun out of the trip so it isn’t just 750 miles of work related driving.

The salmon thing would be cool… but I am just as good with any good panfishing, or whatever. Just figured since I was in the area, something different and new would be a winner.

I thought I should mention that there is some phenomenal walleye fishing in the harbor and definetly worth a shot. That was the original purpose of this thread.

Anybody know how the fishing has been on the Harbor? The countdown is real for me as I’m heading up in a little over a week. Itching for some info on the bite, ice conditions, etc!

Ma and I spend a lot of time in and around Duluth even when we are not at the cabin in Two Harbors. I carry the fishing stuff whether I plan to fish or not. One never knows when the bug will bite.

Prior to Christmas something to take in is the Bentlyville light show just off from the Canal Park area.

Looking at Navionics it looks like walleye fishing would need to happen pretty close to shore. Am I right? I wouldn’t anticipate finding them in 50+ feet of water. Shoreline breaks?
I am wondering where folks walk out from. After watching James and crew fish for Lakers there last year I have wanted to try it myself.

This thread is about the Harbor not Lake Superior…The Harbor is part of the St.Louis river….

Oh I see. Thanks for clarifying.

Where do you access the harbor for fishing?

Thanks

You can access the bay in a few locations, at the end of Minnesota point at the park point boat launch. Also people walk out by the rowing club boat house which is almost to the end of the point (you will see where others have parked and walked out). I was out a couple days ago for a few hours at sunset. marked some fish but didn’t see anyone catching. Also the current was so strong it would blow my jigging spoon way off to the side of the hole so my electronics couldn’t pick it up essentially forcing me to fish blind. Never had that happen before .