I think we can all agree and call this spring the one of the east winds, at least here in Duluth. Time after time plans get cancelled to get out on Superior as big swells roll west to hit the shoreline of Duluth and Superior. Just the other day I was able to sneak out and find a few fish to bend the rod. The weatherman called for south winds at 5mph which is the ideal scenario, but wouldn’t ya know it, it was east at 8 to 10; A little rough but fishable none the less.
Early spring like this, we have a vast array of water colors, from almost bright red, to murky to clear and everything in between. The runoff from the rivers, coupled with the clay shorelines of the south shore which stretches from the city of Superior, to on down past the Brule River, make for some interesting clarity. This time of year, the water is going to be your structure out there. I could care less how deep I am, and honestly don’t really care about water temp at this moment (this will change going into June). All I am focused on is the clarity of the water.
This time of year, I like to take advantage of the salmon that are around because they are not here forever. And for these fish, I like to be in the clearest water I can find. The lake trout will like that semi murky water, where your prop is visible but you can definitely tell there is some mud in the water. If you get into water where you can’t see the prop I feel like you are lessening your chances. The other day, I found a great mud line that was running east and west from 60 feet on out to 130. I fished the clean water and couldn’t pull any salmon out so I headed into that lake trout murky water and had pretty good success in a short period of time. All fish came on a silver rogue or bomber long A. Silver was definitely the determining factor.
Smelt are around in numbers right now which can also make for tough fishing. Pictured below are 13 smelt from one 4 pound fish. Talked about packed like sardines! And next to those smelt, is the Rogue that got the majority of the fish. I think I had him fooled pretty good! Sometimes it is good to be similar to the bait fish and others it’s better to be completely opposite, but that day they sure wanted similar.
When the east winds let up, make sure to get out there and enjoy some great fishing as this time of year is always exciting with the salmon, lake trout, and browns all mixed in together. Focus on shallow presentations and when it’s calm get those baits out away from the boat. If I had to guess, I would say 70% of the lake trout population is in the top 20% of the water column right now, and will be throughout May and into June. So don’t feel like downriggers are necessary at all as all of my fish came in the top 7 feet the other day.
or join us for another super spread.
on some resident browns from the brule!