Rise and shine, anglers! Get ready to kick off your day with some serious rod-bending action on Lake Superior. Our 5-hour morning trip is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch before lunch. We'll cruise out from Barker's Island in Superior, WI, just as the sun's peeking over the horizon. Whether you're a seasoned pro or still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, our expert crew's got your back. We'll hit the hotspots where the fish are biting, and trust me, there's nothing like the thrill of that first big strike of the day.
We'll meet you at the dock at 5:45 AM sharp – yeah, it's early, but the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the fish! Our captain will give you the rundown on safety and what's biting. Then we'll motor out to where the action is. You'll have plenty of time to wet your line and maybe even land a few lunkers before we head back in at 11:00 AM. Don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your A-game and maybe a lucky hat. Oh, and don't forget to snap a few pics for bragging rights later!
On Lake Superior, we're all about versatility. Depending on what's biting, we might do some trolling with downriggers to get those lures down deep where the big boys hang out. Or we might switch it up and do some jigging if we spot a school on the fish finder. We use a mix of live bait and artificial lures – whatever's working that day. Our setup includes sturdy rods that can handle anything from a scrappy walleye to a bulldogging lake trout. And don't worry if you're new to this – our crew will show you the ropes, from setting the drag to netting your catch.
Lake Superior's been on fire lately! Anglers have been pulling in some real beauties. The walleye bite has been hot, with some folks limiting out before 9 AM. We've seen a bunch of chunky coho salmon in the 5-8 pound range, and a few lucky anglers have tangled with some monster chinooks pushing 20 pounds. The lake trout fishing has been steady too, with some deep-water bruisers giving folks a real workout. It's anyone's guess what you'll hook into, but that's half the fun!
Walleye: The gold standard of Great Lakes fishing. These tasty buggers love to hang out near underwater structure and can put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They've got a mouth full of teeth, so watch those fingers when you're unhooking 'em! Best time to target them is early morning or late evening when they're actively feeding. Anglers love 'em not just for the fight, but because they're some of the best eating fish you'll ever taste.
Coho Salmon: These silvery rockets are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the lake. They're typically smaller than their chinook cousins, averaging 3-8 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. When a coho hits, hold on tight – they're known for wild, line-peeling runs and spectacular jumps. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch 'em all summer long. Smoked coho is a local delicacy you've got to try!
Chinook Salmon: Also known as king salmon, and for good reason. These are the bruisers of the salmon world, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. When a big king decides to take your lure, you better have your drag set right because they can empty a reel in seconds! They're most active in late summer and fall as they prepare to run up the rivers to spawn. Landing a trophy chinook is a bucket list item for many anglers.
Brown Trout: The wily browns are the tricksters of Lake Superior. They're not as common as some other species, which makes hooking one even more special. Known for their selective feeding habits, fooling a big brown trout is a real feather in any angler's cap. They love to hang around structure and can grow to impressive sizes in the big lake. Spring and fall are prime times to target these beautiful fish.
Lake Trout: The true natives of Lake Superior, lake trout (or "lakers" as we call 'em) are built for the cold, deep waters of the big lake. These fish can live for decades and grow to monster sizes. We typically target them in deeper water, often using downriggers to get our lures down where they live. They're not the fastest fighters, but they've got endurance – reeling up a big laker from 100 feet down is a workout! They're available year-round, but the fishing really heats up in mid-summer when they move into shallower water.
Folks who fish with us once tend to make it a tradition. Maybe it's the thrill of never knowing what you'll catch next. Or the way the morning fog lifts off the lake, revealing that endless horizon. Could be the expert know-how of our guides, always ready with a tip or a tale. Whatever it is, there's something special about starting your day on Lake Superior, rod in hand, surrounded by the beauty of the North Shore. And let's be honest – nothing beats the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner!
So there you have it, folks – a morning of world-class fishing on the greatest of the Great Lakes. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, chase that personal best, or just enjoy a few hours on the water, our 5-hour morning trip has got you covered. With only room for 4 guests, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. So don't wait – grab your fishing buddies, your kids, or your out-of-town guests and book your spot today. Trust me, there's no better way to start your day than with a bent rod and a screaming reel. See you on the water!
Brown trout in Lake Superior typically run 16-24 inches and 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. They're wary and challenging to catch, which makes them a favorite for many anglers. Browns prefer cooler water and are often found near shore, around rocky areas or submerged structures. Spring and fall are prime seasons, especially when water temperatures are in the 50s. These fish are known for their beautiful spotted pattern and their hard-fighting nature when hooked. They're also excellent eating. We often troll with stickbaits or spoons, or cast from shore with spinners. Here's a tip: try fishing near creek mouths after a rain, when browns move in to feed on baitfish. The challenge of outsmarting a big brown trout keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the largest Pacific salmon species in Lake Superior. They can top 30 pounds, though 15-25 is more common. These powerful fish are known for their hard-fighting ability and tasty, pink flesh. Kings prefer colder, deeper water, so we often find them 50-100 feet down in summer. They move shallower in fall for their spawning run. Spring and fall are peak seasons, with many anglers chasing the "fall chrome" as kings stage near river mouths. We typically troll with downriggers, using large spoons or cut bait. A local trick: try using glow-in-the-dark lures early in the morning or on overcast days. Landing a big king is a true test of an angler's skills - they'll make long runs and fight to the very end. It's an experience you won't forget.
Coho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 24-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. They're known for their acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. In Lake Superior, we find them in open water during summer, usually 30-60 feet deep. They move closer to shore in fall as they prepare to run up rivers to spawn. Cohos are prized for their rich, orange flesh - great for grilling or smoking. Spring and fall are prime seasons, with many anglers targeting them during the fall run. We often troll with downriggers using spoons or flies. Here's a tip: on calm days, try skimming the surface with bright-colored flatfish lures. Cohos can be finicky, but when they're biting, the action can be non-stop. It's hard to beat the thrill of a silver leaping at the end of your line.
Lake trout are the true giants of Lake Superior, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. They're a slow-growing, long-lived species that prefer deep, cold water. In summer, we often find them 80-150 feet down, near underwater humps or drop-offs. Spring and fall, when they move shallower, are prime seasons. Lakers are prized for their firm, orange flesh and their strong fights when hooked. They're not as acrobatic as other trout, but they'll test your arms with powerful runs. We typically troll with downriggers using spoons or cut bait, or jig in deep water. A local secret: try jigging with a glow-in-the-dark tube jig tipped with a piece of smelt. Landing a big lake trout is a true accomplishment - they're often called the "grey ghosts" of the Great Lakes for good reason.
Walleye are a popular freshwater game fish, typically 15-30 inches long and weighing 2-10 pounds. You'll find them in deeper, cooler parts of lakes and rivers, often near rocky areas or drop-offs. They're most active at dawn and dusk, when their sensitive eyes give them an advantage. Walleye put up a good fight and make excellent table fare, which is why anglers love targeting them. In Lake Superior, we usually troll with crankbaits or bottom-bounce with live bait rigs. A local tip: try jigging with a minnow-tipped jig near underwater points or humps. The walleye's nickname "marble-eye" comes from their large, reflective eyes that help them see in low light. They can be a bit tricky to catch, but once you figure out their patterns, you're in for some great fishing.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Crusader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350