Hey there, angler! Ready to spend a day chasing fish on the big lake? Our 8-hour trip on Lake Superior is the real deal. We'll launch from Barker's Island in Superior, WI before the sun's up and cruise over to the Minnesota side where the fish are biting. With room for 4 anglers (and space for 2 more if you want to bring the whole crew), you'll have plenty of elbow room to reel in some monsters. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to soak in the views, we've got you covered. Let's break down what you can expect on this top-rated Lake Superior fishing charter.
We'll meet up at the dock at 5:45 AM sharp - yep, it's early, but trust me, it's worth it to beat the heat and hit those early morning bites. Our seasoned crew will get you set up with everything you need for a full day of fishing. We'll motor out to some prime spots on the Minnesota side of Lake Superior, where we'll drop lines and start the hunt for walleye, salmon, and trout. Don't worry if you're new to this - our guides know these waters like the back of their hand and will share all the tips and tricks you need. We'll be out until 2:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to land that fish of a lifetime. Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks, as meals aren't included on this trip.
On Lake Superior, trolling is the name of the game. We'll be using downriggers to get our lures down deep where the big ones hide. Our setup includes top-of-the-line rods, reels, and a variety of lures that the fish can't resist. We typically troll at speeds between 1.5 to 3 mph, adjusting based on what's working that day. Keep an eye on those rod tips - when they start bouncing, it's go time! Don't sweat it if you're not a pro; our crew will walk you through everything from setting the hook to netting your catch. And hey, if you've got your own favorite rod or lucky lure, feel free to bring it along. Just remember, Lake Superior is known for its cold waters, so dress in layers even on sunny days.
Lake Superior is home to some world-class fishing, and on this trip, we're targeting five main species. Let's dive into what makes each one special:
Walleye: These golden-eyed beauties are a Lake Superior staple. They tend to hang out near the bottom and put up a great fight when hooked. Summer and early fall are prime times to catch walleye, with many anglers scoring fish in the 20-30 inch range. Their flaky white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Coho Salmon: Known as "silver bullets," Coho are fast and furious fighters. They typically weigh 2-5 pounds but can get up to 10. Spring and fall are the best seasons to target these acrobatic fish. When a Coho hits, hold on tight - they're known for their spectacular jumps and runs.
Chinook Salmon: Also called King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of Lake Superior. Chinooks can top 30 pounds, though 15-20 pounders are more common. Late summer and early fall are prime times when these bruisers move closer to shore. Landing a Chinook is often the highlight of any fishing trip.
Brown Trout: These spotted beauties are known for their intelligence and wariness. Browns in Lake Superior can grow to trophy sizes, with 10+ pounders not uncommon. They're most active in cooler months, making spring and fall ideal for targeting them. Their strength and fighting ability make them a prized catch.
Lake Trout: The native giants of Lake Superior, lake trout can live for decades and grow to massive sizes. While 5-15 pounders are common, 20-30 pound fish are caught each year. They prefer cold, deep water, so we'll often target them with downriggers. Lake trout fishing is good year-round, but many anglers swear by late spring and early summer for the biggest fish.
Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing Lake Superior that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a monster lake trout in those crystal-clear waters. Or perhaps it's the chance to fill your cooler with tasty walleye and salmon. But I think what really hooks people is the whole package - the misty mornings as the sun rises over the lake, the camaraderie of sharing fish stories with new friends, and that unbeatable feeling when your rod bends double with a big one on the line. Plus, with our experienced guides showing you the ropes, even newcomers have a shot at landing the catch of a lifetime. It's not just fishing - it's making memories that'll last long after you're back on dry land.
Alright, angler, are you ready to get out there and tangle with some Lake Superior giants? This 8-hour trip is your ticket to a day full of world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to create some epic fish stories of your own. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our crew will make sure you have a blast out on the big lake. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your fishing buddies (or make it a family day out), and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this Lake Superior adventure. Book your trip now, and get ready for a day of fishing you'll never forget!
Brown trout in Lake Superior are a whole different ballgame from their river cousins. These lake-run browns can get big, often 5-10 pounds with some topping 20. They're beautiful fish, with golden-brown backs and red spots along their sides. You'll find browns cruising the shallows, especially around rocky points and drop-offs. They're most active in low light, so early mornings and evenings are prime time. Spring and fall are best, with fall being particularly good as they prepare to spawn. Browns are known for being clever and choosy. They'll inspect a lure closely before striking, making them a fun challenge for anglers. When they do hit, be ready for a strong, determined fight. Trolling with stickbaits or spoons close to shore can be very effective. For a real thrill, try casting streamers on fly gear in the shallows at dawn or dusk. Browns will often follow a lure, so a figure-eight at the boat can trigger strikes. The meat is excellent, with a rich, almost nutty flavor. Here's a local secret: After a good rain, fish the mouths of streams entering the lake. Browns will often stage there, feeding on baitfish and insects washed in by the high water.
Coho salmon might be smaller than kings, but what they lack in size, they make up for in acrobatics. These silver missiles usually run 8-12 pounds, though Lake Superior can produce some 20-pounders. You'll find cohos cruising the upper layers of the lake, typically in the top 60 feet of water. They love to chase bait near the surface, especially on overcast days. Spring and fall are peak seasons, with fall being particularly good as they stage for their spawning run. Cohos are known for their sudden, explosive strikes and airborne fights. They'll often jump multiple times, trying to throw the hook. It's an exciting fish to have on the line. Trolling with smaller spoons or plugs is very effective. We also do well with dipsy divers to get lures down without the fuss of downriggers. Cohos have excellent eyesight, so fluorocarbon leaders can make a difference on clear days. The meat is top-notch - many folks prefer coho to other salmon for its milder flavor. Pro tip: If you see gulls working the water, there's a good chance cohos are pushing bait to the surface. That's the time to break out lighter tackle and cast small spoons or flies.
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50. They're built like footballs - broad-shouldered and powerful. In Lake Superior, you'll find kings cruising the open water, often 30-100 feet down. They follow baitfish schools, so finding the bait is key. Early morning and evening are prime times, as they're sensitive to light. Summer's your best bet for hooking into a king. They're aggressive feeders, packing on weight for their spawning run. That aggression makes for some epic battles - these fish will test your gear and your arms. Trolling is the most effective method out here. We'll run downriggers to get lures deep. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all work well. Match the size of local baitfish for best results. Kings are prized for both their fight and their rich, flavorful meat. Here's a tip: When a king hits, don't set the hook right away. Let it run with the bait for a few seconds to ensure a solid hookup.
Lake Superior walleye are the gold standard for many anglers. These olive-gold fish usually run 2-5 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't uncommon. They've got a mouthful of sharp teeth and eyes that shine like cats' eyes in the dark. You'll find walleyes along drop-offs and rocky structures, usually in 15-30 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, earning the nickname "marble-eyes" for their low-light vision. Spring and fall are prime seasons, with many anglers targeting them just after ice-out. Walleyes are known for their subtle bites - you might just feel a bit of weight on the line. But once hooked, they put up a solid fight, often diving for the bottom. Jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers is a classic technique. We also do well trolling with crankbaits or bottom-bouncing with crawler harnesses. Live bait is usually the ticket, but don't overlook soft plastics on a jig head. Walleye are prized for their flaky, mild-flavored fillets - many consider them the best-eating freshwater fish. Pro tip: On calm evenings, look for walleyes feeding on minnows near the surface. You can often see their dorsal fins cutting through the water. It's a perfect time for some topwater action.
Lake trout are the monsters of the char family, often weighing 15-40 pounds and stretching 2-3 feet long. These big boys love cold, deep water with lots of oxygen. You'll find them suspended in the middle of Lake Superior's basin, sometimes way down deep. They're slow growers but can live a long time. Spring right after ice-out is prime time to target lakers. They'll be in shallower water then. As it warms up, they head deeper. Overcast days are best - they're not fans of bright light. Jigging is the go-to method. Try a Rapala Jigging Rap or something that looks like an injured baitfish. Soft plastics on jig heads work great too. If they're higher up, trolling with deep-diving crankbaits can be effective. Folks love chasing lake trout for the challenge and their tasty meat. They put up a good fight, especially the big ones. Here's a local tip: If you're jigging and not getting bites, try reeling up fast then letting it fall. That erratic action can trigger strikes.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Crusader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350