Fishing in the Twin Ports area was up and down last week. The warm temperatures we had were welcome. But the warmth came in the early stages of fall turnover and this made for some tough fishing in some places.
We're still seeing average water temps between 65-75 degrees but fall colors are starting to show up on shorelines and, as days get shorter and evenings get cooler, autumn is on the way.
Lake Superior fishing was decent last week for anglers concentrating on the deeper waters from Duluth to Two Harbors. Lakers have been caught mostly trolling areas of 120-150 feet. Getting baits down to cooler water temperatures in deeper water has been best for bigger fish. A few kings and cohos are showing up as well. Using downriggers and flashers continues to be best. The South Shore walleye bite has been on the quiet side in part because fewer anglers are pursuing them.
Stream fishing continues to pick up. Anglers using topwater baits can find some success fishing in the early evenings and early mornings for a chance at a nice brown trout or steelhead. Brook trout continue to be caught slow retrieving small hardware such as small size spinners.
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St. Louis River fishing has been on the slower side. Walleyes have been mostly on the deeper transition corridors. Fish are starting to migrate to new areas. The best tactic has been to troll steep breaks in the morning or later afternoons. Some crappies are showing up on channel edges as well. Jig and minnow tactics have been taking a few fish. Muskie fishing is picking up as we are seeing more anglers targeting the big fish. Fishing for bigger pike and muskie will continue to pick up as we move further into fall. Catfish were an occasional catch this last week as well.
Inland waters have been the best for consistent action. Most fish are staying deeper in cooler waters adjacent to vegetation. Bluegill action has been good on small leeches under slip floats. We are seeing some leech hatches on select lakes. Fish are schooling up pretty good in depths of 10-13 feet. Walleyes are continuing to be caught in deeper waters trolling deep diving cranks over reefs. Pike and bass continue to roam the weed edges. Casting spinnerbaits or double jointed cranks have been best way to target these fish.
Jarrid Houston of South Range is a fishing guide (houstonsguideservice.com) on Minnesota and Wisconsin inland waters, the St. Louis River and, in winter, on Lake Superior.
