High, fast, muddy and cold have been the common themes this past week. All bodies of water in the Twin Ports have seen a halt to rising water temperatures. This has affected fish activity. Before the rain, we were experiencing close to ideal spawning activity in the shallow bays of most lakes and the St. Louis River. Since then, we have noticed fish retreating to deeper transitions. The nesting routine of panfish should pick up again.
Inland lakes near Duluth and in Northwestern Wisconsin have seen reduced pressure from anglers, mostly because anglers don't care for wind and rain. Fishing has been tough. Water temps are hovering around the high 50s and low 60s but should increase in coming weeks. Pike and walleye have been the best species during these recent conditions. Use a live minnow on a jig or under a float. Some days I use two small crappie minnows, lip-hooked and jigged. Two reasons: more scent on the presentation and if I lose a minnow, I still have another one.
The St. Louis River has been a tougher bite as well. We are finding the better-quality fish in the lower sections of the river, but we aren't having consistent action. The best bet for consistency is upriver. Again, live minnows and heavier jigs (because of current strength) have been ideal. We have also been able to land fish by slow-trolling crankbaits. In the muddy areas, use a bait that gives off ample vibration and is high-profiled. This causes fish to bite on reaction.
Lake Superior has been on the quiet side, again mostly due to weather. Stream fishing has seen little to no action lately from anglers.
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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.
