Minnesota Steelheader

Steelhead Fishing Report: 4-6-13 A couple of our scouts have reported that some tributaries have just started to flow but are still mainly ice and not ready to fish.  Anglers are still out around river mouths fishing the big lake for Kamloops and occasionally catching steelhead. Stay tuned as the reports here will be more detailed in the future.  We never give up fishing holes but will will tell you what regions are hot and which are not.  We will also let you know how many fish are being reported to the DNR creel survey staff.  These guys work hard to gather valuable data that helps you catch fish.  Be nice to them. The river regions we specify in reports are divided into 3 areas: Lower, Middle and Upper shore, all regions are illustrated on our website, take a look to get familiar.  We even have links to maps you can print out or pick up from the DNR.  We invite all of you to give back a bit and share your own reports in our "comment" section...

Between 03/30 and 04/01, cool weather conditions resulted in cold water temperatures and reportedly tough fishing conditions. Water temperatures along the Lower Shore were approximately 38 degrees with all rivers running low and clear. Interviewed anglers reported generally slow fishing, but caught 25 Kamloops, 10 steelhead, 5 coho salmon, 1 brook trout, and 1 brown trout. Along the Middle Shore, stream temperatures were between 33 and 39 degrees with water levels dropping and also running fairly clear. Interviewed anglers caught 7 steelhead, 4 Kamloops, 2 brook trout, and 1 northern pike. Along the Upper Shore water temperatures were in the mid 30s and rose to only 40 degrees on Sunday afternoon. Despite some light precipitation, water levels were falling but not running as clear as streams farther down the shore. Overall fishing pressure was fairly light and interviewed anglers caught 5 steelhead and 1 Kamloops. Trap totals through April 1 st are 99 steelhead and 6 Kamloops at th...

The North Shore Rivers have started flowing but don't get to excited as there  is still plenty of ice. Water temperatures are in the low 30s. Anglers are primarily fishing near the river mouths for Kamloops.  Stay tuned, we anticipate that some action may come sooner than expected this year.  As always the weather plays a huge factor in the timing of the steelhead run. Though several anglers are excited and eager to get out this weekend, our guess at this point is it will not be a prime weekend for catching fish in the rivers.

MN DNR creel update: From 5/13 through 5/15, water temperatures ranged from 46 to 56 on the Lower and Middle Shore, and were 45 to 51 on the Upper Shore.   Interviewed anglers caught 4 Steelhead, 3 Kamloops, and 1 Brown Trout on the Lower Shore, 13 Steelhead and 1 Kamloops on the Middle Shore, and 17 Steelhead, 2 Kamloops, and 4 Brook Trout on the Upper Shore.   The Knife Trap totals are 405 Steelhead and 29 Kamloops, while French River Trap totals are 815 Kamloops and 94 Steelhead. S tream flows shorewide are decreasing and running with average to above average, clear flows.   Fishing reports are updated on the web on Mondays and Fridays at http://mndnr.gov/areas/fisheries/lakesuperior/report.html   or by calling our office at 218-525-0853 and selecting 1 for the updated fishing report 

We are well into the Minnesota walleye opener today and the weather still smells of steelhead.  Are you done steelheading for the season?  I am not!  As you will read in the DNR creel report below, the numbers of fish in the survey seem few - they are.  What you need to remember though is that most fair weather steelhead anglers are already off the water and either done for the year or back in the woods chasing other species today.  Fewer anglers on the water mean fewer fish recorded. For those wondering if the steelhead are still running, quit wondering and get out and fish - they are!  When conditions are favorable, like they are this month,  You can bet that there are still fish moving in most middle and upper shore steelhead rivers. Yes, it is true that we are near the end of the 2011 spring run, but some of my best fishing has been done late season.  In fact, a couple of us will still be on the water into next...

The fishing is still hot.  These pics were sent in from our buddy Jared after a weekend on the water.  As you can see we have a couple of happy campers with some nice bright fish...in May! This week looks to still be a great week to get out and fish. Most anglers have shift the focus on middle and upper shore waters where conditions are more favorable.  Here is some creel data from the DNR. From 5/6 through 5/8, water temperatures ranged from 51 to 55 on the Lower Shore, 48-52 on the Middle Shore, and were 41 to 51 on the Upper Shore.     Interviewed anglers caught 14 Steelhead, 17 Kamloops, 2 Brook Trout, and 26 Suckers on the Lower Shore, 17 Steelhead on the Middle Shore, and 4 Steelhead on the Upper Shore.   The Knife Trap totals are 378 Steelhead and 26 Kamloops, while French River Trap totals are 798 Kamloops and 91 Steelhead. S tream flows shorewide are decreasing, but still running with above average clear flows. ...

Conditions on the North Shore are still favorable.  If you think the run is over, think again.  Though the river levels are coming down, many are still higher than normal and running clear - lots of fish still to be caught. Here is the latest creel info from the DNR: From 5/2 through 5/5, water temperatures ranged from 35 to 45 in the morning and 46 to 47 in the afternoon on the Lower and Middle Shore, while they were 43 to 45 in the afternoon on the Upper Shore.   Interviewed anglers caught 11 Steelhead, 30 Kamloops, and 25 Suckers on the Lower Shore, 12 Steelhead, 2 Kamloops, and 1 Brook Trout on the Middle Shore, and 9 Steelhead, 1 Kamloops, and 4 Brook Trout on the Upper Shore.   The Knife Trap totals are 363 Steelhead and 21 Kamloops, while French River Trap totals are 704 Kamloops and 79 Steelhead. S tream flows shorewide are decreasing, but running with above average clear flows. DNR Fishing reports are updated on the web on Mondays and Fridays at ht...

Reminder to those of you who are also inland trout fishermen or fisherwomen.  The season officially closes on Thursday, September 30th. Inland waters on the North Shore are those waters above each of the posted boundaries.  You can check out our website for a printable list of these locations.  Note that not all rivers use HWY 61 as the upstream boundary so be sure to read the regulations.  A link to the regulations is posted on our home page. Having said that, the water below the posted boundaries is open year round, Though not all species can be harvested year round.  Please observe the signs posted and read up on the regulations. A couple of us will be heading out in the morning for a two day trip in search for some great fall fishing. Our buddies with the DNR just informed us that fish are in the rivers and plenty of them: Brookies, Browns, Pinks & Coho.  We will try to get a post up before the weekend to bring you ...

The Minnesota DNR creel survey was only run on the Upper Shore this past weekend, and now is over shorewide for the year. From 5/14 through 5/16, water temperatures ranged from 45-55 on the Upper Shore, and interviewed anglers caught 1 Steelhead and 1 Brook Trout. Flows from the May 13th rain are now decreasing and streams have moderate water clarity. The forecast calls for sunny skies all week, which should push late spawning fish to move in and out of Grand Marais area streams within the next week. Angling pressure continues to be light. Totals for the Knife Trap are so far are 382 unclipped steelhead, 297 maxillary clipped steelhead, and 26 Kamloops. Totals for the French River are 89 unclipped steelhead, 8 maxillary clipped steelhead and 395 Kamloops. This is the last fishing report for the spring creel. We thank our friends at the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources for their hard work this spring. I was also on the shore from Friday to Sunday - not fishing. The water conditio...

The MN DNR creel survey concluded on the Lower and Middle shores on 5/9/10, and will conclude on the Upper Shore on 5/16/10. From 5/10 through 5/13, water temperatures ranged from 42-49, and interviewed anglers caught 5 Steelhead on the Upper Shore. As a result of nearly an inch of rain shorewide on Thursday the 13th, flows have increased substantially in all tributaries. The forecast calls for sunny skies both Saturday and Sunday, and angling conditions should be good. Prior to this rain, spawning fish were still being observed on upper shore rivers up to the Flute Reed. Angling pressure has remained light on the Upper Shore, so anglers should be able to select where they want to fish. Totals for the Knife Trap are so far are 373 unclipped steelhead, 293 maxillary clipped steelhead, and 25 Kamloops. Totals for the French River are 89 unclipped steelhead, 6 maxillary clipped steelhead and 395 Kamloops.

From 5/7 through 5/9, water temperatures ranged from 46-54 on the Lower Shore, 43-51 on the Middle Shore, and 42-49 on the Upper Shore. From 5/7 through 5/9, interviewed anglers caught 4 Steelhead, 2 Kamloops, and 2 Coho on the Lower Shore, 7 Steelhead and 1 Brook Trout on the Middle Shore, and 4 Steelhead and 4 Brook Trout on the Upper Shore. Only the largest of streams from the Baptism to Canada continue to have good water levels with slight color, making good angling conditions. Most moderate to small tributaries are now low and clear. There is a good chance of rain from Tuesday through Friday in the Grand Marais area, which should raise water level and add color to the water. There are currently, and will be more fish to catch from the Baptism to Canada if the forecast is accurate. Totals for the Knife Trap are so far are 371 unclipped steelhead, 286 maxillary clipped steelhead, and 25 Kamloops. Totals for the French River are 89 unclipped steelhead, 6 maxillary clipped steelhead ...

Fished the middle to upper shore Wednesday (4/28) thru Saturday AM. The water conditions on many of the rivers were low and clear. Water temps ranged from 42-54. Wednesday was slow with my Dad hooking 2 fish, landing 1 on a Chartreuse Sucker Spawn and I landed one, also on the Chart. SS. Thursday and Friday were quite a different story. On many smaller rivers fish were visible and podded up but were not interested in any offerings. Paired fish on redds were left alone. Due to warmer water temps I needed to change it up a bit so I tied on a #6 Woolly Bugger and my third swing was met with a vicious strike. A mean and ugly 26” male was soon in hand. I stuck with bugs and the big brown and black buggers really produced. In those 2 days I went 15 for 22 with only 3 fish not taken on buggers. Those fish were taken on a Freight Train and a unnamed bright colored wet fly. The majority of the fish were fooled on the dead drift with rest coming via the swing. I used Type 3 and 6 sink tips in d...

From 5/3 through 5/6, water temperatures ranged from 49-57 on the Lower Shore, 42-51 on the Middle Shore, and 42-50 on the Upper Shore. From 5/3 through 5/6, interviewed anglers caught 1 steelhead and 2 Kamloops on the Lower Shore, 8 Steelhead, 2 Kamloops, and 2 Brook Trout on the Middle Shore, and 2 Steelhead and 2 Brook Trout on the Upper Shore. Most streams from the Baptism to the Flute Reed have good water levels with slight color, making good angling conditions. There are still lots of fish to catch in this section of the shore. Angler pressure remained light this past week, despite favorable conditions??? Anglers should continue to select natural presentations due to water clarity. We expect a cold afternoon and evening tonight with rain and snow, but predicted weekend weather will be 50 and sunny. Last call before walleye opener, go fishing. Totals for the Knife Trap are so far are 364 unclipped steelhead, 285 maxillary clipped steelhead, and 25 Kamloops. Totals for the French ...

Go Fishing! There are still fish on the Upper Shore Rivers. From 4/30 through 5/2, water temperatures ranged from 49-50 in the morning on the Lower Shore, 45-47 on the Middle Shore, and 44-46 on the Upper Shore. In the afternoon water temperatures ranged from 53-54 on the Lower Shore, 49-51 degrees on the Middle Shore, and 49-54 degrees on the Upper Shore. From 4/30 through 5/2, interviewed anglers caught nothing on the Lower Shore, 1 Steelhead, 1 Kamloops, and 1 Brook Trout on the Middle Shore, and 6 Steelhead and 1 Brook Trout on the Upper Shore. Rain accumulation in most watersheds from the Baptism to the Flute Reed was greater than 1 inch over the past four days. Most stream water levels rose and became slightly turbid. The run is still on in this section of the shore, and there are fish to catch. Slightly higher and more turbid conditions should be good for angling. Angler pressure remained light in the Grand Marias area over the weekend, despite favorable conditions? Totals for...

If you are still thinking of heading up the shore for steelhead this spring - GO! By now you probably have all heard that the shore needs rain. You may have also heard that there is "no water". Well it is true that the shore could use some rain and it is true that some of the rivers are very low but that does not mean fish are not there. After speaking with some people on Friday there are still a lot of fish in the rivers considering the conditions. We have had reports of fish being caught from the Knife all the way past the Brule. The key is that you need to find the bigger water or use some stealth on the rivers with lower water. The myth that low water will not produce a quality run is just that - a myth. It's similar to telling a mother-to-be that she can't give birth because it is a blizzard outside, it simply has no effect. She may not drive as far or deliver where she wants to but she will have her baby. Same holds true with a hen Steelhead. She...

From 4/19 through 4/12, water temperatures ranged from 47-52 in the morning on the Lower Shore, 37-46 on the Middle Shore, and 36-46 on the Upper Shore. In the afternoon water temperatures ranged from 47-57 on the Lower Shore, 42-48 degrees on the Middle Shore, and 42-49 degrees on the Upper Shore. From 4/19 through 4/22, interviewed anglers caught 11 Steelhead and 8 Kamloops on the Lower Shore, 4 Steelhead, 1 Kamloops, and 1 Brook Trout on the Middle Shore, and 2 Steelhead on the Upper Shore. The three creel clerks reported observing steelhead in every stream on the creel. Successful anglers fished early and late, used flies, spotted fish, snuck up on them, and made a good cast. Totals for the Knife Trap are thus far are 344 unclipped steelhead, 268 maxillary clipped steelhead, and 23 Kamloops. Totals for the French River are 86 unclipped steelhead, 4 maxillary clipped steelhead and 373 Kamloops. provided by the MN DNR

Pictured here are MN steelheaders , Adam and Jay with a couple of nice Upper shore Steelies. These were caught over this past weekend. Despite the low water there are still big fish up and down the shore.

Despite the low water and bluebird days our followers are still catching fish. We have weekend reports for fish caught from the Knife all the way up to the Brule. Most of the reports are coming back with larger than normal fish too. Below is teh MN DNR weekend report. From 4/16 through 4/18, water temperatures ranged from 47-50 in the morning on the Lower Shore, 40-46 on the Middle Shore, and 38-40 on the Upper Shore. In the afternoon water temperatures ranged from 51-58 on the Lower Shore, 47-51 degrees on the Middle Shore, and 45-49 degrees on the Upper Shore. From 4/16 through 4/18, interviewed anglers caught 31 Steelhead, 12 Kamloops and 9 Coho Salmon on the Lower Shore, 33 Steelhead, 5 Kamloops, and 5 Brook Trout on the Middle Shore, and 8 Steelhead, 1 Kamloops and 2 Brook Trout on the Upper Shore. Most fish were caught in the section of the shore from the Sucker to the Baptism. Large streams are low and clear, and smaller streams are blocked off already by gravel bars. One c...

A few of the Minnesota Steelheader staff headed for a North Shore excursion this past weekend. I say excursion because with the lack of water in all the tributaries from Duluth to Canada we just didn't know if this was going to be a fishing trip or a sight seeing adventure. We packed up our gear and headed north Thursday evening. After much discussion we decided to call Two Harbors our home for the night. The last minute planing with are buddy Greg helped as we decided to all meet up Friday morning for some Middle shore river fishing. Nothing to early as the spring like air expected to get down to 10°f. With the cold evening temps we expected the water to be a bit too chilly at first light - water was 34°f at 7:30am on the Stewart. Arriving to our main destination by 9:30am we were ready to get our feet wet. With water temps now at 38°f and a blue bird day we new it was just a mater of time before we got the magic of the 40°s. Though the water was low we did manage to land...

General Report: From 4/9 through 4/11, water temperatures ranged from 40-44 degrees in the morning on the Lower Shore, 38-41 on the Middle Shore, and 36-38 on the Upper Shore. In the afternoon water temperatures ranged from 46-52 degrees on the Lower Shore, 43-46 degrees on the Middle Shore, and 40-43degrees on the Upper Shore. From 4/9 through 4/11, interviewed anglers caught 29 Steelhead, 34 Kamloops, and 12 Coho on the Lower Shore, 13 Steelhead on the Middle Shore, and 13 Steelhead, 1 Kamloops, and 5 Brook Trout on the Upper Shore. Most fish were caught in the section of the shore from the Lester to the Stewart. Water levels and clarity are fairly low and clear on the entire shore. Forecasts indicate nights will stay above freezing this week, and rain is forecast from Monday through Wednesday. If we get an inch or more of rain shorewide and stream temperatures stay above 40, we should see runs of fish shorewide. Totals for the Knife Trap are thus far are 310 unclipped steelhead, 246...