Is There Salmon in Lake Superior? An In-Depth Look at This Majestic Fish in the Great Lake

Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, holds a special place in the hearts of many outdoor enthusiasts. This vast freshwater inland sea contains over 2,900 cubic miles of water and spans 31,700 square miles. With its cold, clear waters and rugged shorelines, Lake Superior provides prime habitat for diverse fish species. But one question I often get is: are there salmon in Lake Superior? In this extensive article, I’ll take an in-depth look at the presence and history of salmon in this magnificent lake.

A Brief History of Salmon in the Great Lakes

To understand why salmon are found in Lake Superior today, we need to go back in time. Historically, the Great Lakes contained no salmon populations. These lakes lacked an anadromous fish run as they were not connected to the Atlantic Ocean. However, things changed in the 1960s and 1970s.

Declining lake trout and whitefish populations led fishery managers to introduce non-native species like Pacific salmon. The first salmon planted in the Great Lakes came from hatcheries located along the Pacific Coast. Chinook and coho salmon adapted well to the new environment. They soon established self-sustaining populations through natural reproduction.

While controversial at first, salmon stocking brought many benefits It created a popular recreational fishery and helped control invasive alewife populations Today, Chinook salmon are the most abundant salmon species across the Great Lakes. They provide exciting fishing opportunities for thousands of anglers.

Current Salmon Populations in Lake Superior

Presently, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stocks around 700,000 Chinook salmon in Lake Superior each year. There are also naturally reproducing populations of Chinook, coho, pink, and Atlantic salmon. The Salmon River near Duluth provides excellent spawning habitat for Chinook salmon.

In Wisconsin, Salmon-a-Rama fishing tournaments showcase the world-class salmon fishing found in Lake Superior. The Brule and Kakagon Rivers contain spawning runs of coho salmon each fall. Michigan and Ontario also have fantastic tributaries for salmon reproduction, like the St. Mary’s River.

While not in vast numbers like the Pacific Ocean, Lake Superior contains fishable populations of salmon. Chinook salmon are the most plentiful, with coho salmon second. Pink and Atlantic salmon exist in smaller numbers. Anglers routinely catch 20+ lb Chinook salmon from late summer through fall.

Ideal Habitats for Salmon in Lake Superior

Certain areas of Lake Superior tend to hold more salmon than others. Here are the prime lake habitats for targeting salmon:

• River Mouths: Salmon gather at river mouths like the Brule and Ontonagon to stage for spawning runs. The spots where cold rivers enter the lake congregate baitfish and salmon.

• Reefs and Shoals: Underwater humps like Devils Island Shoal or Rocky Reef attract roaming schools of baitfish. In turn, this draws in hungry salmon.

• Cooler Nearshore Water: Salmon prefer cooler water temperatures, typically under 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Places like Duluth and Thunder Bay have colder nearshore zones that salmon migrate through.

• Current Seams: Strong currents concentrate plankton and baitfish. Locations where two current flows meet, called seams, make excellent ambush spots for salmon.

Top Salmon Fishing Tips for Lake Superior

Chasing salmon in Lake Superior takes preparation but offers outstanding action. Here are my top tips for maximizing your success:

• Locate schools of baitfish like alewife, smelt, or herring. Salmon will be nearby. Watch your fish finder for bait balls.

• Troll crankbaits and spoons like J-Plugs, ThunderSticks, or Little Cleo’s. Set lines 150-200 feet back at 2-3 mph.

• Add dodgers, flashers, or cowbells to trolling setups. The shaking, glinting action triggers savage strikes.

• Pay close attention to your electronics and surface activity to pinpoint salmon locations. Keep adjusting your trolling pattern.

• When you hook up, drop a waypoint marker. Salmon often travel in packs and you can catch multiples in one spot.

Salmon Fishing Charters on Lake Superior

For visiting anglers, hiring a salmon charter is a fantastic option for success. Seasoned captains know their home waters in detail. They provide the proper tackle, locate fish, and handle the prepping and cleaning of your catch. Popular ports for salmon charters include Duluth, MN, Ashland, WI, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

From June through early November, salmon charter fishing produces steady action. Chinook salmon from 15 to 30+ pounds are common. You can also catch coho salmon, trout, walleye, and northern pike. This diverse fishery makes for an exciting trip.

In closing, salmon do reside in Lake Superior, providing a world-class fishery. While salmon populations are smaller than in the Pacific Ocean, their size and fighting strength more than make up for it. With proper timing and location, you can have some unforgettable days reeling in Chinook and coho salmon on the waters of Lake Superior. So grab a rod and come experience the thrill!