North Shore

[aLliSoN]

Every year my family and I head up to the North Shore (Lake Superior) for a week over the 4th of July. And, in all my years of going up there, I've never fished!! Whether it be the tributaries, nearby lakes, or the big Gitchi Gumee itself. This year, I want to fish and with the tributaries and Lake Superior being there, I thought I'd give trout a try for the first time, as well. Since this will be two "firsts" for me, I'm trying to cram as much reading material on the subjects as possible in the mean time. Anyway, I think a person can read all they want on something like this, but hearing from people who have actually done it is necessary as well. I'll be in the Split Rock area, but would be willing to do a little extra driving if necessary. Can anyone help with advice, ideas, lures, locations techniques, etc... Oh, and I don't fly fish. Thanks!

[redhooks]

Hi Alison-

Here's some basics to get you started.

You can get maps of north shore streams for free from just about any ranger station that show; fishable stretches, species and best times of year for species. For lures I like small panther martins, rooster tails and mepps xds- the smallest size rapalas in sinking and floating work well also. If your using lures upstream of river mouths it's single hook only so take a pliers and cut 2 trebles off or replace them w/ a split-ring and single hook(or just buy lures w/ only 1 hook). Live bait works great as well, trout love a worm/crawler tumbeling down the current w/ just a plain hook and split shot 12" up. keep your rod tip up and feel for the bite otherwise you can put a bobber on and drift a crawler thru as well. Berkely makes some power bait for added scent and old timers still catch trout on corn kernals and marshmallows. You'll find most trout below a riffle or in deep holes or tucked out of the current behind a rock (they stay just outside of the fast water so they can save energy and dart into it for a easy meal). Cast upstream or cross stream and work your lure/bait downstream cuz trout are always facing upstream waiting for food to come to them. Snags are part of the game and sometimes you have to donate a few lures to appease the fish gods. Wear waders or sandles for wading out to greener pastures but be careful cuz most submerged rocks are sharp and/or slippery. If your going to cast into the big lake treble hooks are ok and many people throw casting spoons or drift bait under bobbers. I hope this info helps you & your family catch some fish on your vacation, Good luck and enjoy the scenery!

redhooks

[Quickstrike]

During mid-summer months there isn't much to be found in the lower streches of Lake Superior tribs. Just mostly small steelhead smolts and an occational brookie. Steelhead enter these rivers in the spring and salmon enter in the fall. During the summer months I would head for the upper streches of these tribs and try drifting a crawler or a small in line spinner such as a mepps or panther martin and you will probally catch some brookies. Another option would be to try some of the designated trout lakes in the area, rainbows can easily be taken from shore on a crawler floated off the bottom through the whole open water season.

[aLliSoN]

I'm pretty sure I remember years ago someone with a small stringer of trout casting off a low cliff from our resort. Maybe with a small Rapala or spoon, does this sound right?

How far up the tributaries do you think I would need to hike this time of year?

[Quickstrike]

I would start anywhere above the first boundary, this is usually a waterfall that fish that enter the river from the lake can't pass. I would get a map from the DNR HSOforum or stop at the french river station on your way up, the map lists all the boundarys and what species can be found. I encourage the use of single barbless hooks however for any trout you are planning on releasing and study the reg book becuase there are many sometimes confusing regs up in this neck of the woods especially when it comes to lk superior tributaries.

[aLliSoN]

will do.

Can you tell me where the French river station is?

[Duffman]

It's right there where the French River dumps into the Big Lake.

[aLliSoN]

is that the fish hatchery or something separate? I did a search for it, 'cause I wasn't too sure where the French river was since I spend most of my time farther north. It looks like you have to take the scenic route to get there, am I right? Or do you think I can get a map at a bait shop?

[Duffman]

It's the hatchery, and yes you need to take the scenic route, or cut over on one of the side roads from the bypass once you reach the French R area. If you have the ability to read PDF files, I've included a couple links to the maps.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/trout_streams/ns_fishing_guide01.pdf

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/trout_streams/ns_fishing_guide02.pdf

[aLliSoN]

THANKS!