Minnesota Fishing Opener on the North Shore
Minnesota's fishing opener is May 10th!
Bring on the fun! Participate in the statewide fishing challenge for moms- Let's Get Reel- presented by the MN DNR. The challenge will take place in the Facebook group from midnight on Saturday, May 10, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 11. During that window, submit one photo of each fish you catch in the Facebook group. All species and sizes are welcome.
Cook County, Minnesota, offers some of the state's most diverse options of angling opportunities, with numerous inland lakes and rivers, as well as the mighty Lake Superior and its tributaries. In this little slice of North Shore paradise, it's more than just a date on the calendar; it's a cherished tradition, a sign of spring's full arrival, and the start of countless unforgettable angling adventures.
Whether your passion lies in tempting walleye from a serene inland lake, battling a spirited musky or northern, or landing a gorgeous salmon and exquisitely fresh lake trout from mighty Lake Superior, Cook County's waters beckon. It's more than just the catch- it's the stunning scenery of the Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop, paired with the tranquil sounds of nature - a true rejuvenating escape.
After your tranquil day on the lake, choose your perfect evening: relax in luxury at a beautiful resort, enjoy a rustic cabin and cook your catch, get your game on at Grand Portage's Casino, or explore the delightful downtown of Grand Marais, MN. There is something for everyone!
So pack your gear, gather your friends and family, and head to the North Shore to embrace the beauty and bounty of our waters.
FIND LODGING
North Shore Streams and Smelt Update - May 1, 2025
Lake Superior and Grand Marais Fishing Outlooks for 2025 (MN DNR)
Lake Superior area:
Angling opportunities on Lake Superior typically begin well before the walleye opener and anglers started targeting Coho salmon in the nearshore areas around Duluth by mid-March. Steelhead anglers started to see good fishable waters in the tributaries around mid-April and smelters using seine nets along Park Point in Duluth and dipnets in the tributaries saw good opportunities as water temperatures slowly increased to the magic 40-degree mark. Non-native smelt populations have declined substantially since the 1960s and 1970s with the rehabilitation of lake trout but pulled off a good year-class in 2022 similar to the historical Cisco (Lake Herring) boom that fed lake trout, Coho and Chinook in Lake Superior the past two years. Non-native salmon responded immediately to the rare overabundance of food in Lake Superior with 12-pound Coho and over 35-pound Chinook salmon being caught. As spring turns to summer the lake trout fishing is anticipated to be great again this year with DNR surveys showing record-high abundance. Anglers may notice more sea lamprey wounds on Lake Superior lake trout and salmon this year due to deferred treatments by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2020 due to COVID; however, increased treatments the past few years should push back against higher than normal Sea Lamprey abundance.
Current Conditions on Lake Superior and North Shore Rivers
Grand Marais area:
Despite a relatively mild winter, late season snowfall and cold temps caused snow and ice to persist. This is a strong contrast to last year’s early snow melt and ice out. Depending on warm weather and rain events, ice out might occur just before the opener. Some lakes my still see ice cover. Given the predicted cold-water temperatures for the opener walleye may still be spawning in certain areas. Fishing should be good. The Grand Marais area has a handful of waters that are closed in May to protect walleye spawning populations so please check the regulations prior to your fishing trip. Signs are placed on shore or with floating signs at those locations. Also new walleye regulations exist for the popular Sea Gull, Gull and Saganaga lakes, with a three-fish bag limit, only one fish larger than 20 inches. Good northern pike fishing can likely be found in shallow warmer bays of larger lakes for trophy sized pike but are typically low in abundance. Water temps may need to rise before they are aggressive. Smallmouth bass fishing will be extremely slow for the opener but will slowly pick up after Memorial Day. Lake trout fishing, in relatively shallow water, should be excellent for the opener due to late ice out. For anglers looking to target stocked rainbow trout lakes, try Birch, Esther, Kimball, Mayhew, Mink, Pine (i.e. Trestle Pine), Thompson, Trout and Leo lakes. Those lakes are stocked annually with yearling rainbow trout in May. Many area lakes are also stocked with fall fingerling brook trout or splake, both inside and outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Backcountry fishing for brook trout, lake trout and splake can be outstanding. Fishing for trout should be good this spring with cold temperatures keeping fish in shallow waters and more accessible to shore or canoe anglers. The major tributaries of Lake Superior in the Grand Marais area might still hold some steelhead into May as runs will be later than usual. Considerable stream ice and deep snowpack are contributing to this. Popular tributaries to fish on the upper shore are the Temperance, Cascade, Devil Track and Brule rivers. Brook trout fishing in streams (above barriers) may be good with decent stream flow but variable. Anglers should be aware that some forest roads and portage trails may be in poor spring conditions and to plan accordingly.
