Full Day Salmon & Trout on Lake Superior
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday Lake Superior fishing targeting salmon and trout species.Private charter accommodates up to 6 guests with expert instruction.All fishing equipment and guided support included for beginners.
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a 32-foot Tiara yacht at dawn, watching the sun paint Lake Superior in shades of gold while Captain Joseph Kottke rigs up the downriggers for what could be your best day on the water yet. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to learn from a seasoned pro who knows every contour of these depths and exactly where the big fish are holding. Whether you've never held a rod or you're looking to step up your Great Lakes game, this full-day adventure delivers the kind of hands-on instruction and guided support that turns beginners into confident anglers.
We'll meet at 325 S Lake Ave bright and early at 5:45 AM – trust me, those early hours are when Lake Superior really shows off. The pre-dawn departure isn't just for show; it's when the salmon and trout are most active, and Captain Kottke has timed this perfectly to put you on fish when they're feeding hard. The 32-foot Tiara is built for comfort and stability, which means you can focus on learning instead of worrying about your sea legs. With space for up to 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention without feeling crowded. The boat comes fully rigged with outriggers and downriggers – the serious gear that separates weekend warriors from the pros who consistently boat fish. Don't forget to grab your Minnesota state fishing license before we shove off, because you're definitely going to need it.
Lake Superior fishing is all about precision trolling, and Captain Kottke runs a setup that would make any charter jealous. The downriggers let us get our baits down to where the fish are cruising – sometimes that's 40 feet, sometimes it's 120 feet, depending on water temperature and what the fish finder is telling us. The outriggers spread our lines wide, covering more water and preventing tangles when multiple fish hit at once (and yes, that happens more often than you'd think). You'll learn how to read the electronics, adjust your lure depth based on the thermocline, and recognize the subtle differences between a salmon strike and a trout taking the bait. The captain provides all tackle, but he'll also teach you why certain spoons work better in bright conditions while others shine when it's overcast. By the end of the day, you'll understand why successful Lake Superior fishing is part science, part art.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Superior for good reason – these silver bullets can stretch the tape to 30+ pounds and will test every knot you've tied. They hit hard and run deep, using their bulk to stay down while you work to bring them up. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but Captain Kottke knows the spots where they stage year-round. When a big king takes your spoon, you'll feel it through the rod like a freight train, and the fight that follows is pure adrenaline. These fish don't give up easy, making every landed salmon a real trophy.
Coho Salmon bring the acrobatics that make every angler smile – they're smaller than their Chinook cousins but twice as energetic. These silver rockets love to jump, and when one goes airborne with your lure in its mouth, you'll understand why Lake Superior fishing has such a devoted following. Cohos typically run 5-15 pounds and are perfect for beginners because they fight hard without being overwhelming. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Summer months see the best coho action, especially when baitfish are thick near the surface.
Lake Trout are the natives here, and they've been calling Superior home longer than any other species we target. These deep-water specialists can live for decades and grow massive – 20-pound lakers aren't uncommon, and the rare 30-pounder still swims these depths. They prefer the coldest water, often holding near the bottom in 100+ feet, which is why Captain Kottke's downrigger setup is so crucial. Lake trout have a different fight than salmon – more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that tests your patience and technique. They're available year-round, making them a reliable target when other species are finicky.
Walleye might surprise you in these big waters – most anglers associate them with shallow lakes, but Superior's walleyes are special. They grow bigger here than almost anywhere else, with 8-10 pounders being regular catches and true giants pushing 15+ pounds. These golden beauties love structure and drop-offs, and Captain Kottke knows the underwater humps and reefs where they school up. Walleye fishing here often means switching tactics from deep trolling to precise jigging, giving you a chance to learn multiple techniques in one trip. Plus, there's no better eating fish swimming, making walleyes the perfect combination of sport and dinner.
This isn't your typical "throw a line and hope" charter – it's a masterclass in Lake Superior fishing with one of Duluth's most experienced captains. You'll spend a full day learning techniques that take most anglers years to figure out, all while targeting four of the Great Lakes' most prized species. The combination of professional instruction, top-tier equipment, and prime fishing grounds makes this trip a standout value for anyone serious about improving their angling skills. Whether you're planning a family outing, looking to cross lake trout off your bucket list, or just want to experience what world-class Great Lakes fishing is all about, Captain Kottke delivers the kind of day that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't let another season pass wondering what you're missing out there – book your spot and discover why Lake Superior fishing creates lifelong addicts.
Step aboard Captain Kottke's 32-foot Tiara motor yacht for your Lake Superior fishing adventure. This comfortable charter boat comes equipped with twin Crusader engines that'll get you to the fish smoothly, plus outriggers and downriggers to maximize your chances at landing Chinook and Coho salmon, lake trout, and walleye. The boat features modern GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate the best spots, while radar keeps you safe if conditions turn foggy. With seating for your group and a flybridge for better visibility, you'll have plenty of room to learn proper techniques. The onboard cabin includes a toilet for convenience during your full day on the water. All fishing gear is provided, so just bring your Minnesota fishing license and get ready to experience what Lake Superior fishing is all about.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Superior for good reason - these bruisers can hit 20+ pounds and will give you a battle you won't forget. Most of ours run 8-15 pounds, but every season we see some true giants. They prefer deeper, colder water, usually 60-120 feet down, which is why we use downriggers to get our lures in the zone. Unlike their coho cousins, kings fight deep and strong rather than jumping - it's more like a freight train that just won't quit. Peak fishing is late spring through early summer when they're actively feeding. The meat is rich, oily, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Since they're sensitive to light, overcast days or early morning often produce the best action. Here's something I've learned over the years: kings often hit softly, so keep watching your downrigger release - sometimes you'll see it pop before you feel the fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are pure excitement on the line - these silver rockets will jump clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. They average 3-8 pounds in Superior, but we hook into some 10+ pounders that'll test your drag. These fish love the cooler water, so we target them anywhere from 40-80 feet deep using downriggers. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when water temps are right. What makes coho special is their acrobatic nature - they'll tail-walk, jump, and run like crazy. The meat is rich and flavorful with that beautiful orange-pink color. They school up and follow baitfish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: when a coho jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it prevents them from throwing the hook on those wild aerial displays. Fresh coho grilled with just salt and pepper is tough to beat.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water heavyweights of Superior, and they'll give you a completely different fishing experience than our salmon. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and grow huge - we regularly catch 15-25 pounders, with some monsters pushing 30+ pounds. They live deep, usually 80-150 feet down in summer, suspended over the basin or hugging rocky structure. The fishing is best in spring and fall when they move shallower, but we catch them year-round with downriggers and heavy jigs. What's cool about lakers is their stamina - they'll fight deep and steady, making long powerful runs. The meat is excellent, especially from the cold, clean water of Superior. They're native to these waters, so catching one connects you to the lake's natural history. My go-to technique: vertical jig with spoons or tube jigs right on bottom. Work it slow - these fish aren't in a hurry about anything.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the tastiest fish you'll find in these waters, with that mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They typically run 12-20 inches here, though we see some real beauties pushing 25+ inches. These guys love deeper water during the day - think 15-30 feet along rock piles and drop-offs - but they move shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Their reflective eyes help them hunt in low light, which is why early morning and evening are prime time. Spring and fall fishing is fantastic when water temps hit that sweet spot around 55-65 degrees. Here's a local tip: when you're jigging for them, keep it subtle. A slow lift and drop with a leech or nightcrawler often outfishes the flashy stuff. They're not the hardest fighters, but landing a nice walleye means dinner is sorted.
Duluth, MN