Half Day Afternoon Fishing Trip in Duluth, MN
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour private Lake Superior fishing adventure aboard 32' Tiara yachtTarget Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and Walleye speciesAccommodates up to 6 guests with all equipment and gear included
Captain Joseph Kottke knows Lake Superior like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this 5-hour afternoon charter out of Duluth. Starting at 12:15 PM from 325 S Lake Ave, you'll have the entire 32' Tiara motor yacht to yourselves for up to 6 anglers. This isn't some crowded party boat - it's your private fishing machine loaded with outriggers, downriggers, and everything you need to tangle with salmon and trout in one of the Great Lakes' most productive waters. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of big water fishing or you're seasoned anglers looking to add Lake Superior species to your list, this trip delivers the goods without breaking the bank at $600 for your group.
Lake Superior fishing is a whole different game than your typical inland lake experience. Captain Joe runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed - perfect for first-timers who might be nervous about deep water fishing. The Tiara handles Superior's swells like a dream, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a 20-pound Chinook or just enjoying the ride. You'll launch right from the harbor and within minutes you're marking bait and setting lines in depths that can reach hundreds of feet. The afternoon departure time is money - it puts you on the water when the fish are often most active, especially during summer months when morning boat traffic has settled down. Don't forget your Minnesota fishing license before you show up, and dress in layers because it's always cooler out on Superior than it is back on shore.
This operation runs serious trolling gear that gets results. The downriggers let you present lures at precise depths where salmon and trout are holding, while the outriggers spread your spread wide to cover more water. Captain Joe handles all the technical stuff - setting thermoclines, adjusting speeds, and reading the electronics - so you can focus on the fun part. When a rod starts bouncing, you'll know it. Lake Superior fish fight hard in cold water, and even a modest Coho will give you a workout on the way to the net. The captain provides all tackle, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. Just remember that Superior trolling is all about heavy gear and precise boat control - your ultralight bass setup won't cut it out here when you hook into a bruiser Lake Trout.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Superior, and for good reason. These chrome-bright fighters can push 30 pounds and will test every knot in your tackle box. They're most active from late spring through early fall, holding in the thermocline and relating to baitfish schools. When you hook a King, expect multiple runs and some serious drag-screaming action. Captain Joe knows the structure and temperature breaks where these fish cruise, and his downrigger presentations consistently produce. There's nothing quite like seeing that distinctive silver flash when a big Chinook rolls on your lure.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but they make up for it with pure acrobatics. These 8-15 pound speedsters love to jump and run, making them a favorite for anglers who want consistent action. Cohos feed aggressively in Duluth waters, especially during their late summer and fall runs. They're perfect for kids and first-time salmon anglers because they bite readily and don't require the heavy tackle needed for the bigger Kings. Captain Joe's outrigger spreads are deadly on schools of feeding Cohos, and you'll often get multiple hookups when you find them stacked up.
Lake Trout are the true natives here, and they grow fat and strong in Superior's deep, cold waters. These spotted beauties can live for decades and reach impressive sizes - 20-pounders aren't uncommon, and true giants lurk in the depths. Lakers are structure-oriented fish that love rocky reefs and drop-offs, making them a year-round target when you know where to look. They fight differently than salmon - more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that tests your drag system. The meat is excellent, and there's something special about catching a fish that's been roaming these waters since before you were born.
Walleye might seem out of place in a Lake Superior conversation, but Duluth's nearshore waters hold some quality fish, especially in spring and fall. These golden-sided beauties relate to rocky structure and can provide steady action when salmon fishing slows down. Superior Walleyes often run bigger than their inland lake cousins, with 5-8 pound fish common and occasional monsters pushing double digits. They're excellent eating and provide a nice change of pace from the power fishing typically associated with big water trolling. Captain Joe adjusts his presentations based on conditions and targets, so don't be surprised if you end up jigging structure for these tasty fish.
Lake Superior fishing doesn't wait around for anyone, and Captain Joe's afternoon trips book up fast during peak season. At $600 for your group of up to 4 anglers, with just $50 per additional person up to 6 total, you're getting world-class fishing at a price that makes sense. The 5-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques without feeling rushed, and the afternoon start means you can sleep in and still get on some of the best fishing Superior has to offer. Whether you're planning a family outing, a guys' trip, or introducing someone to Great Lakes fishing, this charter delivers memories that'll last long after the photos fade. Don't let another season slip by - book your dates now and get ready to see why Lake Superior fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Step aboard our 32' Tiara motor yacht, perfectly rigged for Lake Superior fishing adventures. This comfortable charter boat handles the big lake's conditions with twin Crusader engines while you focus on landing salmon and trout. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish activity, and our outriggers and downriggers are set up to get your lines right where the fish are feeding. Modern GPS and fish finder technology help us locate the hotspots, while radar keeps us safe if weather rolls in. The cabin includes a private toilet, so you can stay comfortable during your 5-hour trip. With seating for six anglers and plenty of deck space to fight fish, this yacht gives you everything needed for a successful afternoon targeting Chinook salmon, Coho, lake trout, and walleye in Duluth waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Superior, and landing one is something you'll remember forever. These bruisers commonly weigh 15-25 pounds, with some pushing 30+ pounds. Their silver sides and distinctive black-spotted fins make them easy to identify. Chinooks prefer deeper, colder water - we usually target them in 40-80 feet using downriggers since they're sensitive to light and stay near bottom during the day. Early morning and evening produce the best results. What makes kings special is their raw power - they'll take line and test your drag like no other fish up here. The rich, salmon-colored meat is restaurant quality. Local secret: when trolling for kings, vary your speed between 2.5-3.5 mph and don't be afraid to go deep. These fish often suspend near the thermocline, so finding that temperature break is key to consistent success.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are pure dynamite on the end of your line. Also called silvers, these acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds but can push into the teens. They're built for speed with their streamlined silver bodies and dark blue-green backs. We typically find them suspended in 20-60 feet of water, often following baitfish schools. Late spring through early fall offers the best action as they patrol the lake feeding heavily. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and aerial displays - cohos will jump clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. The bright orange-red meat makes for outstanding eating too. Pro tip for Lake Superior cohos: watch your electronics for baitfish marks, then run your lures just above them. These fish are aggressive feeders, so don't be afraid to use bright colors like chartreuse and pink.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the true natives of Lake Superior's deep, cold waters and the largest member of the char family. These prehistoric-looking fish with their grey-green coloring and cream spots regularly reach 15-20 pounds, with some monsters exceeding 30 pounds. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - often 60-150 feet down where the water stays consistently cold. Late spring right after ice-out and fall are your best bets when they move into slightly shallower water. Lakers are prized for their impressive size and the challenge of fishing deep water structure. Their firm, pink meat has a rich flavor that's different from other trout. Here's what works: use heavy jigs or spoons and fish them vertically over deep rock piles and ledges. Lakers often hit on the drop, so watch your line closely as your lure falls.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most sought-after fish in these waters, and for good reason. These golden-colored members of the perch family typically run 12-18 inches, though we regularly see fish pushing 20+ inches and 3-4 pounds. Their signature silver eyes help them hunt in low light, which is why evening trips often produce the best action. You'll find them hugging structure - rock piles, weed edges, and drop-offs in 15-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they move shallow to feed. What makes walleye special is their incredible table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local tip: when jigging for walleye, keep your rod tip low and feel for that subtle "tick" - they often bite so lightly you'll miss it if you're not paying attention.
Duluth, MN