Half Day Family Salmon & Trout Fishing
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Halfday family fishing trip targeting salmon and troutAll fishing gear and expert instruction provided onboardAccommodates up to four guests on Lake Superior waters
Looking for a fishing trip that works for everyone in the family? This half-day charter out of Knife River Marina hits the sweet spot - long enough to get into some serious fish, but short enough to keep the kids engaged. Captain and crew aboard the Freedom II know how to run a family-friendly operation, providing all the gear and know-how so grandpa can fish alongside his grandson, even if one's never held a rod before. You'll be targeting some of Lake Superior's finest - brown trout, lake trout, and coho salmon - while soaking up those big lake views that make this corner of Minnesota so special.
Your morning starts at Knife River Marina, one of the North Shore's most reliable launch points. The Freedom II accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of elbow room without feeling like you're rattling around a boat that's too big. Once you clear the harbor, you're looking at some of the most productive salmon and trout waters in the Great Lakes. The captain knows where fish are holding based on water temps, current breaks, and seasonal patterns - knowledge that comes from years of reading this big lake. Expect a relaxed pace that lets everyone get their lines wet, learn proper techniques, and actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling rushed. The crew handles everything from rigging to netting, so parents can focus on helping kids and everyone can focus on having fun.
Lake Superior fishing means trolling, and the Freedom II is set up perfectly for it. You'll be running downriggers and planer boards to cover different depths and spread your lines across a wide area - this gives you the best shot at finding where fish are feeding. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations are the go-to presentations, with colors and depths adjusted based on what's working that day. Don't worry if you've never used downriggers before - the crew walks you through everything. Kids especially love watching the rigger balls go down and feeling that telltale thump when a fish hits. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring favorite lures if you have them. The boat's fish finder and GPS help locate structure and baitfish, turning what could be a guessing game into a strategic hunt.
Brown trout in these waters are absolutely gorgeous fish, with their golden flanks and distinctive spots making every one a photo opportunity. They typically run 3-8 pounds, with occasional larger fish pushing into double digits. Browns are most active in cooler water, so early morning and late season trips often produce the best action. What makes them exciting is their fight - they'll make strong runs and jump, giving kids something to get excited about while teaching them how to play a fish properly.
Lake trout are the heavyweights here, often reaching 10-15 pounds or more. These deep-water natives prefer the cooler depths of Superior, so you'll be fishing deeper structure and drop-offs to find them. Lakers are powerful fish that make long, bulldogging runs rather than jumping, which means a steady, patient fight that's perfect for teaching proper rod handling. Their light spots against dark skin make them easy to identify, and their size always impresses first-time Lake Superior anglers.
Coho salmon bring the acrobatics to your fishing day. These silver bullets are known for their spectacular jumps and fast runs, making them a favorite with kids and adults alike. Cohos typically range 3-6 pounds and are most active during their seasonal runs. They school up and feed aggressively, so when you find them, the action can be steady. Their bright silver sides and fighting spirit make them a perfect target species for families wanting both action and photo opportunities.
This half-day family trip strikes the perfect balance - enough time to get into fish without wearing out young anglers or non-fishing family members. The Freedom II's reputation for running clean, safe, family-oriented charters makes this a top choice for multi-generational groups. With all gear provided and expert instruction included, you're looking at a hassle-free way to introduce kids to Great Lakes fishing or give experienced anglers a taste of Superior's world-class fishery. Knife River's location puts you right in the heart of some of the lake's most consistent salmon and trout action, and the marina's facilities make for easy loading and unloading. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather and your schedule before committing, but don't wait too long - good family-friendly charters book up fast, especially during peak season.
The Freedom II is a serious fishing machine built for Lake Superior's big waters. This 33-foot custom boat packs twin 502HP Chevrolet engines that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at speeds up to 30 knots when conditions call for it. Built in 1992 but well-maintained, she's got the space and stability families need for a comfortable half-day on the lake. The boat comes loaded with everything you need to find salmon and trout - GPS to mark productive spots, radar for those Lake Superior fog banks, and a quality fish finder to locate schools. There's a head onboard for convenience during longer fishing sessions. With room for up to 6 anglers, parents and kids can spread out along the rails without feeling cramped. The captain provides all tackle, bait, and coaching so everyone from first-timers to experienced anglers can get lines in the water and start catching fish right away.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are solid fighters that run 8-24 inches in these waters, with some pushing over 30 inches if you're lucky. They're smart fish with golden-brown backs covered in dark spots and that telltale orange adipose fin. You'll find them cruising mid-depths around structure - rocky areas, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively, but they bite year-round in Superior's cold waters. What makes them special is their wariness - they test your skills more than other trout. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor that beats most store-bought fish. My tip: when trolling, use smaller spoons than you think and vary your speed. Browns often follow before striking, so that speed change triggers the bite.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Superior, jumping clean out of the water when hooked. These silver bullets run 12-30 inches and fight harder than fish twice their size. Look for them in 40-80 feet of water, often near thermoclines where baitfish stack up. Spring through fall they're active, but late summer is prime when they're feeding heavily. Families love targeting coho because they're aggressive biters and put on a show once hooked. The bright orange meat is top-shelf eating - some say better than any salmon you can buy. They'll hit spoons, plugs, and flies with equal enthusiasm. Here's the secret: when you see one jump, immediately drop your rod tip and let it run. Try to muscle them during those aerial displays and you'll snap your line every time. Let them tire themselves out first.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of Superior's depths, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds - real arm-burners when you hook one. These grey-green monsters with cream markings live in the coldest, deepest water, often suspended 80-150 feet down in summer. Spring right after ice-out is magic when they move shallow, but we catch them year-round by going deep. They're native to these waters and fight completely different from other fish - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. The firm, pink meat is outstanding grilled or smoked. Families love them because once you find fish, the action stays consistent. Pro tip: when jigging deep, drop your lure to bottom then work it 10-20 feet up. Lakers often sit just off the bottom watching for wounded baitfish above them.
Lake Superior