Full Day Fishing Trip - Lake Superior
When you're looking to really dial into what Lake Superior has to offer, nothing beats a full 8-hour charter with Captain Lorin. This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you're barely getting warmed up before heading back to the dock. With Fish of the Gitch, you get the time to work different depths, try multiple spots, and really chase down those fish that make Superior legendary. We're talking trophy Lake Trout that'll test your drag, chrome-bright Salmon fresh from the depths, and those bonus fish like Steelhead and Walleye that can turn a good day into an epic one. Captain Lorin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with a full day at his disposal, he can adjust tactics on the fly and put you on fish when others are coming up empty.
What to Expect on the Water
Superior is a different beast than your typical inland lake, and that's exactly what makes it so special. We're dealing with depths that can exceed 1,300 feet in some spots, temperature breaks that hold fish like magnets, and structure that goes on for miles. Your day starts early – usually around sunrise when the lake is calm and the fish are active. Captain Lorin will have the boat rigged and ready, with downriggers set up for trolling and a variety of lures that match what the fish have been hitting. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we're not rushed. If the bite is hot in 120 feet of water, we can work that zone thoroughly. If we need to run 10 miles to find better action, we've got the time to do it. You'll spend most of your day trolling spoons, flasher-fly combos, and plugs at various speeds and depths, but don't be surprised if Captain Lorin switches things up with some jigging or even casting when the situation calls for it.
Techniques and Tactics
Fishing Superior effectively is all about reading the water and understanding the thermal layers. Captain Lorin runs a well-equipped boat with quality downriggers, fish finders, and GPS that help locate schools and structure. Most of our fishing happens via trolling – we'll set lines at different depths using downriggers and planer boards to cover more water. The key is finding the thermocline where the cold, deep water meets the warmer surface layer. That's where baitfish congregate, and where you'll find the predators. We typically run spoons in silver, gold, and copper patterns, along with cut-plug herring behind flashers. When we mark fish on the sounder, we might switch to vertical jigging with heavy spoons or swim baits. The 8-hour format gives us flexibility to try different presentations – maybe start shallow for Salmon in the morning, then move deeper for Lakers as the sun gets higher. Captain Lorin will teach you how to read the electronics, when to let line out, and how to fight these powerful fish without losing them at the boat.
Customer Stories
"We spent the day fishing with Captain Lorin, and he truly made it one to remember. His expertise, calm approach, and clear love for what he does made all the difference—especially with the bite being slow across the lake on Saturday. Despite the tough conditions, we brought in double digits, including lake trout, coho salmon, and the highlight for me—a surprise 28-inch walleye! I've been chasing a big one for three decades, and finally landed it. While others were reporting a tough day with minimal action, we were lucky to be on the right boat with the right guide. Huge thanks to Captain Lorin—this trip was everything I hoped for and more. I'll try to upload a few more photos later, including my walleye and a midday shot from our lunch break!" - Scott
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lake Trout are the kings of Superior, and for good reason. These deep-water natives can live for decades and grow to massive sizes – fish over 30 pounds aren't uncommon, and the lake record sits at over 40 pounds. Lakers prefer cold water, typically holding in depths between 80 and 200 feet during summer months. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky reefs, drop-offs, and underwater humps. What makes them so fun to catch is their initial run – when a big Laker feels the hook, it'll dive hard and fast, screaming line off your reel. They're most active during the cooler months of spring and fall, but with the right techniques, we catch them consistently throughout the season. The meat is excellent when handled properly, with a firm texture that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the lake, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These silver bullets are built for speed and aerial displays, often launching themselves completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. Coho typically range from 3 to 8 pounds in Superior, with the occasional fish pushing double digits. They're most active in the top 60 feet of water, following schools of alewives and smelt. Spring and fall are prime time for Coho, but they can be caught throughout the open water season. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding behavior – they'll absolutely crush a well-presented spoon or fly. The fight is spectacular, but you need to keep steady pressure because their soft mouths mean hooks can pull out if you're not careful.
Walleye in Superior are a different animal than their inland cousins. These fish have access to deep, cold water and abundant forage, which means they grow larger and fight harder than typical Walleye. Fish in the 6 to 10-pound range are common, with monsters like Scott's 28-incher showing up when you least expect them. Superior Walleye often suspend over deep water, following baitfish schools, which is why they're frequently caught as bonus fish while targeting Trout and Salmon. They're excellent table fare with that