Lake Superior Morning Fishing for Beginners
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 5hour morning charter for up to 6 beginnersTarget Lake Trout and Salmon with provided equipmentDeparts 5:45 AM from Barker's Island with experienced crew
There's something special about being on Lake Superior when the sun starts painting the sky, and you've got a fishing rod in your hands. This 5-hour morning charter with North Pier Charters is built from the ground up for folks who are new to fishing or just want a relaxed day on the water. Starting at 5:45 AM from Barker's Island, you'll head out with an experienced captain who knows exactly where the fish are biting and how to help you land them. With all gear provided and room for up to 4 guests, this trip takes the guesswork out of fishing so you can focus on having a great time.
Your morning starts early, but trust me, it's worth it. The calm waters and cooler temperatures of dawn create perfect fishing conditions, plus you'll beat the afternoon boat traffic. Your captain will have all the rods, reels, and tackle ready to go – no need to stress about what to bring or how to rig anything up. The crew knows Lake Superior like the back of their hand, so they'll take you to the productive spots where walleye, salmon, and trout like to hang out. You'll spend your time learning basic casting techniques, understanding how to read your rod tip for bites, and getting comfortable with reeling in fish. The atmosphere is relaxed and encouraging, perfect for building confidence on the water. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, but the crew will handle everything else. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to your fishing date.
Most of your fishing will be done trolling, which is perfect for beginners because it's straightforward and effective. The captain will set up multiple lines with different lures and baits, then cruise at a steady speed to cover water and find active fish. You'll learn how to work downriggers and planer boards – don't worry if those terms sound foreign now, they'll make perfect sense once you're out there. The rods are set up in holders, so you're not constantly holding them, but when a fish hits, you'll know it immediately. Lake Superior fishing often means using heavier tackle than you might expect, since these fish are strong and the water is deep. Your crew will show you how to pump and wind when fighting bigger fish, keeping steady pressure without overdoing it. The key is patience and letting the rod do the work. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait are the go-to options depending on what species you're targeting and where they're holding.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Superior fishing, and they're perfect for beginners to target. These golden beauties typically run 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. They're most active in the early morning hours, which is exactly when you'll be out there. Walleye have a delicate bite, so you'll learn to watch for subtle taps and drops in your line. What makes them so popular is their predictable behavior and excellent table fare – they're hands down one of the best eating fish in the lake. Coho salmon bring the excitement level up a notch, averaging 8-12 pounds and known for their acrobatic fights. These silver rockets love to jump when hooked, giving you a real adrenaline rush. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and once you hook into one, you'll understand why salmon fishing is so addictive. Chinook salmon are the heavyweights, often called "kings" for good reason. These fish can push 20+ pounds and will test your patience and technique. They're powerful, deep fighters that make long, determined runs. Landing your first king salmon is a milestone every angler remembers. Brown trout are the wild cards – they can be finicky but incredibly rewarding to catch. They're known for their beautiful coloration and smart feeding habits, often requiring a more subtle approach. Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, living in the coldest parts of the lake. They're typically caught in deeper water and can live for decades, making each one a special catch. Their fight is more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle rather than flashy runs.
This morning fishing trip gives you everything you need for a successful day on Lake Superior without any of the stress. You'll leave the dock as a beginner and come back with real fishing skills, some great stories, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. The early start time means you'll be back by late morning with the whole day ahead of you, and the small group size ensures you get plenty of personal attention from the crew. North Pier Charters has built their reputation on making fishing accessible and fun for everyone, and this beginner-focused trip is the perfect way to get started. Whether you're looking to try something new or introduce family members to fishing, this charter delivers the experience you're looking for. Book your spot now and get ready to see why so many people fall in love with fishing on Lake Superior.
This classic 34-foot Silverton Cruiser is your ticket to Lake Superior's best fishing spots. Built in 1987 and freshly updated in 2019, she's powered by twin 350HP Crusader engines that'll get you out to where the Lake Trout and Salmon are biting. The spacious flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish activity, while the onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets. When you need a break from casting lines, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin with full kitchen, comfortable bed, and multimedia system. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout your morning on the water. With GPS navigation and radar for those foggy Superior mornings, plus room for up to 6 anglers, this boat has everything beginners need for a successful day of fishing. The toilet and kitchen amenities mean you can focus on learning techniques instead of worrying about comfort during your 5-hour adventure.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - cautious, selective, and absolutely gorgeous with their golden-brown sides and black spots. They average 2-5 pounds in Superior but can surprise you with much bigger fish lurking in deeper water. These trout love structure like rocky shelves, drop-offs, and areas where streams enter the lake. Fall is prime time when they feed heavily before winter, though early morning and evening always produce better. What anglers appreciate about browns is their wariness - they make you work for every fish, and that makes landing one more rewarding. The firm, flaky meat has excellent flavor too. Pro tip: browns are spooky, so approach structure quietly and use lighter tackle. A well-presented streamer or small spoon near cover often triggers strikes.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings of the lake for good reason - these bruisers can hit 20-30 pounds and provide battles that'll test your arms. They prefer deeper, cooler water and are light-sensitive, so early morning trips give you the best shot at hooking up. You'll typically find them suspended in 60-100 feet of water following schools of baitfish. What makes chinook special is their size and stamina - they'll peel drag and fight deep, giving beginners a real taste of big-fish fishing. The rich, reddish meat is top-shelf eating. My go-to technique: troll heavy spoons or plugs deep and slow. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and let the fish tire itself out - trying to horse them up too fast usually ends in disappointment.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Superior, known for their silver sides and impressive jumping ability when hooked. These fish average 8-12 pounds but can push 20+ in these deep waters. They cruise the mid-water column chasing baitfish and aren't afraid to come up for a meal. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during overcast conditions when they're more aggressive. What guests love about coho is their fighting spirit - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. The bright orange meat makes for great eating too. Here's a local trick: when trolling, run your spoons and plugs at different depths until you mark fish on the finder. Once you find their depth, stay there and work that zone thoroughly.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the true natives of Superior and can grow massive - we're talking 15-40 pound fish that'll give you a real workout. These char prefer the deep, cold water of the main lake, usually suspended 80-200 feet down following their preferred water temperature. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best windows when they're more active and sometimes come up shallower. What makes lakers special is their size potential and the fact they're the original residents here. The light-colored meat is excellent eating, especially the smaller ones. Since they live deep, jigging is often your best bet. My advice: use your electronics to mark fish first, then drop jigs or spoons right to them. Lakers are curious but slow to commit, so work your lure patiently in their face.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the tastiest fish you'll find in these waters, with their signature golden color and glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. They typically run 12-20 inches and love hanging around rocky bottoms and drop-offs during the day, moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Fall and early morning are your best bets when they're most active. What makes walleye special is that mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for a shore lunch. They can be tricky to locate since they move with the baitfish, but once you find a school, you're usually in for steady action. My tip: use a jig and minnow combo bounced along the bottom near structure - they can't resist that presentation.
Lake Superior