Full Day Lake Superior Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sevenhour Lake Superior fishing charter starting at 12pmTarget trout and salmon species until duskFourguest capacity with Waypoint Charters
There's something special about fishing Lake Superior that gets your blood pumping – maybe it's the sheer size of this inland sea or knowing that trophy trout and salmon are cruising just beneath the surface. This 7-hour afternoon charter with Waypoint Charters puts you right in the heart of the action, starting at noon and running until dusk. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after freshwater species in North America while soaking up the raw beauty of Minnesota's North Shore. With space for up to 4 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between serious fishing and good company on the water.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you fishing the prime spots where Lake Superior's legendary fish hang out. The afternoon start time is no accident – this is when the bite really turns on, especially during those golden hours leading up to sunset. You'll spend your time working the deeper waters where the big lake trout cruise, as well as hitting the areas where salmon stage up during their runs. The boat is rigged with top-notch electronics to find fish and track the thermocline, which is absolutely crucial on a lake this deep and complex. Pack some snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too focused on your rod tip to think much about food once the action heats up.
Lake Superior fishing is all about trolling, and your captain will have the boat set up with downriggers, planer boards, and all the proven hardware that puts fish in the boat. You'll be running everything from spoons and flasher-fly combos to plugs, depending on what the fish are hitting that day. The key is covering water and staying in the strike zone – usually anywhere from 40 to 120 feet down, where the water temperature is just right. Don't worry if you've never worked downriggers before; your guide will walk you through everything and make sure you're comfortable with the setup. The rods are sensitive enough that you'll feel every bump and tap, but stout enough to handle a screaming king salmon or a bulldogging lake trout that doesn't want to come up from the depths.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of Lake Superior fishing, and these aren't your typical stream rainbows – we're talking about chrome-bright steelhead that have been feeding on cisco and smelt in the big water. These fish average 3-8 pounds but can push into double digits, and they fight like they're twice their size. They'll typically be found in 50-80 feet of water during the afternoon, often relating to temperature breaks. What makes them so exciting is their acrobatics – expect multiple jumps and blistering runs that will test your drag system. Peak action usually runs from late spring through early fall, with some of the hottest fishing happening during the cooler months when they're staging near tributary mouths. Pink Salmon might be the smallest of your target species at 2-4 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – these scrappy fighters more than make up for it with attitude. They show up in big numbers during odd-numbered years, creating some of the most fast-paced fishing Lake Superior has to offer. You'll find them in schools, often in 30-60 feet of water, and once you locate a group, the action can be non-stop. They're particularly active during the afternoon hours, making this charter timing perfect for connecting with them. Coho Salmon are the athletes of the salmon family, known for their spectacular aerial displays and never-say-die attitude. These silver bullets typically range from 5-12 pounds and prefer slightly shallower water than their king salmon cousins. They're most active during the morning and evening hours, which puts them right in your wheelhouse for this afternoon charter. What sets cohos apart is their willingness to chase lures aggressively and their tendency to stay near the surface during the fight, giving you a front-row seat to some amazing jumps. Lake Trout are the true giants of Lake Superior, and landing one of these prehistoric-looking fish is a bucket-list experience for any serious angler. These deep-water dwellers can live for decades and reach impressive sizes – 10-20 pounders are common, with the occasional monster pushing 30+ pounds. They're typically found in the deepest, coldest water, often 80+ feet down, and they fight with a different style than the salmon – more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that tests your patience and tackle. The best part about lakers is they're available year-round, though they tend to be more active during the cooler months when they move up slightly in the water column.
Lake Superior fishing with Waypoint Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – legitimate shots at trophy fish in one of the most beautiful settings you'll ever cast a line. The 7-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques, while the afternoon start means you'll be fishing during prime time when these species are most active. Whether you're a local angler looking to up your Lake Superior game or a visiting fisherman wanting to experience what this legendary fishery has to offer, this charter puts you in the right place with the right captain at the right time. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the salmon runs are firing and the trout fishing is at its hottest.
Your Lake Superior fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 27' Pursuit, a well-equipped motorboat built for serious angling on these legendary waters. Twin 350HP Volvo engines push this boat up to 37 knots, getting you to the fish quickly and safely back to shore. The fish finder helps locate those elusive trout and salmon hiding in Superior's depths, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when lake fog rolls in. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without crowding. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 7-hour sessions from noon until dusk. VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and shore, plus there's a head for convenience. This 2000-built Pursuit has proven herself on Superior's sometimes challenging waters, giving you confidence to focus on what matters most – landing those trophy fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are pure dynamite on the end of a line. Running 8-12 pounds on average, these acrobatic fighters can leap 6 feet out of the water - always a thrill to watch. They cruise open water but love hanging around structure and current breaks where baitfish gather. Late summer into fall brings the best action as they become more aggressive. What sets cohos apart is their incredible fight combined with that beautiful silver color and orange-red meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're smart fish though, so you need to stay sharp. The trick that works consistently for us is running bright spoons or plugs about 20-30 feet down during daylight hours. When they're being finicky, switching to a smaller profile lure often does the trick - sometimes less really is more with these selective feeders.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of Superior's depths, regularly hitting 15-40 pounds with some true monsters lurking in the deep basins. These grey-green bruisers with cream-colored spots prefer the coldest, deepest water - often suspended 80-150 feet down in summer. They're slow growers that can live decades, making each catch special. Spring right after ice-out and overcast days are prime time when they move shallower. What makes lakers amazing is their raw power - no jumping, just bulldogging fights that'll test your tackle and patience. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Since they live deep, jigging is your best bet with large spoons or jigs that imitate dying baitfish. Pro tip: when you find one, mark the spot and work the area thoroughly. Lakers often school up, and where there's one, there's usually more lurking nearby in that same depth range.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon, averaging around 4-5 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they're scrappy fighters that'll keep you busy. Also called humpbacks for their distinctive spawning hump, these silver bullets love cold water and typically suspend in open areas of the lake. Late summer through early fall is prime time when they're most active. What guests love about pinks is their aggressive nature - they'll hit bright lures hard and put on quite a show. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that rich, pink flesh loaded with omega-3s. The key to success is using bright colors, especially pink jigs or spoons. Here's something most folks don't know: adding a bit of herring or squid scent to your lure makes a huge difference. These fish rely heavily on smell, and that extra attraction often turns followers into biters.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 2-8 pounds in Lake Superior, though we've seen some beauties pushing 15+ pounds. These fish love the cooler waters near rocky structures and drop-offs, especially during summer when they head deeper to find that sweet spot around 55-65°F. You'll recognize them by that distinctive pink stripe and silver sides covered in black spots. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're more active in shallower water. What makes rainbows special is their fight - they'll jump and run like crazy once hooked. The meat is excellent eating too, with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: when jigging for them in deeper water, add a subtle twitch to your presentation. That erratic movement triggers strikes from fish that might otherwise just follow your lure.
Lake Superior