Lake Superior Outdoor Fishing Report – March 4, 2026
Fishing Wisconsin
Apostle Islands
Anglers fishing out of Bayfield and Red Cliff continue to venture into the islands. However, reports indicate that ice conditions have changed considerably compared to recent weeks. A few whitefish and lake trout are being caught primarily in deeper water (80-120 feet).
Anglers are always urged to use extreme caution when venturing into the islands and to check the ice carefully, especially when crossing cracks, heaves and areas of pack ice, which can be extremely dangerous. Anglers report that recent warm temperatures, along with snow cover, have created deep slush and made travel conditions difficult in the area.
Chequamegon Bay
Fishing within the Chequamegon Bay continues to be slow. Anglers on the Ashland side are catching a mixed bag. Although there are not as many yellow perch being caught this ice fishing season (compared to last season), the average size is bigger, 10 inches. Coho salmon (14-16 inches) and herring (15-19 inches) are also being caught by anglers fishing out of Ashland. Most anglers are fishing in 20-30 feet using spoons, jigging raps, and live minnows. Some anglers are catching good numbers of smelt using hali jigs or small spoons tipped with waxworms. Anglers fishing at dawn and dusk have been catching a few walleyes. Burbot are also being caught by anglers fishing through the night. Most walleye anglers are targeting weeds or structure in 15-25 feet with spoons and live minnows, while burbot anglers are primarily using glow spoons and dead smelt on bottom in 20-30 feet. Ice auger extensions may soon be needed as anglers have reported that they are “barely” making it through the ice. Reports also indicate that travel conditions are becoming challenging due to snow and slush on the ice.
On the Washburn side of the bay, anglers are reporting catching splake (15-20 inches), coho salmon (14-16 inches), brown trout (16-23 inches) and herring (15-19 inches). Anglers are targeting a wide range of water depths, with the most successful anglers fishing in 25 feet of water or deeper, using jigging spoons, jigging raps and set lines with live minnows. No whitefish (except for the occasional single fish) have been reported inside the bay.
Superior Harbor/St. Louis River
The game fish season closed on March 1, 2026.
Ice Safety
Lake Superior ice shelter removal date approaching: On March 15, 2026 (the first Sunday following March 12), all ice fishing shelters must be removed from the ice daily and when not in use.
There is no such thing as safe ice. You cannot judge the strength of ice by one factor such as its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow. Ice seldom freezes uniformly and can vary greatly in different areas of the same water body. It is important to know before you go. The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. Local bait shops, fishing clubs and resorts serve winter anglers every day and often have the most up-to-date information. If you’re heading out onto a frozen lake for the first time, check the ice yourself and check it often.
Ice Safety Tips:
- Carry some basic safety gear: ice claws or picks, a cellphone in a waterproof case, a life jacket and a length of rope.
- Dress warm in layers.
- Don’t go alone. Head out with friends or family. Carry a cell phone with you and make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
- Know before you go. Don’t travel in areas you are not familiar with, and don’t travel at night during reduced visibility.
- Avoid inlets, outlets or narrows that may have current that can cause thin ice.
REMINDER – Anglers must carry a paper copy of their license/stamps while fishing on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Wisconsin/Michigan, Wisconsin/Minnesota and Wisconsin/Iowa boundary waters.