Fishing_Content Page_Lake Superior Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Superior Outdoor Fishing Report – Jan. 7, 2026

Fishing Wisconsin

Chequamegon Bay

Anglers fishing off of Ashland have reported 12-14 inches of ice. Pressure cracks were also reported throughout the bay, and anglers are reminded that no ice is considered safe ice; see the bottom of this webpage for more ice safety information. Anglers fishing out of Ashland have reported limited success, catching mostly perch (7-9 inches) in size. Anglers fishing late afternoon into the evening are still catching walleyes in the 20-24-inch range. On the Washburn side of the bay, the fishing continues to be slow, with anglers catching mostly coho and herring with an occasional brown or splake. Ice is present off of Bodin’s, Sioux and Onion River, Bayfield and Red Cliff.

Superior Harbor/St. Louis River

Just as persistent early-on cold temperatures brought in favorable ice conditions for anglers in the St. Louis River harbor, harvest has already begun to shift around. Mid-December started hot with many anglers reporting daily bag limits of walleye, specifically in the lower Duluth Harbor and St. Louis Bay, with low to fair catches of black crappie and yellow perch further upriver. However, Park Point walleye harvest has slowed down recently, with variable reports resulting in hit-or-miss opportunities during dusk and dawn hours. Catch is beginning to spread further upstream near Munger and Boy Scout landings. Panfish activity has picked up, with more anglers targeting bays, including Pokegama, Kimball’s, and Woodstock. The catch includes the usual suspects, such as black crappie, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, northern pike, and walleye. Burbot are beginning their spawning run up the St. Louis River, and anglers are having luck during dawn and dusk hours. The shipping channel is still being actively used, and ice breaking occurs regularly near Park Point.

Ice Safety 

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.