Lake Superior Outdoor Fishing Report – Feb. 12, 2026
Fishing Wisconsin
Apostle Islands
Outside of the Chequamegon Bay, anglers are accessing the lake from a variety of access points, including Bodin’s Resort, Sioux River, Onion River, Bayfield and Red Cliff. Anglers are advised to use caution when venturing out on the ice from any of these areas, as reported ice conditions vary quite a bit and can change rapidly. Most anglers fishing nearshore are reporting good fishing with mixed bags of splake (15-20 inches), coho salmon (14-16 inches), herring (15-19 inches), brown trout (16-24 inches) and perch (9-12 inches). Anglers are targeting many water depths, with the most successful anglers fishing in 20-60 feet of water using jigging spoons, jigging raps and lake shiners. Fishing for whitefish has been slow recently, but a few anglers are finding a few whitefish (16-20 inches) in deeper water (80-120 feet).
Many anglers are now bobbing for lake trout out in the islands. Many anglers are reporting good numbers of 18-20 inch lake trout, along with fair numbers of larger trout (26-30 inches) and the occasional trophy-sized fish approaching 40 inches.
Ice thickness can vary, especially the farther out from the mainland that anglers venture, but it is generally reported as 12 or more inches in most locations. Travel has been somewhat difficult and slow-going for many anglers due to large areas of pack ice and many heaves/cracks. Anglers are always urged to use extreme caution when venturing into the islands and check the ice carefully, especially when crossing cracks, heaves and areas of pack ice that can be extremely dangerous.
Chequamegon Bay
Fishing within the Chequamegon Bay has been slow recently. Anglers on the Ashland side are bringing in mixed bags of a handful of fish, with anglers reporting a few nice yellow perch (9-12 inches), coho salmon (14-16 inches), herring (15-19 inches), splake (17-20 inches), whitefish (17-22 inches) and burbot (16-24 inches), along with the occasional walleye (18-24 inches), brown trout (15-23 inches) and northern pike (26-34 inches) mixed in. Most anglers are fishing in 20-30 feet of water 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 after dark are reportedly doing well for walleye and burbot as well. Most walleye anglers are targeting weeds or structure in 15-25 feet of water with spoons and live minnows, while burbot anglers are primarily using glow spoons and dead smelt on the bottom in 20-30 feet. Fishing out from Second Landing remains fair, with most anglers catching decent numbers of yellow perch (9-12 inches) in 5-15 feet of water using small spoons or jigs tipped with waxworms. Most anglers are accessing the bay with vehicles from Kreher Park and Second Landing, and traveling conditions are reported to be excellent, with over two feet of ice and minimal snow cover on top.
On the Washburn side of the bay, anglers are reporting catching mixed bags out from Bono Creek (S-Curve), Thompson Park and the Washburn Coal Dock. A fair number of splake (15-20 inches), coho salmon (14-16 inches), brown trout (16-23 inches) and herring (15-19 inches) are being reported, along with the occasional whitefish (17-22”) and burbot (18-24 inches). Anglers are targeting a wide range of water depths, with the most successful anglers fishing in 25 or more feet of water using jigging spoons, jigging raps and live minnows.
Most anglers are accessing the lake by snowmobile or ATV, but several large ice heaves have been reported, which can make travel with machines difficult. Anglers are always advised to use caution and check the ice carefully when crossing any cracks or heaves.
Superior Harbor/St. Louis River
Anglers struggled to find fish on the backend of January’s cold weather. However, a burst of anglers took advantage of the main lake ice, targeting coldwater species for a couple of weeks before easterly winds swept it away from Duluth. Fortunately, those winds also brought warmer air temperatures and paired nicely with increased angler catch. Walleye are loosening their jaws throughout the lower estuary with success around Park Point, Munger Landing, Arrowhead Landing and Power Squadron access point. During the cold weather, anglers shifted upriver targeting panfish, and this mentality has continued into February. Catch in Pokegama Bay and Kimballs Bay have increased, with quality lengths of black crappie and yellow perch exceeding 13 and 12 inches, respectively.
Seasonably warm weather is projected for the next few weeks around the Twin Ports, giving everyone the perfect opportunity to enjoy these resources before spring snowmelt and the game fish season closure on March 1, 2026.
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.