Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and rests on the US-Canada border which touches on the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Impressively, with a volume of 2,900 cubic miles, it is the third-largest lake in the world and further withholds 10% of the globe’s freshwater supply. So, what does that mean for fishing? Essentially, you have a limitless watery playground to catch a variety of trophy trout and salmon, walleye, muskies, and yellow perch. Although shore fishing is a formidable way of landing fish, the best way to conquer your fish counts on Lake Superior is by boat or charter. Don’t have a boat. No problem. Here is a list of the best charters found on Lake Superior.
1. Tofte Charters – Tofte, MN
Starting off this list is Tofte Charters found along the north shore of Lake Superior. Although a fishing charter at heart, guests will be treated to the sights of the Sawtooth Mountains and possibly a glimmer of the Superior National Forest. Fish on the 27-foot Baha Cruiser named the Tofte Charters II with Captain Darren Peck, and pull in colossal lake trout, king salmon, coho salmon, or even steelhead. As for packages, prices will vary with seasonality, with a party of up to four starting at $475 from May to June. Or, $495 during high season, which spans from July to October on half-day charters.
2. I’d Rather Be Fishing Charters – Duluth, MN
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Come for a day of fishing on the 32-foot Rendezvous II, with an experienced captain and crew who have a combined expertise of over 25 years. I’d Rather Be Fishing Charters specializes in catching trout. So, before disembarking on the boat, a Minnesota fishing license with a trout stamp is in order. Charter prices are straightforward, with a five-hour half-day trip starting at $550 for a party of up to four. Or, an eight-hour full-day trip starts at $1,000. Additionally, upon request, boxed lunches or meals can be included on your charter. Oh yeah, BYOB is permitted, but strictly beer is allowed.
3. Optimum Charters – Superior, WI
Since 1982, Captain Paul Mazzuco has been operating charters in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Charters focus on lake trout, salmon, and walleye, which vary with the time of the year. Spend the day riding on the 33-foot Opti II, a customized Tiara Open, and troll until you hit your catch limit. Optimum Charters offers a couple of packages varying with party size. The most economical option is the two-person super saver that starts at $500 for five hours. Ont the other hand, if you have a party of four, a five-hour charter will start at $550.
4. N&S Great Lake Fishing Charters – Superior, WI
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Operated by Captain Scott Berndt and first mates Al and Emily, N&S Great Lake Fishing Charters is licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Guests can expect to target walleye, lake trout, king salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. Prices for fishing packages reflect the number of charter patrons. A five-hour half-day trip for two starts at $400. Whereas, a five-hour half-day trip for four runs about $500. Additionally, for those requiring lodging, mention that you have a charter booked Sunday through Thursday at Barkers Inn to receive 20% off your stay.
5. Hooked Up Charters – Lac La Belle, Michigan
While taking in the sights of the Keweenaw Peninsula, consider going out on the water with Hooked Up Charters operated by Captain Steve Erbisch. Charters disembark from the port of Lac La Belle on a 25-foot Chris Craft Catalina Express and trolls for lake trout, steelhead, and salmon. Half-day packages run in the morning or afternoon and start at $550 for a party of two. Moreover, full days packages are offered and will run you $800 for two guests. Regardless of packages, any additional charter guests will cost $30 extra and for up to a capacity of six guests.
6. Kimar’s Charters – Au Train, Michigan
While most of the charters on this list offer strictly trolling trips, Kimars is a little bit different. Of course, these will depend on where the fishing is taking place. Half-day trips to Shelter Bay are a great choice for families and will cost $600 for a party of up to four. Trolling trips to Big Reef go into the deepest part of Lake Superior and cost about $1,400 for a party of up to six. And, for those who enjoy casting and jigging, trips are offered to Stannard Rock for $1,600 for a party of up to four. Between four captains, guests have the opportunity to ride on the 30-foot David Lee, 27-foot Sarah Ann, or 30-foot T-Craft Diane K.
The Last Word
Fishing charters on Lake Superior are an excellent way to gain insight into how to fish on this deep and unpredictable lake. After booking a charter, all guests need to purchase fishing licenses before the boat can disembark from the dock on your big day.
It is important to note safety is always a priority, and weather can change quickly on this ocean-like body of water. Thus, the captain reserve the right to cancel, refund, or, reschedule your trip. But, don’t let this be a damper, normally as quickly as storms come in, they vanish. And, really, the only focus of your day should be filling a cooler. Oh, and concerning coolers, don’t forget to bring one to bring your catch home.
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