Early Ice Fishing Heats Up on Lake Superior in Duluth

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Lake Superior and Duluth fishing report for Thursday, December 4th, 2025.

Well, we've made the transition into ice fishing season here in the Twin Ports, and it's been coming quick this year. With nearly seventeen inches of snow already on the ground and more in other areas, conditions are shaping up nicely for those looking to get out on the ice. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed state trails are opening as early as December 1st where conditions allow for grooming, so if you're thinking about getting out there, now's the time.

Water temperatures are definitely dropping fast, and the fish are feeding up before things get really locked down. Minnesota's statewide fishing report from December 3rd shows a quick transition across the board, and Lake Superior's no exception. We're looking at typical early winter conditions here in Duluth – expect sunrise around 7:50 AM and sunset before 4:30 PM, so get out there early if you want daylight.

For those still working open water, spinnerbaits and swimbaits have been producing consistent results in similar waters. If you're transitioning to ice fishing, standard jigging presentations with live minnows are going to be your bread and butter. Walleye and northern pike are active right now, and they're hitting artificial presentations as well as live bait. Focus on deeper structure and drop-offs where the fish are staging.

A couple of hot spots worth checking out: the Duluth Harbor area if you've got open water access, and if ice conditions permit, the shallower bays around Superior are starting to freeze up nicely.

Thanks for tuning in today, folks. Make sure you subscribe for daily updates on what's biting in our neck of the woods.

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