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Great Lake

Lake Superior

U.S. shoreline: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Its cold, clear water holds lake trout, salmon and steelhead, while sheltered bays such as Chequamegon Bay, Keweenaw Bay and Whitefish Bay hold smallmouth bass, walleye and northern pike. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan share the U.S. shoreline; Ontario holds the north shore.

N
Lake outline: Natural Earth (public domain). Red dots are U.S. boat launches.
Weather and marine forecast for Lake Superior (National Weather Service) ↗
Surface area20,288,000 acres
Max depth1,333 ft
Shoreline2,726 miles (U.S. and Canada, with islands)
U.S. launches listed110

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Lake Trout●●●●●

Year-round staple; trolled deep in summer, shallow near shore in spring and fall

Coho Salmon●●●●○

Best from late spring into summer

Chinook Salmon●●●○○

Late summer and fall near river mouths

Steelhead●●●●○

Spring and fall runs in tributaries; also caught trolling

Brown Trout●●●○○

Near-shore and harbor fish in cold months

Smallmouth Bass●●●●○

Chequamegon Bay is a trophy fishery

Walleye●●●○○

Bays and river mouths, especially St. Louis River estuary

Lake Whitefish●●●○○

Jigged in shallow water late in the year

Boat launches

110 public boat ramps and launches on the U.S. shoreline, from the Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota DNR boating access lists (official state data) and OpenStreetMap. Tap a state to open its list. The list may be incomplete, and fees, hours and conditions change, so confirm before you go.

Minnesota 28 launches
  • Agate Bay Boat Launch (Two Harbors)MN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 3 ramps · 60 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Baptism River AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Black Beach AccessMN
    North Shore Mining · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Brighton Beach AccessMN
    City of Duluth · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Burlington Bay AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 1 ramp · 8 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Cascade River AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Cut Face Creek Wayside Rest AccessMN
    MNDOT · 2 trailer spaces · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Flood Bay Wayside Rest AccessMN
    MNDOT · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • French River Public Water Access SiteMN
    DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife · 1 trailer spaces · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Gooseberry River AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Grand Marais Safe HarborMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 2 ramps · 20 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Grand Marais West AccessMN
    City of Grand Marais · 1 ramp · 12 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Grand Portage Safe HarborMN
    Grand Portage Band · 1 ramp · 40 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Horseshoe Bay AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 1 ramp · 20 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Hovland AccessMN
    Cook County · 1 ramp · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Knife River Beach AccessMN
    Knife Recreation Board, Lake County · 1 ramp · 2 trailer spaces · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Knife River Marina and HarborMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 2 ramps · 15 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Little Two Harbors AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Lutsen Grandview Park AccessMN
    Lutsen Township · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • McQuade Safe HarborMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 4 ramps · 54 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Schroeder AccessMN
    Schroeder Township · 1 ramp · 5 trailer spaces · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Silver Bay Safe HarborMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 3 ramps · 25 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Split Rock River AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Stewart River AccessMN
    MNDOT · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Taconite Safe HarborMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 2 ramps · 40 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Temperance River AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Tofte AccessMN
    Tofte Township · 1 ramp · 4 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
  • Twin Points AccessMN
    DNR Division of Parks and Trails · 2 ramps · 22 trailer spaces · Minnesota DNRDirections ↗
Wisconsin 23 launches
  • Alan Tomczak Park Public Boat LandingWI
    City · City of Ashland · (715) 682-7061 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Bark Bay Slough AccessWI
    State (DNR) · Town of Clover · (715) 373-6165 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Bark Point Boat LandingWI
    Township · Town of Clover · 715-774-3780 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Bayfield City Boat LaunchWI
    City · City of Bayfield · (715) 779-5712 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Bell Marina - Cornucopia AccessWI
    Township · Town of Bell · 715-742-3356 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Bois Brule River Mouth AccessWI
    State (DNR) · Town of Cloverland · (715) 372-5678 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Harbor Park Boat LaunchWI
    fee · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Herbster LandingWI
    Township · Town of Clover · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · 715-774-3780 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Hot Pond Overlook Boat RampWI
    City · City of Ashland · (715) 682-7061 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Kreher Park Boat LandingWI
    City · City of Ashland · (715) 682-7061 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Lake Superior Access (Sanborn)WI
    County · Town of Sanborn · (715) 769-3777 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Lake Superior ramp (Barksdale)WI
    State (DOT) · Town of Barksdale · (715) 373-6165 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Little Sand Bay AccessWI
    Township · Town of Russell · 715-779-5338 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Long Bridge AccessWI
    State (DNR) · Town of Barksdale · (715) 685-2931 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Loons Foot LandingWI
    City · City of Superior · (715) 395-7270 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Onion River AccessWI
    State (DNR) · Town of Bayview · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · (715) 392-7990 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Red CliffWI
    Other · Town of Russell · 800-226-8478 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Saxon Harbor Access 1WI
    County · Town of Saxon · (715) 561-2697 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Saxon Harbor Access 2WI
    County · Town of Saxon · (715) 561-2697 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Short Bridge AccessWI
    State (DNR) · Town of Eileen · (715) 373-6165 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Squaw Bay AccessWI
    Federal · Town of Bayfield · carry-in (kayak/canoe) · 715-779-3397 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Thompson's West End Park Boat LaunchWI
    City · City of Washburn · (715) 373-6160 · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
  • Washburn MarinaWI
    Local & State · City of Washburn · Wisconsin DNRDirections ↗
Michigan 59 launches
  • Anna River MouthMI
    Van Riper State Park · 1 lane · 15 trailer spaces · on the Anna River · 906-387-2095 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Arvon Township Park Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Baraga Village EastMI
    Public · 2 lanes · 4 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-353-6237 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Baraga Village RampMI
    Village of Baraga · 2 lanes · 15 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-355-2256 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Big Bay Harbor of RefugeMI
    Marquette County · 1 lane · 9 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-345-5548 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Big Iron River MouthMI
    Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park · 1 lane · 19 trailer spaces · on the Big Iron River · 906-885-5275 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Bootjack Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Brimley State Park Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Burt TownshipMI
    Burt Township · 2 lanes · 16 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 231-907-0500 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Chassell Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Cinder Pond MarinaMI
    City of Marquette · 2 lanes · 22 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-228-0460 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Copper HarborMI
    Fort Wilkins State Historic Park · 1 lane · 9 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-289-4215 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Eagle HarborMI
    Fort Wilkins State Historic Park · 2 lanes · 20 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-289-4215 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Grand Traverse Bay Harbor Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Houghton Downtown Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • L'anse Village DockMI
    Village of L'Anse · 2 lanes · 21 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-524-6116 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Lake Linden Village Park Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Laughing Whitefish River (John H. Hammer)MI
    Van Riper State Park · 1 lane · 6 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · on the Laughing Whitefish River · 906-339-4461 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Litte Lake HarborMI
    Tahquamenon Falls State Park · 2 lanes · 12 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · on the Little Lake · 906-492-3415 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • M-28 BridgeMI
    Van Riper State Park · Recreation Passport required · on the Chocolay River · 906-339-4461 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Marquette CityMI
    City of Marquette · 2 lanes · 11 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-228-0460 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Misery River MouthMI
    Twin Lakes State Park · 1 lane · 6 trailer spaces · on the Misery River · 906-288-3321 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Mouth Of Two Hearted River SFCGMI
    Tahquamenon Falls State Park · 1 lane · 8 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · on the Two Hearted River · 906-492-3415 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Mucky BottomMI
    Stanton Township · 1 lane · 12 trailer spaces · on the Portage River · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Munising MunicipalMI
    City of Munising · 4 lanes · 52 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-387-2095 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Omans CreekMI
    Lake Gogebic State Park · 1 lane · 10 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · on the Omans Creek · 906-842-3341 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Ontonagon MarinaMI
    Village of Ontonagon · 6 lanes · 65 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · on the Ontonagon River · 906-884-4225 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Porcupine Mountain State ParkMI
    Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park · 2 lanes · Recreation Passport required · 906-885-5275 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Rice Lake Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Silver RiverMI
    Baraga State Park · 1 lane · 3 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · on the Silver River · 906-353-6558 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • South Portage Entry Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Stanton Township Park Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Swedetown Creek Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Tahquamenon Falls - River MouthMI
    Tahquamenon Falls State Park · 1 lane · 8 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · on the Tahquamenon River · 906-492-3415 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Tahquamenon Falls BayMI
    Tahquamenon Falls State Park · 1 lane · 2 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-492-3415 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Tahquamenon.bay Boat LaunchMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • U.S. Coast Guard - Station PortageMI
    Boat ramp · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • White CityMI
    Torch Lake Township · 1 lane · 20 trailer spaces · on the Portage River · 906-482-5177 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Whitefish Point HarborMI
    Tahquamenon Falls State Park · 1 lane · 10 trailer spaces · Recreation Passport required · 906-492-3415 · Michigan DNRDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗
  • Public boat rampMI
    Unnamed in OpenStreetMap; open the map for the exact spot · OpenStreetMapDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Each state sets its own seasons, size limits and daily limits for its part of Lake Superior, and Great Lakes waters often have rules that differ from inland lakes. Look up the current rules for the state you fish:

Rules change, so confirm current limits with the state agency before you fish. A fishing license is required from the state whose waters you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

Bait and tackle shops near ports on the U.S. shore. Call ahead for hours and what live bait is in stock.

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Michigan

Search more bait shops near Lake Superior ↗

Local tips

  • Superior's water stays cold all year; dress for it and watch for fast-building waves and fog.
  • Fish the warmer plumes at river mouths in spring for steelhead and browns, then follow lake trout deeper as the water warms.
  • Chequamegon Bay near Ashland and Washburn gives sheltered water for smallmouth in spring and summer.
  • Great Lakes conditions change fast. Wear a life jacket, check the marine forecast, and carry a VHF radio when you run offshore.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street or satellite map. Red pins are boat launches; tap a pin for directions.

More Great Lakes

Lake Michigan Lake Huron Lake Erie Lake Ontario All Great Lakes →

Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.

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