Types of fish you will catch

Three species of Pacific salmon have been introduced to Lake Superior in the past few decades. All feed in the big lake until they reach sexual maturity. Then, in the fall, they swim up rivers to spawn and then, inevitably, die. The largest, which has fared the best in its new environment, is the chinook salmon (also called king salmon). This fish grows to over 30 pounds, though most catches are around 10 to 15 pounds. Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are smaller, averaging only about 3 to 4 pounds. The smallest salmon is the pink, or humpy (referring to the large hump on the back that males develop during breeding season).

Coho salmon, also know as the silver salmon can be distinguished by the fine dark spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail fin, the long anal fin and gray gums. Coho feed primarily on alewives, smelt, and other small fish. Adult Coho spawn during the fall in riffle areas of streams in reds (nests of gravel) which the females construct. After spawning is completed they die. Normally, Coho have a three year life cycle; however, a few males will return to spawn at two years of age and are known as "jacks". Occasionally some Coho may live to the age of four. The average mature fall Coho salmon will weigh 2 to 5 pounds before spawning. Trolling offshore in April, May and June is most productive when using spoons, plugs, spinners and flies and squids preceded by dodgers. Even whole alewife, herring and smelt can be successful when trolled. Coho prefer temperatures in the mid-50s F. and generally are found nearer the surface than Chinook. After 60 degrees F. Coho tend to go deeper to find their preferred water temperature. Coho may be found in water temperatures from 45 to 60 degrees F., with a peak feeding temperature at 54 degrees F.

Chinook salmon are also known as the king salmon. It is distinguished by dark spotting on the back and usually on both lobes of the tail, a long anal fin and teeth set in black gums. Chinook feed primarily on fish such as alewives, herring and smelt. Most Chinook have a four-year life span. Mature Chinook spawn similarly to Coho salmon and then die. A portion of a year class of Chinooks may return before the normal four years to spawn. Some Chinook may live longer than 4 years and reach 15 pounds or more. The elusive Chinook is typically found in deep water except when it starts its fall spawning run into rivers and/or harbors. The Chinook run usually peaks before the Coho run. Chinook tend to prefer warm temperatures in the mid-50s and seem to be more light sensitive and harder to catch than Coho. Chinook are active in water temperatures from 45 to 60 degrees F. with a peak feeding temperature at 54 degrees F.

 Minnesota has two native trout species: the brook trout and the lake trout. These species belong to a group of trout know as char. The other trout now in this state are brown trout and rainbow trout. Both were introduced to Minnesota in the late 1800s. The rainbow is native to western North America and the brown is native to Germany. Brown trout are the hardiest of the trout species and as a result can tolerate water warmer and less clear than rainbows and especially brook trout require. Most trout streams are in southeastern Minnesota and along the North Shore. The southern streams have mainly browns with some rainbows and, in the cold clear headwaters, brook trout. The northern streams have mostly brook trout. Lake trout are found in Lake Superior and in many deep, cold, clean northern lakes. A type of large rainbow trout that lives most of its life in Lake Superior and spawns in large North Shore rivers is called a steelhead. A cross between a lake trout and a brook trout, called a splake, is also found in some northern lakes.

The Rainbow Trout or SteelHead is distinguished by its white mouth, black spots and entire tail and its 12 or fewer anal fin rays. The rainbow and the steelhead are the same species, differing only in spawning behavior. The rainbow spends its entire life in streams, whereas the steelhead is anadromous in that it migrates to a stream to spawn after living in the ocean or a large lake. Rainbow trout feed on insects and fish. Many spawn in early spring with eggs laid in gravel at the head of a riffle area, but some are fall spawners. Rainbow trout as well as other trout do not normally die after spawning, like salmon (Coho and Chinook). Rainbow prefers water temperatures of 55-60 degrees F. They are known as great migrators or wanderers. Some rainbow reaches a hefty 16 pounds at age six, although the average rainbow caught weighs about five to 10 pounds.

The most distinguishing characteristics of the brown trout include large black and sometimes reddish-orange spots with a pale border on the sides of the fish. These spots are modified when the fish is large.  The food of the adult brown includes terrestrial and aquatic insects, worms, crayfish and fish. Brown trout spawn in late autumn at the gravelly headwaters of streams. They grow rapidly and may live to an age of six years and reach weights of eight to ten pounds. Brown trout prefer water temperatures between 55 degrees and 65 degrees F. and are typically found in near shore waters. This wary fish can be taken more readily in early morning and twilight hours. Light line is in order using conventional lures or natural baits. Shore fishing methods are similar to the rainbow trout.

The lake trout also known as laker, can be distinguished by its white mouth, irregular whitish spots on the back and sides, deeply forked tail and a white leading edge on the lower fins.  The diet of adult lake trout consists of fish, insects and small invertebrates. Sexually mature adults weight 6 to 7 pounds at about 6 years of age. Lake trout may live 20 years or longer and attain weights of 30 pounds or more. They are usually found on the bottom between depths of 90 to 250 feet, but may be found at lesser depths when the water temperature is near 48 degrees F. During the spring months, lake trout can be taken in the upper layers of warmer water, but as the season progresses and water temperatures go above 48 degrees F., lake trout are normally taken near the bottom. During the summer months (July-September) they tend to stay near the thermocline where temperatures are between 45 and 50 degrees F. During the fall months mature lake trout move into shallow waters and reef areas in search of spawning areas.  Shiny metal spoons are successful lake trout lures when fished properly. Certain salmon lures and flies in combination with a dodger also are effective. Lake trout feed on alewives, herring, smelt, chubs and sculpins.

The walleye is the most sought-after fish in Minnesota. Its thick, white fillets, handsome shape and coloring, and elusive nature make it the ultimate prize among anglers. Each year, anglers in Minnesota keep roughly 3.5 million walleyes totaling 4 million pounds. The walleye is named for its pearlescent eye, which is caused by a reflective layer of pigment, called the tapetum lucidum that helps it see and feed at night or in murky water.

STATE RECORDS

• Salmon, Chinook (King): 33 pounds 4 ounces, 44.75 inches, Poplar River (Cook County), 09/23/1989
  and 33 pounds, 4 ounces, 42.25 inches, Lake Superior (St. Louis County). 10/12/1989.
• Salmon, Coho: 10 pounds, 6.5 ounces, 27.3 inches, Lake Superior (Lake County), 11/07/1970.
• Salmon, Kokanee: 2 pounds, 15 ounces, 20 inches, Caribou Lake (Itasca County), 08/06/1971.
• Salmon, Pink: 4 pounds, 8 ounces, 23.5 inches, Cascade River (Cook County), 09/09/1980.
• Trout, Brook: 6 pounds, 5.6 ounces, 24 inches, Pigeon River (Cook County), 09/02/2000.
• Trout, Brown: 16 pounds, 12 ounces, 31.4 inches, Lake Superior (St. Louis County), 06/23/1989.
• Trout, Lake: 43 pounds, 8 ounces, length not available, Lake Superior (Cook County), 05/30/1955.
• Trout, Rainbow (Steelhead): 16 pounds, 6 ounces, 33 inches, Devil Track River (Cook County), 04/27/1980.
• Trout, Tiger: 2 pounds, 9.12 ounces, 20 inches, Mill Creek (Olmsted County), 08/07/1999.
• Walleye: 17 pounds, 8 ounces, 35.8 inches, Seagull River (Cook County). 05/13/1979.