A Start Like No Other
When your lines can’t even reach bottom before getting hit, you know you’re in for a special kind of fishing trip. On this unforgettable outing to Lake Superior, the action was immediate—and relentless. Within moments of dropping bait, we were into doubles, fish after fish hammering the jigs before we could even get set up. “This is total insanity,” one of us said, and it wasn’t an exaggeration.
Darryl, one of the local experts, had told us beforehand that you could catch lake trout trolling or jigging. “Any way you want,” he had said. As it turns out, he wasn’t kidding. The only limit was how fast we could get our baits in the water.
A World-Class Fish in a World-Class Setting
Lake trout have become one of our favorite fish for good reason. They’re big, they fight hard, and they live in some of the most breathtaking places on Earth. On this trip, we fished out of the Red Rock Marina on the north shore of Lake Superior, near Nipigon. We stayed with North Superior Charters, surrounded by a cluster of islands that offered both shelter and stunning natural beauty. 
Even before the first cast, the scenery took our breath away. Towering granite cliffs, dense boreal forest, and crystal-clear water created a backdrop that was just as memorable as the fishing itself.
Getting Tactical with Downriggers
With trout biting fast and furious, we started our morning by trolling with downriggers. Using the kicker motor for propulsion and the Minn Kota Terrova for steering, we could precisely control our boat’s path. We ran St. Croix’s new Encore rods—medium-heavy, moderate-action models perfect for the task—matched with Luhr Jensen’s Diamond Kings and Coyote spoons. Depth control was key, so we let our baits run about five to ten feet above the bottom, around 77 feet down.
Within moments of setting the first line, the rods were popping. Trout after trout came up, including several doubles. The Daiwa Saltist reels—especially the size 20s—proved their worth with silky-smooth drags and enough torque to handle even the bigger lakers with ease.
The “Poor Man’s Downrigger”
Not everyone has a full trolling setup with electric downriggers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get deep. We switched gears to demonstrate a highly effective technique we call “monkey balling.” This method uses the Offshore Tackle Pro-Weight system—a cannonball-style weight clipped inline with your main line—to control depth.
We favor the OR-16 clip for its locking pin, which helps keep the weight securely in place even through aggressive bites and hard runs. It’s a versatile method, allowing quick depth adjustments as you follow contour changes on reefs. And once again, the bites came fast. You could watch the fish on the sonar and immediately trigger a strike—it was that dialed in.
Transitioning to Jigging
After pulling up the trolling lines and giving our shoulders a brief rest, we switched to vertical jigging. The lake trout were stacked on structure and ready to eat. Within seconds, the jigging rods were bent over. This kind of fishing is not only effective but incredibly fun—it’s just you, your jig, and the fight.
And the gear? Rock-solid. The Daiwa reels continued to impress with their durability and drag systems. Our boat, a Lund 1875 Impact, handled Superior’s big water with confidence and comfort, making it an ideal platform for both trolling and jigging.
A Lake Trout Paradise
Beautiful, aggressive fish. Immediate action. Towering island scenery. And a boat rigged to handle anything from walleye to pike to trophy trout. This trip had it all. With our cooler beginning to fill and our arms starting to tire, we couldn’t help but be amazed at how productive and enjoyable this fishery really is.
The Bite Doesn’t Stop — And Neither Do We
The action on Lake Superior didn’t slow down—in fact, it only intensified. With each drop, another trout was on the line. The combination of relentless fish and breathtaking scenery kept our spirits sky-high all day long. Whether jigging, trolling, or using the “poor man’s downrigger” system, everything we touched seemed to produce strikes.
The trolling motor’s spot lock made it easy to hover over pods of fish, and the sonar let us call our shots. “Fish at 60 feet!”—drop the jig—and boom, hook up. That kind of responsiveness and feedback is part of what makes deepwater lake trout fishing so addictive.
Constant Gear Tweaks, Constant Results
As with any great fishing day, versatility mattered. At times, trout responded best to the MC Bucktail Jig. Other times, it was the classic crippled herring, a rattle bait, or a jigging spoon that sealed the deal. One key takeaway: bring a range of baits, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
We dialed in our setup with:
- 30–50 lb Sufix 832 braid for trolling and jigging
- 17–20 lb Sufix Advanced Fluorocarbon leaders
- Ball-bearing or roller swivels to prevent line twist when using spoons or flashier baits
Pairing the right gear with the right lure was critical. On jigging setups, we favored medium-heavy to heavy rods with a moderate-fast action—ideal for driving the hook home on hard-hitting trout in 80–100 feet of water.
Big Fish, Big Fun, and Easy Access
It’s easy to associate giant lake trout with far-flung fly-in destinations in northern Ontario, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan. But this trip reminded us that world-class lake trout fishing is much closer than many think. We left our homes in the morning and were on the water that same afternoon—catching trophy-sized trout back-to-back.
The accessibility of this fishery near Nipigon, Ontario, combined with the exceptional scenery and explosive fishing, makes Lake Superior a top-tier destination. Add in the professional support of North Superior Charters, and you’ve got all the makings of a legendary experience.
The Joy of the Pursuit
Throughout the trip, we alternated between trolling, jigging, and scanning with sonar before locking onto schools of trout. At times, it felt like bass fishing on steroids—aggressive bites, fast-paced action, and heavy gear made for a thrilling ride.
And those fish! Fat, brightly colored, and full of fight. Each one was a reminder of just how special Lake Superior is.
