What is our Winter Shore fishing clinic?
This clinic is teaches anglers the fundamentals involved in fishing the breaks, beaches and shorelines of Minnesota’s Lake Superior, and is centered primarily around spinning equipment and shore-casting rods The clinic focuses on steelhead, previously-stocked kamloops rainbow trout, and coho salmon, but will also touch on other available species.
Due to unpredictable weather during winter, the clinic will be conducted indoors but don’t worry, we will cover everything you will need to know to get started on your next shore-fishing adventure. All participants are encouraged to bring their fishing gear; if weather permits, anglers can put their new skills to the test immediately after the clinic. The lake is waiting and only a snowball-throw away!
Next Clinic Details:
Date: 2024 – TBD
Time: Typically 9:00am – 11:00am
Location: French River Lutheran Church – Fellowship Hall
*Destination and map will be provided upon registration
15 and under – open donation
Students – $15.00 min. suggested donation
Adults – $30 min. suggested donation
IMPORTANT: Safety first if planning to fish
Though this clinic is held indoors in a classroom setting, we anticipate that many of you will be eager to head out to try fishing immediately afterwards – we can’t blame you. For those that do venture out, we strongly recommend practicing SAFETY FIRST. No fish is worth injury. Stay away from ice covered rocks, dangerous break walls and, in the event of lake ice, keep off the lake. Proper footwear including quality ice-creepers are a must!
Who can Attend?
This clinic is open to all anglers looking for an introduction to Lake Superior shore-casting. Though our clinic is held in an indoor classroom setting, some of our volunteer instructors will likely be out angling after the clinic concludes, and will surely offer up conversation or answer any additional questions.
MNST strongly encourages women and adult/child pairs to participate in the clinic as what you will learn here can easily be applied to comfortable spring, summer and fall family fishing as well. Children must register and attend with an adult to participate. And don’t worry, if you as an adult secure a slot but there are no remaining seats for your child, contact us! MNST will gladly open a seat for them.
What Does it Cost?
There is no cost for this event, but we suggest a minimum donation. Our volunteer staff is donating their time and talents to teach and guide during this wonderful clinic. All donations received for our events and clinics go right back into funding future clinics, community events, fisheries projects, and to further our conservation and outreach efforts. This clinic like all MNST clinics and events are only possible because of your generosity.
What you will learn:
Our volunteer instructor core will teach what we have learned over the years to effectively target steelhead, previously-stocked kamloops, and coho salmon during the winter shore-casting months. Much of what you will learn can also be applied to shore-fishing during the spring, summer, and fall seasons as well.
Our main angling approach at this clinic will focus on the use of spinning/casting rods, reels, and specialized terminal tackle. We will teach you the various set-ups that work for us, demonstrate how to rig them, and what terminal tackle you will need. We will cover several different types of lures, when and how to fish them, the types of live bait to use, and how best to fish in a variety of conditions. We cover cold weather gear basics, useful fishing accessories, and all-important safety tips to keep your day dry and productive.
We also teach you how to best select likely productive fishing locations. We cover what key things to look for, and what areas to stay away from. Minnesota has approximately 150 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, and a significant portion is accessible to anglers. But just because you have the access doesn’t mean the fish use the area. We hone in on the good stuff!
What you need to bring:
First and foremost, bring a positive attitude. You will need a MN fishing license with a trout stamp. You can purchase licenses and stamps online, and many Holiday gas stations along the drive are Electronic Licensing vendors as well.
For the classroom you will only need your morning beverage. We have detailed handouts for each angler which keeps note taking at a minimum so you can focus on the presentation.
We recommend the suggested equipment below for anyone getting started in shore-fishing, but you will need to provide your own fishing equipment (rod, reel, line, lures, bait, etc.) if you plan to fish after the clinic. We also strongly suggest ice cleats/creepers, a long-handled net, polarized glasses and a camera.
IMPORTANT: Safety first if planning to fish
Though this clinic is held indoors in a classroom setting, we anticipate that many of you will be eager to head out to try fishing immediately afterwards – we can’t blame you. For those that do venture out, we strongly recommend practicing SAFETY FIRST. No fish is worth injury. Stay away from ice covered rocks, dangerous break walls and, in the event of lake ice, keep off the lake. Proper footwear including quality ice-creepers are a must!
Suggested Equipment
Below are suggested items to help get you started in winter shore-fishing along Lake Superior’s North Shore. We will discuss these items as well as other lures & flies, live bait, rigging options, and alternate gear.
A spinning rod with 5-6lb mono, a few light marabou jigs, a couple weighted bobbers, and some butterworms or waxies will have you all set to fish!
What makes shore-fishing easy is that most anglers already have much of what is needed. Again, these are suggested items; you can fish with a shorter rod, heavier monofilament, other jigs, lures or other bait that meets fishing regulations. Our clinic will provide details as to why we recommend what we do. This is a great opportunity for beginning anglers, or those interested in open-water winter fishing.
- Spinning Rod: 7′ to 12′ med or medium-light action
- Spinning reel: properly sized for 200+ yards of 5 – 6lb monofilament
- Monofilament: 5lb – 6lb test NO braid or fluorocarbon for the main line
- Long Handle Net: Needed to reach fish in the icy waters
- Bobbers: 1/4oz – 3/4oz weighted bobbers. Marine General in Duluth is a great source to purchase these specialized “looper bobbers”
- Weighted Jigs: 1/32 – 1/8oz. with marabou tail. 1/16th oz. is great all around size/weight
- Casting Spoons: Silvers with blue or green, and gold with orange. Little Cleo’s and Kastmasters are popular although there are many others
- Live Bait: Used to tip jigs. Butterworms and waxies are the most popular.
- Ice Cleats/Creepers: We never leave home without them! The waves hitting the rocks will leave slick coatings of ice during winter conditions. Safety first!
- Polarized Sunglasses: A must! The North Shore has you looking to the southern sky and a bright glistening lake while fishing.
Please note registration is limited. Please only register if you are 100% committed to attend. If you register after the seat limit has been met, you will be placed on the waiting list.