What the Nemadji River offers and where to fish it

The Nemadji River flows 75 miles from Douglas County into Lake Superior at Superior, Wisconsin, and it holds walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass in distinct sections. The lower river—from the Superior dam downstream to the lake—is the most productive for walleye and pike, especially in spring and fall. The middle section around Brule and Solon Springs holds smallmouth and pike year-round. The upper river above Brule is smaller, more technical, and better for brook trout and panfish than the species that draw most anglers to this system.

Access is straightforward. State Highway 2 parallels the lower and middle river, and several public boat landings exist along the way. The Superior dam creates a pool that holds fish in spring; below the dam, the river widens into a slower, deeper channel before it reaches the lake. This lower section is where most guided trips and serious walleye fishing happens.

Key Takeaways

  • The lower Nemadji from Superior dam to Lake Superior is the primary walleye and pike fishery, with spring and fall as peak seasons.
  • Public boat landings at Superior and near Brule provide access; the river is navigable by small to medium boats in the lower section.
  • Walleye fishing peaks in May and September; pike are active spring through fall, and smallmouth bite best June through September.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply; you need a current Wisconsin fishing license and must follow daily bag limits and size restrictions for each species.

Walleye fishing in spring and fall

Walleye are the signature fish on the lower Nemadji, and they concentrate predictably in two windows. Spring walleye move into the river from Lake Superior in April and May as water temperatures climb above 45 degrees. They stage in the pool below the Superior dam and in the deeper holes of the main channel, feeding heavily before spawning. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work best; cast along the dam face and the deeper edges of the channel. Early morning and evening produce more strikes than midday.

Fall walleye return to the river in August and September as they move back toward the lake. The same holding areas—the dam pool and the deeper channel—hold fish again, and the same tactics work. Fall fishing often produces larger fish than spring, and the bite can last into October if water temperatures stay above 50 degrees. Trolling crankbaits along the channel edges is also effective in fall, especially if you have a boat that can cover water efficiently.

Summer walleye fishing is slower because fish move deeper and disperse into Lake Superior. If you fish the Nemadji in June, July, or August, focus on the deepest holes in the main channel and fish early morning or after dark when walleye are more active.

Northern pike and smallmouth bass

Northern pike are present year-round on the Nemadji and often overlooked by anglers focused on walleye. Pike hunt in the shallower, weedier sections of the middle river near Brule and Solon Springs, and they also patrol the deeper channel of the lower river. Spring and fall are productive, but pike bite consistently through summer if you fish early and late in the day. Large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater plugs draw strikes; pike are aggressive and less finicky than walleye.

Smallmouth bass thrive in the middle and upper Nemadji, particularly around rocky structure and current breaks. June through September is prime smallmouth season. Fish jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics around boulders, fallen trees, and the edges of current. Smallmouth on the Nemadji run 12 to 18 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches. The smallmouth fishery is less crowded than walleye fishing and offers a good alternative if the lower river is busy.

Access points and boat launching

The Superior Public Boat Landing sits at the mouth of the Nemadji where it enters Lake Superior. This is the primary launch for lower-river walleye fishing. The ramp is maintained year-round and has parking for trailers. From here, you can reach the dam pool in 10 minutes and fish the entire lower river.

The Brule River Road landing, near the town of Brule, provides access to the middle river. This launch is smaller and better suited to smaller boats or canoes, but it puts you directly into smallmouth and pike habitat. The Solon Springs area also has informal access points along Highway 2, though these are not developed landings.

If you do not have a boat, several guides operate on the Nemadji and can take you walleye fishing on the lower river. A half-day guided trip typically costs between $300 and $400 and includes tackle and instruction. Guides know the seasonal patterns and current conditions better than most visiting anglers.

Seasons, water conditions, and timing

Spring (April–May) is the most reliable season. Walleye move into the river in predictable numbers, water levels are typically high from snowmelt, and the dam pool concentrates fish. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, triggering aggressive feeding. Plan for cool mornings and variable weather.

Summer (June–August) is slower for walleye but good for smallmouth and pike. Water temperatures reach the high 60s and low 70s, and walleye move deeper or leave the river. Smallmouth bite best early and late. Summer water levels are lower than spring, so be cautious of shallow areas in the middle river.

Fall (September–October) rivals spring for walleye fishing. Water temperatures drop from the 60s into the 50s and low 40s, and walleye return to the river. The bite is often more aggressive than spring, and fish tend to be larger. Expect shorter days and cooler weather, but fewer anglers on the water.

Winter (November–March) closes most recreational fishing on the Nemadji. The river freezes, and walleye and pike move into Lake Superior. Some anglers fish through the ice near the dam, but this requires local knowledge and ice-fishing gear.

Regulations and licensing

You must carry a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish the Nemadji. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait shops in Superior and Brule. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are visiting for a short trip.

Walleye on the Nemadji have a daily bag limit of five fish per person, with a 15-inch minimum size. Northern pike have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 24-inch minimum. Smallmouth bass have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 12-inch minimum. These limits are current as of 2024 but can change; check the Wisconsin DNR website before you fish to confirm.

The river is open to fishing year-round, but the practical season for most anglers is April through October. Catch-and-release fishing is always an option and helps maintain the fishery, especially during peak seasons when the river receives heavy pressure.

What to bring and how to prepare

For walleye and pike, bring a medium-power spinning rod or baitcasting rod in the 6- to 7-foot range, spooled with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line. A tackle box with jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), live minnows or minnow-imitating soft plastics, and a few crankbaits covers most situations. A net makes landing fish easier, especially pike.

For smallmouth, a lighter 6-foot spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound line is sufficient. Bring jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics in natural colors. A headlamp or flashlight is useful for early-morning and evening fishing.

Dress in layers. Spring and fall water temperatures are cold, and wind off Lake Superior can drop the feel significantly. Bring a rain jacket, polarized sunglasses to see fish in shallow water, and sunscreen. If you are launching a boat, check the weather forecast and water conditions before you go; the lower Nemadji can be choppy when wind is strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish the Nemadji?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are the most productive seasons for walleye. Water temperatures trigger migration and feeding, and fish concentrate in predictable areas. Summer is slower for walleye but good for smallmouth and pike. Winter fishing is limited and requires ice-fishing gear.

Can I fish the Nemadji without a boat?

Yes. Hiring a guide for a half-day trip is the most straightforward option and includes tackle and instruction. You can also fish from shore near the Superior dam or from the Brule River Road area, though boat access reaches more productive water. Some anglers wade the middle river during low-water periods in summer.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye average 16 to 20 inches, with occasional fish in the 24-inch range. Northern pike run 18 to 28 inches and can exceed 30 inches. Smallmouth average 12 to 16 inches. Fall walleye tend to be larger than spring fish.

Do I need a Wisconsin fishing license if I am visiting from another state?

Yes. All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid Wisconsin license. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or full-season license online or at local retailers. A one-day license is the most economical option for a short trip.

Is the Nemadji good for beginners?

The lower river is accessible to beginners, especially if you hire a guide who can teach technique and show you where fish hold. The middle river around Brule is also beginner-friendly for smallmouth fishing. Spring is the easiest season to learn because fish are concentrated and feeding actively.