Lake Superior

Minnesota's north shore of Lake Superior.

Much in Lake Superior has changed for the better since the 1950s – healthy fish now live throughout the basin; sea lamprey control has been effective; pollution and land use controls now are in place to improve water quality; and the number of wild lake trout have increased to a point where stocking for rehabilitation is no longer effective.

Today's major threats to Lake Superior remain unchanged from 70 years ago – too much fishing, impacts from invasive species and habitat degradation. DNR works in the lake's Minnesota waters to minimize and, when possible, eliminate these threats so the North Shore remains a Minnesota crown jewel.

Management plan update

The current plan is being updated. Use the resources below to learn about management actions and their impact on Lake Superior.

Lake Superior fish community

Lake Superior fishery management plans

Lake trout rehabilitation

Non-native salmon stocking program evaluations

Steelhead management, rehabilitation & research

Annual Lake Superior lake trout survey

Lake Superior summer creel survey (lake trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon)

Lake Superior spring creel survey (steelhead)

Coaster brook trout surveys

Status & Statistics

A Better Future

DNR updated its comprehensive guide on how to best manage Minnesota's portion of Lake Superior. The plan is written for use by both the DNR and citizens.

Strategies and actions in this plan focus on DNR work during the next decade to guide effective and efficient allocation of time and money to protect the Lake Superior fish community and provide for its sustained use.

Goal & Objective Summaries

Additional Material

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