Nemadji Fishing Forecast
Lake Superior tributary
Open Jan 1 — Sep 30
C&R season Jan 1 - Apr 10. Harvest season Apr 11 - Sep 30 (streams). Check specific stream vs tributary regs
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 6:28 PM
35°F
--
2 AM - 4 AM
Zebra Midge
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Quick Facts
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| April | 44-54°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| May | 52-62°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| June | 58-68°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| July | 62-70°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| August | 62-68°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| December | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Nemadji
Holyoke
Upper river access.
Net River
Tributary confluence access.
Wrenshall
Mid-river access.
Nemadji State Forest
Forest access to multiple sections.
How to Fish Nemadji: Tips & Tactics
The Nemadji River offers quality fishing for brook trout and seasonal steelhead in northeastern Minnesota's North Woods.
Best Times of Day
Spring brings steelhead from Lake Superior. Summer offers resident brook trout fishing. Fall is excellent for brook trout.
Recommended Techniques
Small stream techniques for brook trout. Indicator nymphing for steelhead. Match hatches when present.
Water Conditions
The Nemadji flows through the North Woods. Clear water in upper sections. Clay can color water in lower reaches.
Fly Selection
Attractor patterns for brook trout. Egg patterns for steelhead. Small nymphs throughout.
Local Knowledge
The North Shore steelhead runs draw anglers in spring. Brook trout fishing is excellent but overlooked. Nemadji State Forest provides access.
Local Tips
Duluth provides full services. The North Shore offers spectacular scenery. Spring steelhead fishing is excellent.
When is the Best Time to Fish Nemadji?
Spring
Steelhead runs from Lake Superior. Prime season.
Summer
Brook trout fishing in upper river.
Fall
Brook trout in spawning colors. Excellent.
Winter
Limited access. Some open water fishing.
Recommended Equipment for Nemadji
Rod
7.5 to 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight. 7-weight for steelhead.
Line
Floating for trout. Sink-tip for steelhead.
Leader & Tippet
7.5-9 foot leader for brook trout.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold water in spring.
Essential Flies
Nemadji Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Minnesota DNR for current regulations.
Limits
Trout limits apply. Steelhead regulations.
Special Regulations
Stream trout regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Check current regulations.
Notes
Part of the Lake Superior steelhead fishery.
Always verify current regulations with Minnesota fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Nemadji
Local Fly Shops
- Superior Fly Angler - Duluth
- Lund's Fly Shop - Duluth
- North Shore Anglers
Guide Services
- North Shore Guides
- Lake Superior Steelhead Guides
- Minnesota Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
100 - 300 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
48° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
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