Discover. Learn. Fish.

An organization providing resources for steelhead, salmon, and trout fishing enthusiasts along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior

Our mission.

Minnesota Steelheader is a nonprofit organization driven by volunteers who share a common interest in conserving the Lake Superior steelhead, salmon, and trout fisheries on Minnesota’s North Shore tributaries while informing, inspiring, and educating on the water, online, and in our communities.

Spring streamside steelhead clinic

Minnesota Steelheader has been instrumental in helping us get numerous projects off the ground that have been critical to better understand steelhead, Brook Trout, and the Lake Superior ecosystem.

C. Goldsworthy, Lake Superior Supervisor | Section of fisheries, MN DNR
MNDNR and Minnesota Steelheader - CGP
Creel Project:

Each year, Minnesota Steelheader collects angler-submitted creel reports of clipped and un-clipped steelhead, and presumed coaster brook trout catches through our Creel Project page. This catch information is presented in a way we hope provides you with the most accurate picture of Minnesota’s annual and long-term North Shore steelhead and coaster brook trout run behavior. Visit our Creel page to get involved or simply click the button below and enter your catch(s).

Clinics:

We offer 3 unique streamside clinics that educate anglers of all skill levels while working with them on the water to gain hands on skills, understanding, and confidence. We do this in an inclusive environment with our skilled staff of volunteers. Visit our Clinic pages for more details.

Seminars & Events:

Our seminars and events are a great way to connect with fellow North Shore anglers while helping to gain what it takes to become a successful steelhead, salmon, and North Shore trout angler. Our speakers are expert anglers, guides, biologists, educators and DNR professionals that do a great job of engaging and entertaining guests both new to the sport as well as the seasoned anglers. Visit our Seminar & Event Page for more information.

Research:

We have partnered with the MN DNR on cooperative genetic research, habitat, and rehabilitation projects. These unique projects utilize trained volunteer anglers to aid in a variety of sample collections. Visit our Research Pages for more info.

Adopt-a-River

Since 2011 we have been involved with the MN DNR Adopt-a-River program. With the help from volunteer anglers and community members, we have collected and removed hundreds of pounds of trash, signposts, tires, culvert parts, etc. from the Sucker River shoreline and surrounding areas. This has been a great way to connect with fellow anglers, while cleaning one of our favorite rivers. Visit our Adopt-a-River page to get involved.

Volunteer with us

Volunteering with us is easy. We typically have several ways you can donate your time and talent each year. River clean-up events, stream assessments, clinics, and creel participation are just a few. Visit our various Program pages to see how you can get involved.

I appreciate that Minnesota Steelheader has sought to understand the science behind Lake Superior fisheries management and work as a group to protect and enhance the entire fish community now and for future generations.

Don Schreiner, Minnesota Sea Grant Fisheries Specialist and retired Lake Superior Fisheries Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
River flow & conditions

River flows are an important consideration with respect to steelhead movement, resting and holding locations.

To understand river flow charts and data, it is helpful to understand the terms that are used on charts. Click the chart image for a comprehensive flow tutorial.

Current Water conditions – Click the links below

Sucker River Flow
Knife River Flow
Baptism River Flow
Poplar River Flow
Arrowhead Brule River Flow

Membership information