What Burlington Bay offers and when to fish it

Burlington Bay sits just inside the harbor entrance at Two Harbors, Minnesota, on Lake Superior's North Shore. It's a shallow, protected pocket of water that holds walleye and northern pike year-round, making it one of the most accessible Superior fisheries if you don't want to run far offshore. The bay rarely exceeds 30 feet deep and warms faster than open water, which concentrates fish in spring and fall and keeps them feeding through summer when the main lake turns cold.

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season. Walleye move into the bay to spawn and feed heavily before and after the spawn. You'll find them in 8 to 15 feet of water near the rocky points that frame the bay's edges. Fall (September through October) mirrors spring—walleye return to shallow water as Superior cools, and the bite can be just as good. Summer fishing is slower but possible; fish move deeper into the bay's center and feed at dawn and dusk. Winter is fishable through the ice, though access depends on ice thickness and Two Harbors' seasonal conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Burlington Bay holds walleye and pike in water shallow enough to wade or fish from a small boat, with the best fishing in spring and fall.
  • Rocky points and the bay's edges hold more fish than the open center; focus your effort on structure rather than open water.
  • You need a Minnesota fishing license and a Lake Superior stamp; both are sold at Two Harbors bait shops and online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
  • The bay is protected from Superior's typical wind and waves, making it safer than offshore fishing but still subject to sudden weather changes.

How to reach Burlington Bay and where to launch

Burlington Bay is accessible from Two Harbors' public boat launch at the harbor itself. The launch sits at the end of Harbor Drive, just off Highway 61 as you enter town from the south. It's a concrete ramp with parking for roughly 20 vehicles and a small fee (varies by season). From the launch, the bay entrance is less than a quarter-mile north—you can reach it in a few minutes even in a small 16-foot boat or a canoe.

If you don't have a boat, you can wade fish the bay's edges during calm water. The rocky shoreline on the bay's west side (toward the breakwater) is accessible from the public beach area near the launch. Wading works best in spring and fall when water levels are stable and the bay is calmer. Wear a life jacket and watch Superior's weather—conditions can change fast, and the water temperature stays cold year-round.

What fish live in Burlington Bay and how they behave

Walleye are the primary target. They spawn in the bay in April and May, then feed heavily through June before moving deeper as summer water warms. In fall, they return to shallow water and stay there through October. Walleye in Burlington Bay average 16 to 20 inches, with fish over 24 inches caught regularly. They're most active at dawn, dusk, and on cloudy days; midday fishing is slower.

Northern pike are present year-round and often overlooked. They hunt the bay's shallower edges and weed beds (where they exist) and will strike large lures and live baitfish. Pike in the bay typically run 24 to 32 inches, and they're aggressive enough to provide good action even when walleye are slow. Pike fishing peaks in spring and early summer.

Both species respond to the bay's rocky structure. Points, drop-offs, and the rocky shoreline create current breaks and feeding zones. Fish relate to these features more than to open water, so your success depends on finding and fishing the structure rather than covering water.

Tackle, lures, and bait that work in Burlington Bay

For walleye, live bait is reliable: shiners, chubs, and crawfish work well under a slip bobber in 10 to 20 feet of water. Jig-and-minnow combinations (1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with a live minnow) are effective when you're casting to structure. Crankbaits that dive to 8 to 15 feet—especially those in natural colors like silver, gold, and perch patterns—work well in spring when walleye are aggressive.

For pike, larger lures produce better results. Spinnerbaits (3/8 to 1/2 ounce), large crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range all draw strikes. Pike are less picky than walleye and will hit bright colors and flashy presentations. Live baitfish (shiners or chubs) fished under a bobber also work for pike, especially in spring.

Bring a variety of weights and bobber styles. Burlington Bay's depth changes quickly, and you'll want to adjust your presentation as you move from shallow edges to deeper water. A tackle box with jigs from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce, a selection of crankbaits, and live bait options will cover most situations.

Regulations and licensing for Lake Superior fishing

You need a valid Minnesota fishing license and a Lake Superior stamp. Both are required for anyone 16 and older. You can buy them online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, at Two Harbors bait shops (like Benson's Sporting Goods or the local marina), or at many convenience stores in town. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you're visiting.

Walleye in Lake Superior have a daily limit of five fish per person, with a 15-inch minimum size. Pike have no daily limit and a 24-inch minimum size. These rules can change, so check the current Minnesota fishing regulations before you go. The regulations are published online and also available in print at bait shops.

When conditions make Burlington Bay difficult or dangerous

Burlington Bay is protected compared to open Superior, but it's still part of a Great Lake. Wind from the northeast or east can push Superior's waves into the bay entrance, making it rough and unsafe for small boats. Check the marine forecast before launching, especially in spring and fall when weather changes quickly. If the forecast calls for sustained winds above 15 knots, consider postponing or fishing from shore.

Summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms that develop fast and create dangerous conditions. Get off the water by mid-afternoon if storms are in the forecast. Winter ice fishing requires checking ice thickness with locals or the Two Harbors area ranger station before venturing out. Early winter and late winter ice can be unstable, and Superior's shoreline ice is always thicker than bay ice.

Nearby water and alternative fishing options

If Burlington Bay is crowded or conditions aren't right, Two Harbors has other options. The Agate River, which flows into the harbor, holds brook trout and some walleye in its lower reaches. The river is smaller and requires wading, but it's a good alternative on windy days when the bay is rough. Gooseberry River, just north of Two Harbors, is another trout stream worth exploring.

If you want to venture farther, the Knife River (about 15 miles south) is a larger stream with better brook and brown trout populations. Open-water Superior fishing for lake trout and splake is also possible from Two Harbors if you have a larger boat and want to fish deeper structure farther offshore. Local charter captains operate out of Two Harbors and can take you to those deeper fisheries if you want to experience Superior's full range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Burlington Bay?

No. You can wade fish the bay's rocky edges from shore, especially on the west side near the breakwater. Wading works best in spring and fall when water is calmer. A boat lets you reach deeper structure and fish more efficiently, but it's not required.

What's the best time of day to fish Burlington Bay?

Dawn and dusk are most productive for walleye. Cloudy days also improve the bite. Pike will hit throughout the day, especially in spring. Midday fishing is slower but still possible if you fish deeper water or structure.

Can I fish Burlington Bay in winter?

Yes, through the ice. Check ice thickness with locals or the ranger station before going out. Early and late winter ice can be unstable. Bay ice is typically thinner than shoreline ice, so exercise caution.

What should I do if the wind picks up while I'm on the bay?

Get off the water immediately. Burlington Bay is protected, but wind from the northeast or east can push Superior's waves into the bay entrance quickly. Don't wait for conditions to worsen—head back to the launch.

Where do I buy a fishing license in Two Harbors?

Bait shops like Benson's Sporting Goods and the local marina sell licenses. You can also buy online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website before you arrive. A one-day license is available if you're visiting for a short trip.