What the Nemadji River offers anglers

The Nemadji River is a slow, meandering warmwater system that drains into Lake Superior near Superior, Wisconsin. It's not a destination river in the way the Brule or Montreal are—you won't find resort towns or packed boat launches—but it holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in its lower reaches, and the upper river holds smallmouth and panfish. The water is tea-colored from tannins, the current is gentle, and the banks are lined with tag alder and cedar. If you want to fish Superior's tributary system without the crowds or the technical demands of a fast current, the Nemadji is worth a half-day trip.

Most anglers fish the lower river between the Highway 2 bridge and the mouth, a stretch of about eight miles that's accessible by car and boat. The river here is 40 to 80 feet wide, with depths ranging from 3 to 12 feet. Walleye move into the lower river in spring and fall; pike are present year-round. The water temperature stays cool because of groundwater seepage and the proximity to Superior, which keeps summer conditions fishable even when inland lakes warm up.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nemadji River holds walleye and pike in its lower eight miles between Highway 2 and Lake Superior, with best fishing in spring and fall.
  • Public access is limited to a few informal boat launches and the Highway 2 bridge; there is no developed public ramp, so plan accordingly.
  • Jigs tipped with live minnows and crankbaits work well for walleye; pike respond to larger lures and live bait presentations.
  • The river is open year-round, but winter access is difficult and spring runoff can make the lower river turbid and hard to fish.

Access and boat launch options

Public access to the Nemadji is minimal compared to other Superior tributaries. There is no developed Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources boat launch on the river itself. Most anglers launch from informal pull-offs near the Highway 2 bridge, which crosses the river about five miles upstream from the mouth. The area is not a formal access site, so there are no facilities, no parking lot, and no may provide of space. A small gravel shoulder exists on the south side of the bridge, but it fills quickly on weekends.

An alternative is to launch from the Superior Harbor area and motor up the Nemadji from Lake Superior, which adds distance but avoids the bridge access problem. This route requires a larger boat and familiarity with Superior's conditions, which can change rapidly. Local tackle shops in Superior can advise on current conditions and whether the harbor entrance is passable on the day you plan to fish.

Wading is possible in the upper river above Highway 2, but access is through private land. Ask permission before crossing property, and respect posted signs. The lower river is too deep and too slow to wade effectively.

Walleye fishing in spring and fall

Walleye move into the Nemadji in April and May as water temperatures climb toward 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They hold in the deeper holes and along the outside bends where the current scours the bottom. A 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a live fathead minnow or shiner is the standard approach. Cast toward structure—fallen trees, root wads, the deeper outside of bends—and work the jig slowly along the bottom. The tea-colored water means walleye are less light-sensitive than in clear lakes, so you can fish throughout the day, though dawn and dusk are still productive.

Fall fishing, from September through October, is often better than spring because the water cools and walleye feed more aggressively. The same jig-and-minnow presentation works, but you can also throw small crankbaits—1/4-ounce Rapalas or Smithwick Rogues—and work them at a steady pace. The river's slow current means you don't need to cast far; focus on the first 20 feet from the bank.

Summer walleye fishing is slow because the lower river warms and fish move deeper or upstream. If you fish in July or August, focus on the deepest holes and fish early morning or late evening when the water is coolest.

Pike and bass in the lower river

Northern pike are present year-round and are often easier to catch than walleye. They respond to larger lures and live bait. A 4- to 6-inch live sucker or shiner, fished on a simple slip-sinker rig, will draw strikes from pike holding in the weeds and along the banks. If you prefer casting, throw larger crankbaits—3 to 4 inches—or soft plastics like 5-inch Slug-Go patterns in natural colors. Pike in the Nemadji are not huge, but 24 to 30 inches is common, and fish over 35 inches show up occasionally.

Largemouth bass inhabit the lower river's backwater areas and weed beds. They're not the focus of most Nemadji trips, but if you're exploring, throw topwater lures or soft plastics in the shallower, slower sections near the mouth. Smallmouth bass are more common in the upper river above Highway 2, where the water is slightly faster and the bottom is rockier.

Seasons and water conditions

Spring (April to May) is the most reliable season for walleye. Water temperatures are rising, fish are active, and the river is usually fishable. Runoff can make the water turbid, but this often improves walleye feeding. By late May, water temperatures climb into the 60s and fishing slows.

Summer (June to August) is slow for walleye but can be good for pike and bass. The lower river warms to 70 degrees or higher, and walleye retreat to deeper holes or move upstream. If you fish in summer, focus on early morning or fish the upper river where groundwater keeps temperatures cooler.

Fall (September to October) is excellent. Water temperatures drop, walleye feed aggressively, and the river is usually clear. This is the best time to visit if you want consistent action. By November, water temperatures drop below 50 degrees and fishing becomes unpredictable.

Winter access is difficult. The river doesn't freeze solid in most years because of groundwater seepage, and ice conditions are unreliable. Most anglers avoid the Nemadji in winter.

Tackle and techniques

Keep your setup simple. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line is adequate for both walleye and pike. Jigs in 1/4- to 3/8-ounce weights work best in the slow current. Carry a selection of crankbaits in natural colors—browns, blacks, silvers—in the 2- to 3-inch range. For pike, bring larger lures and a few live bait rigs with slip sinkers and size 2 to 4 hooks.

The tea-colored water means fish rely more on vibration and lateral-line detection than sight. Jigs with rattles and crankbaits with tight wobbles outperform silent presentations. Slow your retrieve—the Nemadji's current is minimal, so there's no need to work lures fast.

Rules and regulations

Wisconsin's statewide walleye regulations apply: a daily limit of five fish, 15 inches minimum length. Pike have a daily limit of five fish with a 24-inch minimum. Largemouth bass are limited to five fish at 12 inches minimum. The river is open year-round, but check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change.

A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are sold online through the DNR website, at tackle shops in Superior, and at most sporting goods stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nemadji River better than other Superior tributaries?

It depends on what you want. The Nemadji is easier to access and less technical than the Montreal or Brule, but it holds fewer fish and has less developed infrastructure. If you want a quieter, less crowded experience and don't mind slower fishing, it's worth trying. If you want consistent action and good facilities, the Brule or Montreal are better choices.

Can I fish the Nemadji in winter?

Winter access is unreliable. The river doesn't freeze solid, and ice conditions are unpredictable. Most anglers avoid it from December through February. If you want winter walleye fishing in the Superior area, the Brule River or inland lakes are safer options.

What's the closest town with tackle shops and lodging?

Superior, Wisconsin, is about 10 miles south. It has tackle shops, restaurants, and motels. Bayfield, about 40 miles east, is a larger tourist town with more lodging options and is a good base if you want to fish multiple Superior tributaries in one trip.

Do I need a boat to fish the Nemadji?

A boat makes fishing easier and lets you reach more water, but it's not required. You can fish from the Highway 2 bridge or wade the upper river if you have permission. A small jon boat or canoe is ideal; a large bass boat is overkill and harder to launch from the informal access points.

When is the best time to visit?

Fall (September and October) is the most reliable. Water temperatures are cool, walleye are active, and the river is usually clear. Spring (April and May) is also good but can be turbid from runoff. Summer is slow for walleye but acceptable for pike and bass.