The Ultimate Directory of Lake Superior Fishing Shops: A Circle Tour Guide

Planning a fishing trip around Lake Superior is a logistical challenge. Whether you are driving the full Lake Superior Circle Tour or just exploring a specific region like the Keweenaw Peninsula or the North Shore, you are eventually going to need fresh bait, a specific lure, or a replacement rod tip.

While the big cities like Duluth and Thunder Bay have well-known pro shops, some of the most critical stops are small gas stations and general stores in remote towns where cell service is spotty. Knowing exactly where your next resupply point is can save your trip.

Below is our comprehensive directory of bait shops, tackle stores, and outfitters located within roughly 50 miles of the Lake Superior shoreline. We have organized them by region to help you plan your route.

Minnesota North Shore

The drive from Duluth up to Grand Portage is one of the most scenic routes in America, but for anglers, it’s a gauntlet of opportunity. This stretch is famous for its deep-water trolling and the unique “shore casting” culture where anglers target trout and salmon right from the rocky banks. The shops here specialize in heavy spoons, long rods, and the specific live bait needed to tempt fish in crystal-clear, icy water.

Wisconsin South Shore

The South Shore offers a different flavor of fishing, dominated by the sheltered waters of Chequamegon Bay and the scenic Apostle Islands. This is world-class smallmouth bass territory that transitions quickly into deep-water trolling for lake trout and salmon. The shops in this region are versatile, equipping you for both shallow-water fly fishing and heavy-duty trolling rigs.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Cross into the U.P. and the vibe changes—it’s wilder, quieter, and deeply connected to the rivers that feed the big lake. While you’ll find plenty of gear for the open water, this region is a haven for stream anglers chasing steelhead and brook trout. The outfitters here are often staffed by guides who know every bend in the local rivers and exactly which fly pattern is hatching today.

Ontario North Shore

North of the border, the highway stretches out and the crowds disappear. This is the land of giants—including the world-record brook trout caught in the Nipigon River. The tackle shops here range from full-service sporting goods stores in Thunder Bay to historic general stores in Wawa where you can buy lures alongside a pickle from a barrel. If you are looking for true wilderness fishing, this is where your journey begins.

Using This Directory

We recommend bookmarking this page if you are planning a trip around the lake. Cell service can be non-existent in areas like the Canadian North Shore (between Wawa and Thunder Bay) or parts of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Having a list of where you can stop for fresh worms, a new spool of line, or a fishing license can make the difference between a minor delay and a ruined day on the water.

Did we miss a hidden gem? If you know of a local hardware store, gas station, or bait shop that keeps anglers stocked up around the lake, let us know so we can keep this directory up to date.