Man I learned a lot on this tonight and I have done this many times, but not much for a lot of years, since the runs were weak. But here goes. You really need to keep getting out after the ice leaves and as it warms and pull a seine in the right spots, until the fish show up. Or an easier way is to watch a fishing website like ours and get the updates. Or contact us and get in our group of anglers keeping each other posted.
The smelt are on right now. In Duluth MN the smelt run is a week to 10 days either side of Apr. 24th. This year it is warming nicely and the fish are on now, Apr. 15th, but they just started and will likely run for two weeks.
Where? Pretty much any where along the shores, sandy is best for walking and pulling. Find a spot out of the wind. Most are caught near river mouths and the runs start on the South Shore of Lake Superior first and move West and North along the North Shore. I have seen smelt caught on the Lester River, and all streams north of that and along the South Shore, Wisconsin Point, Park Point and many tiny creeks and streams along the way. Ask someone when you go to find out where the smelt are at.
What to use? I remember using dip nets, but no longer advise you to use them except when you can be in a stream, check the DNR regulations closely before going out for information about if you can get in the mouth of the river or how far away you can go or need to be. Things change all the time. I now advise using a seine and believe me don't be cheap on this. If any thing is key to smelting success, it is the net. We recommend a Christiansen Net. They pull easier and don't fold letting the fish slip out. All seines work, but check the fishing regulations in your area about the maximum size allowed. Here in Minnesota the max is 4' X 25'. If you are going to be serious about smelting spend the extra money on the seine with the bag in the middle. I hear it works super. The nets comes with the floats, weights and drawstrings to tie it to the poles. For the poles use wooden ones, basic handrails work excellently. They don't get cold and get your hands cold like metal and they don't bend like PVC. And they are a good size to keep a good grip on.
How? Just walk out as far as you feel safe and exercise caution to be safe. Then you and your smelting partner each pull the net slowly towards shore and onto the beach. Start pulling the net with a slight bow in the net. You don't have to run, just take your time. When you get to shore, slowly pull it onto the shore, with the bottom of the net first, cradling the smelt in the belly of the net. Keep the top of the net out of the water and slowly bring up bottom. The smelt will easily shake out of the net and into a bucket.
Well, you now have enough to do it. Your waders should be a little big to get some warm socks in it and keep you warm. And do not go so deep that you get water into your waders, that will get you cold and can wreck a good night. If you are near a river mouth don't get pulled out by the current or an under tow. We want everyone to exercise caution and have great luck smelting. Be sure to include your kids. I do and it makes it a fun, learning and family thing. The experts I fish with make it a family time and are great at it. That's the LoadMaster, FlyMaster and family. Thanks again.
Remember there are smelt all over anymore. Just find a spot they go to to spawn and intercept them on a nearby shore line. Be careful and Great fishing. We get this information from the Smelt Kings.. Come join us when the smelt are on and you will meet the smelt king and see him in action. He knows his smelt.