Lake Michigan Half Day Salmon & Trout Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour morning charter targeting salmon and troutFamilyfriendly trip with flexible scheduling and expert guidanceTopquality gear provided for comfortable fishing experience
Captain Adam knows how to make a morning on Lake Michigan memorable for the whole crew. This 4-hour private charter puts families front and center, targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized gamefish. Whether you're dealing with early risers who can't wait to hit the water at 7 AM or need a more relaxed start time, Adam works around your family's rhythm. The focus here is simple: get everyone comfortable with a rod in their hands and put some serious fish in the boat. No pressure, just good fishing and plenty of learning along the way.
This top-rated family charter runs four solid hours on one of the most productive salmon and trout fisheries in the country. Captain Adam's approach is all about making sure everyone feels included, from the youngest angler to grandpa who's been fishing for decades. The morning typically wraps up around 11 AM, giving families the rest of the day to enjoy other activities or simply relax after a successful fishing session. With only four guests max, there's plenty of room to move around and individual attention for anyone who needs help with their technique. The boat comes loaded with quality gear, so you won't need to worry about bringing anything beyond your enthusiasm and maybe a cooler for the catch. Adam's got a knack for reading the water and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are doing that particular day.
Trolling is the name of the game out here, and it's perfect for family groups because it keeps multiple lines active while giving everyone a chance to take turns at the rod. Captain Adam runs a spread of downriggers and planer boards to cover different depths and areas of the water column. The boat's equipped with fish finders and GPS to locate schools and structure where salmon and trout like to hang out. You'll be pulling spoons, flasher-and-fly combinations, and crankbaits through the zones where these fish feed. The beauty of trolling is that it lets newer anglers get comfortable with fighting fish without worrying about casting or complicated presentations. When a rod goes off, Adam talks you through the fight, explaining how to work the fish and when to let it run. The gear is all sized appropriately for the target species - not too heavy that kids can't handle it, but substantial enough to land a big king salmon when one decides to eat your offering.
Chinook Salmon, or kings as most anglers call them, are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan. These fish can push 20-30 pounds and will test your drag system with powerful runs that strip line off the reel. Kings are most active during the cooler months and early morning hours, making this charter timing perfect for connecting with a trophy. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability - one minute you're fighting dead weight, the next they're jumping clear out of the water. Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These silver rockets are known for their aerial displays and never-give-up attitude. Cohos typically run 5-15 pounds and are absolute blast on medium tackle. They're often the fish that gets kids hooked on salmon fishing because they're active, aggressive, and put on quite a show when hooked. Lake Trout are the steady producers that often save the day when salmon fishing gets tough. These deep-water natives can grow massive in the Great Lakes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. They're typically found in deeper water and provide a different kind of fight - more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that tests your endurance. Trout fishing is productive year-round, but they really shine during the spring and fall months when they move into shallower water.
Add'em Up Sportfishing Charters has built a reputation for delivering world-class family fishing experiences on Lake Michigan. Captain Adam's patient teaching style and flexible scheduling make this the perfect introduction to Great Lakes fishing for families with kids of all ages. The combination of productive fishing grounds, quality equipment, and expert guidance creates the kind of morning that gets talked about for years. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. With only four spots available per trip, these charters book up quickly during peak salmon and trout season. Whether you're hoping to land your first king salmon or introduce the next generation to the sport, this half-day adventure delivers the goods without overwhelming newer anglers.
Captain Adam's 27' Cherokee is built for serious Lake Michigan fishing action. This tough 1985 sport fishing boat runs on a powerful 330HP Crusader engine that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at speeds up to 32 knots. The boat's equipped with GPS and fish finder to track down those King Salmon, Coho, and Lake Trout hiding in the depths. With room for 4 anglers and an onboard toilet, families can fish comfortably for the full 4-hour charter. The Cherokee's proven design has been battling Lake Michigan's waters for decades - it knows where the big ones bite and gets you there safely. Perfect for teaching kids the ropes while parents enjoy some quality time on the water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing Salmon are the biggest prize in Lake Michigan, typically running 12-25 pounds with some pushing 30+. These silver-sided giants with black-spotted backs cruise the deeper waters, usually 60-120 feet down where it's cold and dark. They're strongest fighters in spring and fall when water temps are cooler. Early morning trips work best since Kings avoid bright light and stay deep during midday. What makes them special is that powerful run when hooked - they'll peel line and test your drag like no other fish. The meat is rich and orange, perfect for grilling. One trick I always share: when trolling, watch for suspended fish on the sonar around 80 feet. That's often where the big Kings hang out, and running your downriggers just above them usually triggers strikes.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan - typically 8-12 pounds of pure energy that'll jump clear out of the water when hooked. They cruise 40-80 feet deep, usually higher in the water column than Kings. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're actively feeding and putting on weight. What makes Cohos fun is their aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly and make screaming runs that get everyone on the boat excited. The bright orange meat is some of the best eating you'll find. These fish are perfect for families since they fight hard but aren't too big for kids to handle. Pro tip: when a Coho jumps, bow your rod toward the fish to keep slack in the line. Too much tension during those jumps and they'll throw the hook every time.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water heavyweights of Michigan, averaging 15-25 pounds and living in the coldest depths year-round. During summer, we find them 100-200 feet down where the water stays around 45 degrees. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallower, sometimes up to 60-80 feet. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they're bulldogs once hooked - long, steady fights that really test your patience. The meat is lighter than salmon, with a clean taste that's great smoked or baked. These fish can live decades, so catching a big one is always special. My go-to tip: when jigging for Lakers, work your lure slow and steady near bottom. They'll often just mouth the bait, so watch for subtle taps on your rod tip rather than hard strikes.
Lake Michigan