Half Day Family Lake Michigan Salmon Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour private charter targeting Chinook and Coho salmonFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to six guests all skill levelsAll equipment and tackle provided with no fishing license required
Captain Ted's got you covered for one of the best salmon fishing experiences on Lake Michigan. This five-hour morning charter targets the lake's premier game fish – Chinook and Coho salmon – while keeping things comfortable for the whole crew. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to put some serious fish in the cooler, this trip delivers. We'll head out early when the fish are most active, giving your group the best shot at hooking into some real fighters. All your gear is provided, no fishing license needed, and Captain Ted knows exactly where these salmon are holding.
This charter launches bright and early to make the most of prime fishing hours when salmon are actively feeding near the surface. Captain Ted runs a clean, well-maintained boat that comfortably handles up to six anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want a more personal experience than those crowded party boats. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to catch fish, but there's no pressure if someone needs a break or wants to just enjoy the ride. Lake Michigan can serve up some beautiful mornings, and you'll often spot other wildlife like cormorants diving for baitfish or maybe even a bald eagle cruising the shoreline. The boat stays within reasonable distance of shore, so seasickness rarely becomes an issue, even for first-timers.
We'll be running a classic Lake Michigan trolling spread using downriggers and planer boards to cover maximum water and find where the fish are stationed. Captain Ted provides all the rods, reels, and tackle – we're talking quality gear that can handle the powerful runs these salmon are famous for. The typical setup includes spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations in colors that match the current baitfish patterns. Downriggers let us get our lures down to the precise depth where the fish are holding, usually anywhere from 20 to 80 feet depending on water temperature and time of season. If you're new to this style of fishing, don't worry – Captain Ted walks everyone through the process and handles the technical stuff while you focus on fighting the fish. When a rod starts bouncing, that's your cue to grab it and hang on.
Chinook salmon are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These kings can push 20-30 pounds and will test your arms with long, powerful runs that strip line off the reel. They're most active during the cooler morning hours when they're feeding heavily on alewives and round gobies. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August producing some absolute giants. What makes Chinooks special is their fighting ability – they'll make multiple runs, often jumping clean out of the water, and they don't give up easy. Coho salmon, or silvers as the locals call them, are equally exciting but fight differently. They're acrobatic jumpers that put on a real show, often spending more time in the air than in the water. Cohos typically run 5-12 pounds and are perfect for younger anglers who want to experience that classic salmon fight without getting completely worn out.
Rainbow trout and steelhead add another dimension to this fishery, especially during spring and fall runs. These fish are incredibly strong for their size and known for long, blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Lake trout round out the mix as the deep-water specialists – they're not flashy fighters, but they're solid, heavy fish that provide excellent table fare. Captain Ted's local knowledge really shines when targeting specific species, as he adjusts trolling speeds, depths, and lure selections based on current conditions and what the fish are doing.
This charter consistently ranks as one of the top-rated family fishing experiences on Lake Michigan, and morning slots fill up fast during peak salmon season. Captain Ted's approach of keeping groups small means everyone gets personal attention and plenty of chances to get on the rods. The five-hour timeframe gives you enough time to really get into the fish without wearing out the kids, and starting early means you'll be back at the dock before the afternoon heat kicks in. With all equipment provided and no license required, all you need to bring is yourself, some snacks, and a camera for those trophy photos. Book your spot now and get ready for some of the best salmon fishing the Great Lakes has to offer.
The 1988 Silverton Yacht brings classic comfort to your Lake Michigan salmon adventure. This well-maintained motor yacht handles the big water beautifully while you target Chinook and Coho salmon through trolling runs. Air conditioning keeps everyone cool between fish, and the onboard kitchen and refrigerator mean fresh snacks and cold drinks are always ready. The spacious layout gives all six anglers room to fight fish without tangling lines, while GPS navigation helps the captain find productive salmon grounds. Kids love the stable platform for learning proper rod handling, and parents appreciate the VHF radio for safety on the open lake. The yacht's size cuts through Lake Michigan swells smoothly, letting you focus on watching downriggers and listening for screaming reels instead of worrying about rough water. Perfect for families wanting to experience Great Lakes fishing in comfort while chasing those hard-fighting salmon that make Lake Michigan famous.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan - the biggest salmon you'll encounter out here. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can easily hit 30+ pounds. They're built heavy with silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots covering their head, back, and fins. You'll recognize them by the black mouth and gums too. Kings stay deep most of the time since they're light-sensitive, usually hanging 60-120 feet down following the thermocline. Peak season runs late spring through early fall. What makes them special is the sheer power - when a big king hits, you know it. The reddish-pink meat is prime table fare. My best tip for kings: use heavy gear and don't be afraid to fish deep. Set your downriggers near bottom in 100+ feet of water, and use larger spoons or plugs to match the big baitfish they're hunting.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds in Lake Michigan. They're known for their acrobatic fights - these fish can jump up to 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find them roaming open water and near structure in spring through fall when they're feeding heavily. Cohos have that classic salmon look with dark blue-green backs, silver sides, and black spots on the tail. What guests love most is the fight - they're absolute acrobats that'll test your drag and give everyone on board a show. The orange-red meat is top-notch eating too. My go-to tip for cohos is to watch your sonar for baitfish schools around 40-80 feet down. Set your downriggers just above those schools, and you'll often find cohos feeding there.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Michigan, often called "lakers" by locals. These char can grow massive - 15-40 pounds isn't uncommon, with that grey-green color and cream-colored spots. They live in the coldest, deepest water year-round, usually 80-200 feet down where oxygen levels stay high. Summer fishing means going deeper, while spring after ice-out you might find them shallower. Lakers are strong, steady fighters rather than jumpers - they'll pull deep and hard. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked. They prefer low-light conditions, so overcast days or dawn/dusk fishing works best. Here's my key tip for lakers: bring heavy tackle and be patient. Use large spoons or jigs fished vertically near bottom structure. When you feel that subtle tick on your line, set the hook firm - they have hard mouths.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 12-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds in Lake Michigan waters. You'll spot them by that signature pink stripe and silvery sides dotted with black spots. These fish love clean, cold water between 55-64°F, so they're perfect indicators of healthy fishing spots. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps are just right. They hang around structure like drop-offs and near tributaries. What makes rainbows special is their scrappy fight - they'll jump and run hard for their size. The meat is excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local trick: when trolling, keep your baits just above the thermocline where the water temperature drops. That's where rainbows cruise looking for baitfish, and you'll get more consistent strikes.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are essentially rainbow trout that spent time in the big lake, growing larger and stronger. These chrome-bright fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and over 20 pounds. They're built like torpedoes - more streamlined than their rainbow cousins with that distinctive silvery color and black spotting. Best fishing happens fall through spring when they're staging near river mouths. Steelhead are legendary fighters, making long runs and aerial displays that'll have your drag screaming. The meat quality is outstanding, firmer than regular rainbows. They prefer cooler water and often suspend in mid-depths following baitfish schools. Here's what I tell clients: when you hook a steelhead, keep steady pressure but let them run. Fighting them too hard early will either break them off or tire them out before you can land them.
Lake Michigan