Half Day Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour private charter targeting Chinook, Coho, and SteelheadProfessional equipment and expert guidance included for all levelsMaximum six guests with valid fishing license required
If you're looking to get serious about salmon and trout fishing on Lake Michigan, Captain Ted's half-day charter is exactly what you need. This five-hour morning trip puts you right where the action is, targeting the big three – Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and steelhead trout. We're talking about some of the most sought-after freshwater game fish in North America, and Lake Michigan serves up some of the best fishing you'll find anywhere. Whether you've been casting lines for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, this charter adapts to your skill level while giving everyone a real shot at landing something memorable.
Your morning starts early – that's when these fish are most active and feeding aggressively. Captain Ted knows the seasonal patterns like the back of his hand, positioning the boat where temperature breaks, structure, and baitfish create the perfect storm for trophy fish. The beauty of this charter is that it's completely private, so you're not competing with other anglers for the captain's attention or the best spots on the boat. With space for up to six people, it's perfect for family trips, buddy adventures, or corporate outings where you actually want to catch fish instead of just talking about it. The boat launches right from the Lake Michigan shoreline, getting you to the productive water fast without wasting precious fishing time on long runs.
This is all about trolling – the most effective technique for covering water and finding active schools of salmon and trout. Captain Ted runs a spread of professional-grade rods and reels loaded with the right tackle for the season and conditions. We're talking downriggers, planer boards, and specialized lures that have proven themselves on these waters time and again. The tackle selection changes based on what the fish are hitting – spoons, plugs, flies, or cut bait – whatever's working that day. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you want to; everything you need is provided and maintained to tournament standards. The captain adjusts boat speed, lure depth, and trolling patterns based on fish finder readings and years of experience reading these waters. For those interested in variety, Captain Ted also offers year-round float trips on local rivers targeting walleye and smallmouth bass when you want a change of pace from the big lake action.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing, and for good reason. These chrome-bright fighters typically run 3-8 pounds and put up an amazing battle that'll test your drag system. They're most active in the cooler months and early morning hours, making them perfect targets for this charter timing. What makes rainbows so popular is their willingness to bite and their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are absolute rockets when they hit your line. Running 5-12 pounds on average, these fish are known for their speed and jumping ability. They're most abundant from late spring through early fall, and they'll take your drag screaming while putting on an airborne show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing cameras.
Steelhead trout are the ultimate prize for many anglers – these lake-run rainbows are bigger, stronger, and more aggressive than their river cousins. Averaging 8-15 pounds with some reaching over 20, steelhead combine size with incredible fighting ability. They're available year-round but peak in spring and fall when they're staging near tributaries. The thrill of hooking a steelhead is unmatched – they'll run, jump, and test every knot in your system. Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, literally. These massive fish can exceed 30 pounds and provide the kind of fight that creates lifelong fishing memories. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and when you hook into a mature king, you'll understand why people travel from across the country to fish these waters. Lake trout round out the slam and offer something different – these deep-water natives can live over 40 years and reach impressive sizes. They're available year-round and provide steady action when the salmon and steelhead are being finicky.
Captain Ted's half-day charter delivers everything you need for a top-rated Lake Michigan fishing experience. The combination of professional equipment, local expertise, and prime fishing times gives you the best shot at landing the fish you came for. All you need to bring is a valid Michigan fishing license and weather-appropriate clothing – everything else is handled. The private charter format means you get personalized instruction, the best spots on the boat, and fishing techniques tailored to your group's experience level. With salmon and trout fishing this good, and a captain who knows how to find them consistently, spots fill up fast during peak season. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your date – book now and get ready for some of the best freshwater fishing you'll ever experience on the Great Lakes.
Step aboard this classic 1988 Silverton Yacht for your Lake Michigan salmon and trout adventure. This well-maintained motor yacht cuts through the big water with confidence, taking up to 6 anglers to prime fishing grounds where Chinook and Coho salmon cruise the depths. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work the rods without tangling lines, while the onboard kitchen and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and beverages cold. Air conditioning provides relief between bites, and the GPS navigation ensures we stay on the productive spots where steelhead patrol. The VHF radio keeps us connected to other successful boats sharing fishing intel. Built for serious anglers, this yacht handles Lake Michigan's changing conditions while you focus on landing that trophy fish. Your guide knows these waters inside and out, positioning the boat perfectly for trolling runs along temperature breaks where salmon feed. Whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler, this floating fishing platform has everything needed for a productive morning on the lake.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan - these bruisers regularly hit 15-25 pounds and can top 30. They're built like torpedoes with dark mouths and spots covering their backs and tails. Being light-sensitive, kings typically hold in deeper water, 40-100+ feet down, following schools of baitfish. Early morning and evening produce the best action when they move up to feed. What makes chinook fishing special is the pure power - when a big king takes your lure, you'll know it immediately. The rich, salmon-colored meat is outstanding table fare too. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before spawn runs. Pro tip: kings are structure-oriented, so I focus on underwater humps, drop-offs, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, average 8-12 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked - expect plenty of jumps and strong runs. These bright silver fish with dark spots cruise the mid-depths of Lake Michigan, typically 20-60 feet down depending on water temperature and baitfish location. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding on alewives and smelt. What makes coho special is their aggressive nature and that beautiful orange-red meat that's perfect for the grill. They're one of the most exciting fish to catch because they fight hard right to the boat. My go-to technique is running bright spoons or flasher-fly combos, and here's a tip: when you see one jump, get ready - they often travel in small schools.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Michigan, commonly running 15-40 pounds with grey-green bodies covered in cream-colored spots. These char prefer the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - we're talking 80-200+ feet during summer months. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they move shallower. Lakers are slow-growing and long-lived, making them a special catch. They're steady, powerful fighters rather than flashy jumpers, and the firm, flaky meat is excellent eating. What's unique is they're native to the Great Lakes, unlike the stocked salmon species. Jigging works best in deep water - I use heavy spoons and swimbaits that imitate injured baitfish. Key tip: find the thermocline on your fish finder, then work just below it where lakers suspend.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 2-8 pounds in Lake Michigan, with that signature pink stripe and spotted back making them easy to identify. These fish prefer cooler water temps around 55-65°F, so we often find them holding in deeper pockets during summer months or closer to shore during spring and fall. They're scrappy fighters that'll give you several good runs, and the meat has a mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Best fishing happens during overcast conditions or low-light periods when they're actively feeding. Here's a local trick: when we're trolling, I like to vary the retrieval speed every few minutes - that erratic action often triggers strikes from hesitant fish following your lure.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are Lake Michigan's ultimate prize - these chrome-bright fish average 24 inches but can push well over 30, with some reaching 15+ pounds. Think of them as rainbow trout that spent time in the big lake, growing larger and stronger. They patrol open water most of the year, then stage near river mouths during spring and fall runs. What sets steelhead apart is their raw power and stamina - they'll make long, blistering runs that test your drag system. The meat is firm and flavorful, but many anglers release these beauties for their fighting reputation alone. Best success comes during cooler months when they're moving shallow. Here's something that works: steelhead often suspend just below temperature breaks, so watch your electronics and target those transition zones.
Lake Michigan