Half Day Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour morning charter targets Chinook, Coho, and Trout speciesAll equipment provided with professional instruction for beginners includedAccommodates up to six guests with no fishing license required
If you've been thinking about trying your hand at fishing but don't know where to start, this 5-hour morning charter on Lake Michigan is your ticket to the water. Captain Ted's guides will have you casting lines and learning the ropes while targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish. Whether you're a complete newbie or just new to these waters, this top-rated experience takes all the guesswork out of your first fishing adventure. You'll be working the productive waters where Chinook and Coho salmon run thick, along with rainbow trout that'll give you a fight to remember.
Your morning starts early when the fish are most active and the lake is calm. Captain Ted's crew will meet you at the dock with everything ready to go – rods rigged, tackle sorted, and the boat prepped for a productive day. This isn't some rushed tourist trip where you're just along for the ride. The guides actually teach you proper technique, from how to feel a bite to playing a fish without losing it. You'll learn to read your rod tip, understand when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to bring that fish to the net. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so whether you're flying solo, bringing your partner, or gathering a small group, everyone gets personal attention. No fishing license needed – that's all handled for you.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling with downriggers and planer boards to cover water and find where the fish are holding. The guides run a spread of lines at different depths using proven lures like spoons, flasher-fly combos, and plugs that trigger strikes from salmon and trout. You'll learn how downriggers work to get your bait down to the thermocline where the big fish cruise, and why certain colors and presentations work better in these waters. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy rainbows to heavyweight Chinook that'll test your drag system. Electric downriggers make it easy for beginners to manage multiple lines, and the crew will show you how to clear other lines when a fish hits so everyone can stay in the action.
Rainbow trout in Lake Michigan are absolute rockets that'll strip line off your reel faster than you'd expect. These chrome-bright fish typically run 3-8 pounds and hit hard, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening early morning when they're feeding near the surface. What makes rainbows so fun is their aggressive nature – they'll smash a spoon or chase down a flasher-fly combo with serious attitude.
Coho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. These silver bullets average 5-12 pounds and are most active from late spring through early fall. Cohos love structure and temperature breaks, often found where warm surface water meets the cooler depths. They're notorious for their long runs and multiple jumps, making every hookup a heart-pounding experience that'll have you whooping and hollering.
Steelhead trout are the ultimate prize for many anglers – these lake-run rainbows grow huge and fight like freight trains. Averaging 8-15 pounds with some pushing 20+, steelhead are most cooperative during cooler months when they're staging near river mouths. Their incredible strength and stamina will put your technique to the test, often making multiple powerful runs that'll have your arms burning and adrenaline pumping.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason – these bruisers can exceed 30 pounds and provide the kind of battle that legends are made of. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often caught in deeper water using heavy tackle. Kings are known for their dogged, determined fights that can last 20 minutes or more. Landing your first Chinook is a milestone that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists that provide steady action when salmon and steelhead are being finicky. These native fish range from 5-20 pounds and are available year-round in the deeper zones of Lake Michigan. Lakers are notorious for their head-shaking fights and tendency to dive for bottom structure. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action when other species are off the bite, making them a favorite target for guides who want to ensure their clients stay busy.
This world-class fishing experience gives you everything you need to get started in one of America's premier fisheries. You'll gain real skills, learn proven techniques, and hopefully boat some quality fish while you're at it. The guides genuinely want you to succeed and will work hard to put you on fish while teaching you the fundamentals that'll serve you well on future trips. Morning charters consistently produce the best results, and with all gear and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to learn. Book your half-day adventure with Captain Ted Charters and discover why Lake Michigan fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Cast off aboard this classic 1988 Silverton yacht for your Lake Michigan salmon and trout adventure! This well-maintained motor yacht cuts through the water with confidence, getting you to the prime fishing spots where Chinook, Coho, and trout are biting. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work their lines without tangling, while the onboard kitchen and fridge keep snacks and your catch fresh. Air conditioning provides a welcome break between fishing action, and the GPS ensures we hit the hottest fishing zones. The VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on where fish are running. Whether you're a complete beginner learning to cast or hoping to land your first Lake Michigan salmon, this comfortable yacht has everything needed for a productive morning on the water. All fishing gear is provided, so just show up ready to learn the ropes and hopefully fill the cooler!
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, the "kings" of Lake Michigan, are the biggest fish you'll tangle with on our trips. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can top 30+ pounds, with lengths reaching 36+ inches. They're silver-sided with blue-green backs and distinctive black spots on their head, back, and all fins - plus a black mouth that's a dead giveaway. Kings prefer deeper, cooler water, often 80-200 feet down, and they're light-sensitive so early morning and evening produce the best bites. What guests love is the raw power - these fish make screaming runs and fight hard to the boat. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Pro tip: kings are bottom-huggers, so get your bait down deep with heavy weights or downriggers. They often hit subtly at first, just loading up the rod, so watch for that steady pull rather than a dramatic strike.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called "silvers," typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds in Lake Michigan. These acrobatic fighters have dark blue-green backs with bright silver sides that earn them their nickname. They prefer depths of 40-100 feet during summer, often suspending near thermoclines where the water temperature drops. Best fishing happens from late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily on alewives and smelt. What makes coho special is their aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly when hooked, sometimes going 6 feet vertical. The orange-red meat is fantastic on the grill. Here's a local trick: when trolling, watch your rigger rods for that telltale "coho bounce" - they often hit and immediately go airborne before you even know you're hooked.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of the Great Lakes, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds when mature. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots prefer the coldest, deepest water - often 100-300+ feet down in summer. They're slow-growing and long-lived, which makes catching a big one special. Spring right after ice-out and fall turnover are prime times when they come shallower. What makes lakers unique is their steady, powerful fight in deep water - no flashy jumps, just bulldogging strength that tests your stamina. The firm, white meat is excellent smoked or grilled. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days often produce better fishing. Here's the key: vertical jigging with heavy spoons or jigs works best in the depths they call home. Drop it down, work it slow, and be patient - these fish are worth the wait.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout average 8-24 inches and typically weigh 2-8 pounds, though Lake Michigan specimens can grow larger. These beautiful fish have that signature pink stripe along their silver sides with black spots scattered across their backs. They prefer cooler waters between 55-64°F and hang around structure like drop-offs and rocky areas. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is their scrappy fight - rainbows are known for jumping and making strong runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating too, with that classic pink flesh. Pro tip: when the water's clear, downsize your line and use natural presentations. These fish can be picky, so matching the hatch with what they're feeding on makes all the difference.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are essentially rainbow trout that've spent time in big water, making them stronger and more streamlined. These chrome-bright fighters average 24 inches but can reach 45 inches in Lake Michigan. They're the same species as rainbows but their lake-run lifestyle makes them beefier. Find them in deeper water during summer, often 60-120 feet down where it's cooler. Fall through spring brings the best action as they stage near river mouths preparing to spawn. What sets steelhead apart is their bulldogging power - they make long, determined runs that'll test your gear and patience. The silver-bright coloration and hard-fighting nature make them a favorite. Local tip: use longer leaders when targeting steelhead - they're spookier than other trout and that extra distance between your weight and lure often means the difference between a hookup and a follow.
Lake Michigan