Charter Fishing on Lake Michigan | Private Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 5hour Lake Michigan fishing charter targeting salmon and troutEarly morning departure at 5:00 AM with maximum 3 guestsAll equipment provided, operates May through midSeptember seasonally
There's nothing quite like being out on Lake Michigan at dawn, lines in the water, waiting for that first strike of the day. This 5-hour private charter gives you and up to two buddies the chance to experience some of the best fishing the Great Lakes have to offer. We're talking about a genuine fishing adventure where you'll target multiple species in waters that consistently produce quality catches. Cast-A-Way Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while keeping the experience relaxed and fun. The early 5:00 AM start might seem rough, but trust me – that's when the fish are most active and the lake is at its calmest.
Your morning starts before sunrise, which is exactly where you want to be for prime fishing conditions. Lake Michigan in the early hours is a different beast entirely – calm, cool, and full of hungry fish that have been feeding all night. The charter runs seasonally from May through mid-September, hitting the sweet spot when water temperatures bring the best species into range. You're looking at five solid hours of fishing time, which gives you plenty of opportunity to work different depths and techniques. The boat accommodates just three anglers, so you're not fighting for rod space or competing with a crowd. Everything's provided except your fishing license, food, and drinks – so grab your coffee, pack some snacks, and get ready for some serious angling. The intimate group size means personalized attention from your captain, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Your captain will likely start with downriggers and planer boards to cover different depths and spread your lines across a wider swath of water. Trolling is the name of the game here – you'll be pulling spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations through the water column where salmon and trout are cruising. The beauty of this approach is that it lets you cover serious ground while targeting fish at their preferred depths. Depending on water temperature and time of season, you might be fishing anywhere from 20 feet down to over 100 feet. The crew handles all the technical stuff – setting depths, adjusting speed, and reading the fish finder – while you focus on the fun part. When a fish hits, you'll know it immediately. The rods will double over, and you'll be in for a fight that could last anywhere from a few minutes to a solid 15-minute battle with a big king salmon.
Lake Whitefish are one of those underrated gems that serious anglers absolutely love. These fish typically run 2-4 pounds and are most active during the cooler months of your fishing season – late May and early June, then again in September. They're bottom feeders that love deeper, cooler water, usually 40-80 feet down. What makes them special is their fight – they're strong, stubborn fish that will test your drag system. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table, with firm white meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
Crappie fishing on Lake Michigan offers some of the most consistent action you'll find. These panfish average 10-14 inches and are incredibly fun to catch on light tackle. They school up in massive numbers, especially around structure and drop-offs. May through July is prime time, when they're moving into shallower water and feeding aggressively. Once you locate a school, you can often catch them one after another. They're perfect for anglers who want steady action and make excellent table fare.
White Bass are the scrappy fighters that will keep your rod bent all morning long. They typically run 1-3 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These fish love to chase baitfish in open water, and when you find them feeding, the action can be non-stop. They're most active from June through August, often feeding near the surface in the early morning hours. Their silver sides and distinctive stripes make them easy to identify, and their willingness to hit lures makes them a favorite among charter captains.
Coho Salmon are the crown jewel of Great Lakes fishing, and Lake Michigan produces some absolute beauties. These fish average 5-12 pounds but can push 15+ pounds for trophy specimens. They're incredibly strong fighters that will make multiple runs and jump clear out of the water. Peak season runs from July through September, when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. Coho prefer cooler water temperatures and are often found 30-60 feet down during summer months. Landing one of these silver bullets is what keeps anglers coming back – they're powerful, beautiful fish that represent the very best of what Lake Michigan has to offer.
This charter hits all the right notes for anglers looking for a quality fishing experience without the crowds. The small group size means you get personalized attention, the 5-hour duration gives you real time to work the water, and the seasonal timing puts you on the lake when fishing is at its peak. Whether you're after the steady action of crappie and white bass or hoping to tangle with a trophy coho, these waters deliver. The early morning start might require some commitment, but that's when Lake Michigan fishing is at its absolute best. Don't forget to grab your Michigan fishing license before you head out, pack some food and drinks for the trip, and prepare for what could be one of your most productive days on the water this season.
Our motorboat is built for serious Lake Michigan fishing adventures. Equipped with a fish finder to locate those salmon and trout hiding in the depths, plus GPS and radar to keep you on the fish even when morning fog rolls in. The VHF radio ensures we stay connected with other boats and weather updates during your 5-hour charter. An ice box keeps your catch fresh for the ride back to shore, while the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. This vessel comfortably handles up to 3 anglers, giving everyone plenty of elbow room at the rails. Whether you're working the drop-offs for coho or trolling the structure for lake trout, this boat has the gear and space to make your morning on the water productive. Ready to hit those prime fishing spots when the bite is hot.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These silver rockets average 8-12 pounds and 20-28 inches, known for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. In Lake Michigan, they cruise 40-120 feet down, following baitfish like alewives along temperature breaks and structure. Our season runs May through September, with peak action in summer when they're actively feeding. What makes cohos special is their fight - they'll jump 6 feet out of the water and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The bright orange meat is also top-shelf eating. They're constantly moving, so trolling with spoons or plugs works best. Local secret: watch for birds working the surface and temperature changes on your fish finder - that's where the cohos will be hunting.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are scrappy panfish that'll keep you busy when the bite's on. Both black and white varieties swim these waters, typically running 7-12 inches and about a pound. Look for them around fallen trees, brush piles, and weed edges in 10-25 feet of water - they love cover. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning in the shallows, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What guests love is how they travel in schools, so once you find one, there's usually more. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. These fish have paper-thin mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them. My go-to setup is a small jig under a bobber with a live minnow - works every time around structure.
Coregonus ClupeaformisLake whitefish are a unique catch here on Michigan - they're part of the salmon family but look nothing like their flashy cousins. These silver-sided fish average 12-20 inches and run 2-4 pounds, with that distinctive "humpback" profile from their small head and deep body. You'll find them hugging the bottom in 25-200 feet of water, feeding on insects and small fish with those tiny mouths. Best fishing happens during our cooler months when they move shallow, especially fall and early spring. What makes them special is the challenge - their delicate mouths mean light tackle and patience. The payoff? Some of the best eating fish in the lake. Pro tip: use small jigs with wax worms and fish them slow near the bottom around rocky structure.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are aggressive schooling fish that put up a great fight for their size. These silver bullets typically run 10-12 inches and can hit 7 pounds, with dark horizontal stripes along their sides. They roam open water but concentrate around points, drop-offs, and river mouths where baitfish gather. Peak action happens spring through fall, especially early morning and evening when they push baitfish to the surface. Guests love the fast action once you locate a school - they're hungry and competitive. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm white meat. When you spot birds diving or surface activity, get there fast with small spoons or spinners. Here's the key: once you hook up, keep your lures in the water because the whole school will usually stay fired up and feeding.
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