Private Lake Michigan Fishing Charter - 5 Hours
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 5hour fishing charter on Lake Michigan watersAll equipment and bait included with free catch cleaningIntimate 2guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Picture this: you're out on Lake Michigan with just you and your fishing buddy, lines in the water, no crowds to deal with. That's exactly what you get with Cast-A-Way Charters' private 5-hour fishing trip. We're talking about some of the best freshwater fishing in the Midwest, where the water runs deep and the fish are hungry. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish. Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, even cleaning your catch at the end of the day. All you need to bring is yourself and maybe some snacks to keep your energy up.
When you step aboard, you're getting a top-rated Lake Michigan experience that's all about putting fish in the boat. The beauty of a private charter is that it's your show – want to focus on salmon? We'll head to their favorite haunts. Feeling like targeting some tasty whitefish? Your captain will adjust the game plan. Lake Michigan's got personality, and every day brings something different. The water can be glass-smooth at dawn or have a gentle chop that gets the fish moving. Your guide reads the conditions like a pro, watching for temperature breaks, baitfish activity, and those telltale signs that screams "fish here." With just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your gear without bumping into other lines.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about covering water and finding where the fish are holding. Your captain will set you up with downriggers and planer boards to get your lures down to the right depth and spread them out for maximum coverage. The gear on board is tournament-quality stuff – smooth drag systems, sensitive rods that let you feel every bump, and reels that can handle the long runs these fish are famous for. Depending on what we're chasing, you might be pulling spoons, plugs, or flies behind dodgers. The captain reads his electronics constantly, marking baitfish schools and temperature changes that attract the gamefish. When a rod starts bouncing, that's your cue to grab it and start working. The fighting chair is there if you need it, but most of these Lake Michigan species are perfect for standing and battling.
Lake Whitefish are the bread and butter of Michigan fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 pounds and fight with surprising strength for their size. They're most active in cooler water, making spring and fall prime time, though summer mornings can be productive too. What makes whitefish special is their incredible table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for the frying pan or smoker. They school up in predictable areas, so when you find one, there's usually more around.
Crappie fishing on Lake Michigan offers a different kind of action altogether. These panfish might seem small compared to salmon, but they make up for it with numbers and flavor. Spring is when crappie fishing really shines, as they move shallow for spawning and become aggressive feeders. A good day can mean filling the cooler with slabs that'll have your neighbors asking where you've been fishing. They're perfect for light tackle enthusiasts who enjoy finesse fishing and multiple hookups.
White Bass bring the party to Lake Michigan fishing. When you hit a school of these striped fighters, it's non-stop action with multiple fish hitting at once. They're notorious for their feeding frenzies, especially when they're chasing schools of alewives near the surface. Spring runs are legendary, with fish pushing into tributary areas and providing some of the most consistent action of the year. White bass are scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class and make excellent eating when properly prepared.
Coho Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Michigan fishing and the reason many anglers make the trip. These chrome-bright fighters are pure adrenaline, known for spectacular jumps and screaming runs that'll test your equipment and skills. Coho typically range from 3-8 pounds, with larger fish showing up later in the season. They're found in different depths throughout the year, following temperature breaks and baitfish concentrations. What sets coho apart is their unpredictability – they might slam a lure aggressively or follow it for hundreds of yards before committing. When you hook into a fresh coho, you'll understand why they're considered one of the Great Lakes' premier gamefish.
A private 5-hour charter on Lake Michigan with Cast-A-Way Charters isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience world-class freshwater fishing without the hassles. No sharing space with strangers, no waiting for others to figure out their gear, just you and the fish. The included catch cleaning service means you walk away with fillets ready for the table, not a cooler full of work. Lake Michigan's fishing opportunities change with the seasons, and your captain stays on top of the patterns to give you the best shot at success. Whether you're after a salmon to mount on the wall or a mess of panfish for a fish fry, this charter delivers the goods. Book your trip now and see why anglers keep coming back to these productive waters.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling on Lake Michigan's big waters. This boat comes loaded with everything you need to find and catch fish - a top-notch fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and radar for those foggy mornings when visibility drops. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you're out there, and there's a toilet for those long days on the water. VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and updates from other anglers. With space for just 2 guests, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so just bring yourself and get ready to work Lake Michigan's productive waters. Best part? Free cleaning service for whatever you haul in.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with that classic salmon fight everyone talks about. They're incredibly acrobatic - expect them to jump and make strong runs. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding in 40-120 feet of water. What sets them apart is their aggressive strikes and the quality of the fight. The orange-red meat is outstanding eating too. They follow baitfish schools and love structure like drop-offs and temperature breaks. Trolling spoons and plugs in bright colors like chartreuse and pink work well. Water temperature matters - they're most active when it's 50-60 degrees. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and let your drag do the work. These fish can jump 6 feet out of the water, so give them room to run or they'll throw the hook.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusBoth black and white crappie run 7-12 inches and typically weigh around a pound. They school up around structure like fallen trees, brush piles, and docks in shallower water. Spring spawning time is best when they move into the shallows, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What guests love is how they travel in groups - find one and you'll usually find more. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Dawn and dusk are peak feeding times when they get most active. These fish have paper-thin mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them in. My go-to setup is a small jig tipped with a minnow under a slip bobber. Work it slow around cover and let them take it - crappie are notorious for light bites that feel like you snagged a leaf.
Coregonus ClupeaformisThese silvery-white natives run 12-26 inches and typically weigh 2-4 pounds, though they can get much bigger. They're related to salmon and trout but hang out near the bottom feeding on insects and small fish. Fall and early winter are prime time when they move shallow for spawning. What makes them tricky is their small, delicate mouths - you need finesse and lighter tackle. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the lake with sweet, flaky white meat. Spring through fall, look for them around rocky structure in 25-200 feet of water. Here's a local trick: use tiny jigs with wax worms under a slip bobber, and when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook hard or you'll pull it right out of their soft mouth.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy fighters that run 10-12 inches and can hit 7 pounds. Look for their distinctive dark horizontal stripes along silver sides. They school heavily in open water and around points, making them a blast when you find them. Spring and early summer are peak times when they chase baitfish near the surface - you'll see the water boiling with activity. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and excellent taste. They're visual feeders that love chasing lures, so small spoons and spinners work great when they're feeding up top. During summer, they move deeper but still bite well at night. Here's the key: when you hook into a school, work fast because they move constantly. Keep your lures moving and match the baitfish size they're chasing - usually something in the 2-3 inch range works perfectly.
Port Washington