Fall Trout Trips in Lake Michigan
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fall trout fishing with expert Captain Bailey guidanceSmall group trips for two guests maximumTrophy trout targeting in Lake Michigan waters
Captain Bailey knows Lake Michigan like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious trout this fall. While most folks think spring's the only time to chase these fighters, Bailey's been proving them wrong for years. These autumn trips are when the big fish get aggressive, feeding heavy before winter sets in. You'll be fishing with a top-rated local guide who's spent decades perfecting his approach to Lake Michigan's moody waters. Pack your snacks and drinks, grab that fishing license with the salmon trout stamp, and get ready for some rod-bending action with just one other angler aboard.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. With Captain Bailey limiting trips to just two guests, you're getting personalized attention that makes all the difference when these trout are being finicky. Bailey launches early, usually before dawn, when the bite is hottest and the lake's still calm. The fall season brings cooler water temps that push both steelhead and brown trout into feeding frenzies, especially around structure and drop-offs that Bailey's marked over years of fishing these waters. You'll spend most of your time trolling the thermocline, working depths where these fish are actively hunting. Bailey's got all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle dialed in, but he's more than happy to show you his setup if you want to learn. The captain's known for sharing his hard-earned knowledge about reading the electronics, understanding current breaks, and timing your presentation to match what the fish are seeing.
Bailey runs a clean operation with quality gear that can handle Lake Michigan's biggest trout. You'll be trolling with downriggers and planer boards, covering water efficiently while keeping your offerings in the strike zone. Fall fishing here means working spoons, plugs, and fresh bait rigs at varying depths until you find where the fish are holding. The captain's particularly skilled at reading his sonar and adjusting tackle accordingly - sometimes that means switching from silver spoons to copper-colored presentations, or dropping down to lighter leaders when the fish get pressured. Lake Michigan can get rough quick, but Bailey knows when to work protected areas and when to make moves based on wind and wave conditions. He's got backup spots all along his section of coastline, so you're never stuck fishing dead water. The boat's equipped with a heated cabin for those chilly fall mornings, plus all the safety gear you'd expect from a world-class operation.
Steelhead trout are the stars of these fall trips, and for good reason. These chrome-bright fighters average 8-12 pounds but can easily push into the teens when conditions are right. Fall steelhead are incredibly aggressive, feeding heavily on alewives and smelt before the water temps drop. They're known for their aerial displays and long runs that'll test your drag system. What makes Lake Michigan steelhead special is their incredible strength - they've got the entire Great Lakes system to roam, building muscle mass that river fish simply can't match. Bailey typically finds them in 60-120 feet of water during fall months, relating to temperature breaks and baitfish concentrations.
Brown trout are the other main target, and these fish have a reputation for being the smartest fighters in the lake. Fall browns can be absolute giants, with fish over 15 pounds caught regularly during the cooler months. They're ambush predators that love structure and tend to be more solitary than steelhead. What gets anglers excited about browns is their unpredictability - they might slam a lure aggressively or just mouth it gently, requiring quick hook-sets and steady pressure. Lake Michigan's browns have incredible coloration in fall, with vivid spots and butter-yellow bellies that make them stunning fish to photograph. They're also known for their incredible fights in shallow water, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked near the surface.
Captain Bailey's fall trout trips are becoming a customer favorite for anglers who want to experience Lake Michigan fishing at its finest. The intimate setting with just two guests means you'll learn more, fish more effectively, and have better shot at landing your personal best trout. Fall weather can be unpredictable, but that's also when the fishing heats up - these trout know winter's coming and they're feeding like there's no tomorrow. Bailey's been guiding these waters long enough to know exactly where to find them when conditions line up. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially on weekends when demand picks up. Remember to get that fishing license with the salmon trout stamp sorted before your trip, and come ready for some of the best trout fishing Lake Michigan has to offer.
Your fishing adventure starts in a nimble 2-person watercraft perfect for navigating Lake Michigan's productive trout waters. This lightweight vessel gets you close to where the big ones are biting without the noise of motors that might spook your target fish. Captain Bailey knows exactly where to position this maneuverable boat for the best fall trout action. You'll appreciate how easily it handles in different water conditions while you focus on landing that trophy. The compact size means you're right in the action, feeling every tug on your line. Perfect for serious anglers who want to get into those prime fishing spots where the lake trout are feeding. Bring your gear, snacks, and that required license with salmon trout stamp - this boat puts you exactly where you need to be for some serious fall fishing on the big lake.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest trout swimming - they didn't earn their reputation as "educated" fish for nothing. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches in Lake Michigan, but the big ones can hit 30+ inches and really pack on weight. They love cooler water temps between 54-65°F and hang around structure like piers, drop-offs, and rocky areas during the day. Fall is money time when they feed aggressively, especially at night. What sets browns apart is their wariness - they'll inspect your presentation and refuse it if something's off. But when you hook one, they fight smart with powerful runs toward cover. They're also top-shelf eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's a local secret: browns often suspend just outside the thermal bar in fall. Find that temperature break with your fish finder, and troll small spoons or stick baits right along that edge.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that live like salmon - they spend most of their time in the big water and come back to spawn. Out here on Lake Michigan, these silver bullets average 24 inches but we see plenty pushing 35+ inches. They're built for speed with that streamlined body and silvery color, way different from their rainbow cousins. Fall through spring is prime time when they're feeding heavy in 40-80 feet of water near drop-offs and structure. What makes steelhead special? They fight like freight trains - long runs, jumps, head shakes that'll test your drag. Plus they're fantastic eating with that firm, clean meat. My go-to trick: when trolling spoons, don't be afraid to speed up to 3-4 mph. These fish are built to chase down fast-moving baitfish, and that aggressive presentation often triggers strikes when nothing else works.
Sheboygan, WI