Spring Trout & Bass Trips in Lake Michigan
Private Trip
River Fishing
Spring trout and bass fishing with expert Captain BaileyAll equipment provided, maximum 2 guests per tripSalmon Trout stamp required with valid fishing license
Picture this: you're out on Lake Michigan's pristine waters with Captain Bailey, one of the most respected fishing guides on the Great Lakes. The spring season brings some of the best fishing action you'll find anywhere, and this top-rated charter puts you right in the middle of it all. Whether you're chasing your first trophy trout or looking to add another bass to your collection, Captain Bailey knows exactly where these fish are holding and how to get them to bite. With all tackle provided and personalized instruction, you'll learn techniques that'll make you a better angler for years to come. Just grab your snacks, drinks, and don't forget that fishing license with the salmon trout stamp – we've got everything else covered.
Captain Bailey's spring trips focus on the productive waters where Lake Michigan's trout and bass populations thrive during their most active feeding periods. You'll launch early when the bite is hot, targeting structure and temperature breaks that hold concentrations of fish. This isn't a crowded party boat experience – with just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The captain reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on weather conditions, water temperature, and fish behavior patterns he's observed over years of guiding these waters. Expect to move between different spots throughout the day, following the fish and maximizing your chances at multiple species. The intimate group size means you'll actually learn something, not just cast where someone tells you to cast.
Captain Bailey runs a variety of proven methods depending on conditions and target species. For trout, you'll likely troll with downriggers and planer boards, covering water efficiently while presenting lures at precise depths where fish are feeding. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations are go-to setups that produce consistently. When targeting smallmouth bass, expect to work structure with jigs, tubes, and soft plastics – techniques that require finesse but reward you with aggressive strikes. All rods, reels, and tackle are tournament-quality gear that's perfectly suited for Lake Michigan's conditions. The captain handles all the rigging and adjustments, but he'll explain what he's doing so you understand why certain presentations work better than others. You'll pick up tricks about reading your electronics, understanding how fish relate to structure, and recognizing the subtle signs that indicate feeding activity.
Smallmouth bass are absolute fighters that'll test your drag system and make your arms burn. These bronze-backed bruisers average 2-4 pounds in Lake Michigan, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 5+ pound trophy that'll give you a battle you won't forget. Spring is prime time as they move shallow to feed aggressively after the long winter. They hit hard, jump high, and never give up – that's why bass anglers become obsessed with them. Lake Michigan's crystal-clear water and rocky structure create perfect smallmouth habitat.
Rainbow trout, often called steelhead when they're lake-run fish, are speed demons that'll peel line off your reel in long, powerful runs. These silver bullets average 5-8 pounds but can push well into double digits. Spring brings them into the nearshore waters where they feed heavily on alewives and smelt. Their aerial displays are spectacular, and their stamina is legendary among Great Lakes anglers. The fight-to-size ratio is off the charts with these fish.
Steelhead trout represent the ultimate freshwater fishing challenge. These lake-run rainbows are incredibly strong, incredibly fast, and incredibly unpredictable. They'll run straight at the boat, then suddenly turn and make a screaming run toward deep water. Spring fishing targets them as they stage near river mouths and feed in the warming shallows. A good steelhead will test every knot, every connection, and every ounce of your fishing skill.
Brown trout are the craftiest predators in Lake Michigan, known for their wariness and preference for low-light conditions. These golden-flanked fish can grow huge in the lake's fertile waters, with specimens over 10 pounds caught regularly by anglers who know their habits. They're ambush predators that prefer structure and cover, making them challenging but rewarding targets. Spring browns are often the fish of a lifetime – thick, powerful, and absolutely beautiful.
Captain Bailey's spring trips book up fast because word gets around about guides who consistently put clients on fish. This world-class fishery is at its peak during the spring season, and having an experienced guide who knows the water intimately makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary day. You'll come away with new skills, great memories, and hopefully some fresh fish for the table. The personalized attention and quality equipment mean you're getting serious value for your investment in what could be your best fishing trip yet. Don't wait until the prime dates are gone – serious anglers know that spring on Lake Michigan with the right guide is fishing at its finest.
Our 2-person fishing boat puts you right where the action is on Lake Michigan's productive waters. Capt. Bailey knows these spots like the back of his hand and he's eager to share his techniques for landing trophy trout and bass. The compact size means you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on time with the rod. All your tackle is included, so just grab your fishing license with that salmon trout stamp, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready to learn from one of the best. Whether you're working the drop-offs for lake trout or targeting smallmouth along the rocky structure, this boat gets you into fish-holding water fast. Perfect setup for anglers who want to improve their skills while actually catching fish on one of the Great Lakes' premier fisheries.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the lake's smartest and most challenging quarry. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches but can surprise you with monsters over 30 inches. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky areas, drop-offs, and weed edges in 20-60 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though spring can be productive too. Browns are known for their wariness and strong fights once hooked. The meat is excellent - firm and mildly sweet. They prefer cooler water around 55-65°F and often feed at dawn and dusk. Local secret: try crawfish patterns or small spoons worked slowly near bottom structure during low-light periods.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are Lake Michigan's most colorful fighters, averaging 2-5 pounds with that signature pink stripe and spotted silver body. They cruise open water but concentrate near thermal breaks and baitfish schools. Spring offers the best action when water temps hit 55-65°F and they're feeding heavily. These fish are acrobatic when hooked - expect multiple jumps and strong runs that'll test your drag. They're fantastic table fare with delicate pink meat that's perfect grilled or pan-fried. Most productive depths run 40-80 feet depending on season and temperature layers. Here's a local trick: watch for diving birds marking bait schools, then work spoons or flies just below the action.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a real workout on light tackle. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 12-18 inches in Lake Michigan, with females pushing 3-6 pounds. You'll find them around rocky structure and drop-offs, especially during spring when they move shallow for spawning. They hit hard and jump like crazy - that's what hooks most anglers. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in 10-20 feet of water. Summer pushes them deeper where they're tougher to locate. They're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh that grills perfectly. My tip: work your lure slow near bottom structure early morning or late evening when they're feeding most aggressively.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the lake's ultimate trophy fish - basically ocean-going rainbows that grow massive in the Great Lakes. These silver rockets average 24 inches but can hit 45 inches and fight like nothing else out there. They roam deep open water most of the year, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Best fishing runs fall through spring when they're most active and accessible. What makes them special is that raw power - they'll strip line and jump repeatedly, testing every knot. The meat is excellent, similar to salmon but milder. Focus on 60-100 foot depths near structure or temperature changes. Pro tip: use bright spoons or plugs and keep them moving - steelhead are aggressive predators that respond to action.
Sheboygan, WI