Family Salmon & Trout Fishing on Lake Michigan
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 6hour Lake Michigan fishing trip for familiesTarget salmon and trout with experienced captain guidanceAll fishing gear included, accommodates up to 6 guests
Nothing beats getting the whole family out on Lake Michigan for some world-class salmon and trout fishing. This private 6-hour charter with Dahl Charter's gives you and up to 3 other anglers the perfect setup for a day you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're dealing with early risers who want to hit the water at dawn, or prefer a more relaxed afternoon departure, the flexible timing works around your family's schedule. Your experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and has the patience to work with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers. All your gear comes included, so you can focus on what matters most - watching your kids' faces light up when they feel that first big fish hit the line.
Lake Michigan's offshore waters offer some of the most consistent salmon and trout fishing you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes. Your captain will motor out to the productive zones where these fish are actively feeding, usually anywhere from 40 to 120 feet of water depending on the season and conditions. The boat is set up specifically for families, with enough space for everyone to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Don't worry if you've never been offshore fishing before - your guide will handle all the navigation, fish-finding, and net work while teaching you the basics. The lake can get a bit choppy, but these boats are built to handle the conditions, and most trips stay within comfortable range of shore. Just remember that anyone 16 or older needs a Wisconsin fishing license and Great Lakes trout stamp before you head out.
Trolling is the name of the game for Lake Michigan salmon and trout, and your captain will have all the specialized equipment ready to go. You'll be running downriggers to get your lures down to the right depth where the fish are holding, typically anywhere from 20 to 80 feet below the surface. The boat carries a full spread of proven lures - spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations that have been putting fish in the boat all season long. Your guide will explain how to watch the rod tips for strikes and walk you through the proper technique for fighting these hard-pulling fish. The key is keeping steady pressure while letting the fish make their runs. Planer boards might come into play to spread the lines out and cover more water, especially when the fish are scattered or spooky. Everything from the tackle to the landing nets is provided, so you can concentrate on learning the techniques and enjoying the action.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing, especially during the warmer months when they're actively feeding in the upper water column. These chrome-bright fighters typically run 3 to 8 pounds and are absolutely perfect for getting kids excited about fishing. They hit hard, jump like crazy, and don't require heavy tackle to land. You'll find them year-round, but they're most cooperative from late spring through early fall when the water temperatures are in their comfort zone.
Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are the perfect stepping stone between trout and the bigger chinook. Running 4 to 12 pounds, these fish are famous for their aerial displays once hooked. They tend to school up in the warmer surface waters during summer months, making them ideal targets for family trips. Cohos are aggressive feeders and will often hit lures moving at higher speeds than other species prefer.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan - literally. These bruisers can push 20 pounds or more and will test every bit of your tackle and technique. They're most active during the cooler months of late spring and early fall, though you can find them deep during summer. When a chinook hits, everyone on the boat knows it. They make long, powerful runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds.
Brown trout are the craftiest fish in the lake, often following lures for long distances before deciding to strike. They're typically the biggest trout you'll encounter, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon. Browns can be finicky, often requiring specific lure presentations or colors to trigger a bite. They're most active during low-light periods and can be found anywhere from shallow water to deep offshore structure.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, usually holding in 60 feet of water or more. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 15 to 25-pound fish caught regularly. They prefer colder water and are most active during the cooler months. Lake trout have a different fighting style than the other species - more of a steady, bulldogging fight rather than the runs and jumps of salmon and other trout.
This top-rated family fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the salmon are running hot and heavy. The combination of flexible scheduling, experienced guidance, and consistent fish-producing locations makes this trip a customer favorite year after year. Your captain's local knowledge and family-friendly approach ensure that everyone from grandparents to grandkids will have a great time on the water. The memories you'll create fighting these world-class game fish together are worth their weight in gold. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. With all gear provided and species like chinook, coho, and steelhead within reach, this Lake Michigan charter delivers the complete offshore fishing experience your family is looking for.
Your Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing adventure starts aboard this completely restored 36-foot Sportcraft, built to handle the big waters with twin 275HP Volvo Penta engines that'll get you to the fish fast at 30 knots. This serious fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need - GPS and radar to navigate safely, plus a quality fish finder to locate those schools of salmon and trout hiding in the depths. The spacious cockpit gives your family plenty of room to fight fish, while the onboard kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox keep snacks and drinks within reach during those long battles with Lake Michigan's fighters. When someone needs a break from the action, there's a comfortable cabin with a bed and full toilet facilities. Built for up to 6 anglers but running with 4 guests max on this trip, you'll have extra elbow room to land those trophy fish. The captain knows these waters and will put you on the productive spots where the salmon and trout are feeding.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Lake Michigan, averaging 3-8 pounds but capable of much more. They're incredibly wary and prefer deeper water with structure - think drop-offs, ledges, and rocky areas in 25-80 feet. Fall fishing is outstanding when they feed aggressively before winter. Browns are prized for their wariness and fighting ability - they'll make powerful runs and use their head-shaking to throw hooks. The golden-brown color with black spots makes them beautiful, and they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Originally from Europe, they've adapted perfectly to our waters. My secret: browns often feed at night, so early morning right after sunrise can be magic. Use natural baits like alewives or small spoons in silver or gold.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-25 pounds with some hitting 30+. These bruisers prefer deeper, cooler water - usually 40-120 feet down since they're sensitive to light. Early morning and evening bites are best, with spring and fall being prime seasons. What makes kings special is their raw power and endurance - they'll make long, determined runs that'll test your gear. The rich, orange-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Unlike cohos that jump, chinooks are bulldogs that stay deep and pull hard. They're the ultimate trophy fish for families wanting that once-in-a-lifetime photo. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and don't rush the fight. Let them tire themselves out in deep water before bringing them up - kings can get a second wind near the surface.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, average 8-12 pounds but can hit 20+ in the Great Lakes. They're famous for being absolute acrobats - jumping up to 6 feet when hooked. You'll find them in 20-60 feet of water, often suspended mid-column chasing baitfish. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are right. What guests love about cohos is their aggressive strikes and aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and really test your drag. The bright orange meat is fantastic on the table too. These fish are anadromous, so they're built for fighting. Here's a local trick: when cohos are jumping but not biting, downsize your lure and slow your trolling speed. Sometimes finicky fish just want a smaller, more subtle presentation.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the deep, averaging 15-25 pounds with fish over 40 pounds possible. They live in Lake Michigan's coldest, deepest waters - usually 80-200+ feet down where oxygen levels stay high. Spring right after ice-out and fall are best when they come up shallow. Lakers are built like submarines and fight accordingly - long, powerful runs in deep water that'll wear you out. They're the only native deep-water game fish here and can live 20+ years. The light-colored meat is mild and flaky. These fish prefer low-light conditions, so overcast days are prime time. Key tip: vertical jigging with heavy spoons or swimbaits works best. Drop straight down and work the bottom - lakers ambush prey from below.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 2-8 pounds on average and put up a solid fight with plenty of jumps. You'll find them in Lake Michigan's cooler waters, usually 15-40 feet deep near structure or temperature breaks. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, so spring and fall fishing is prime time. What makes rainbows special is their beautiful pink stripe and acrobatic nature when hooked - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. These fish are great indicators of clean water since they can't tolerate pollution. My tip: watch for birds working baitfish schools - that's where you'll find feeding rainbows. Use small spoons or live bait and keep it moving.
Lake Michigan