Lake Michigan Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing adventure on Lake Michigan watersCaptain Greg provides expert guidance with professional crew supportFresh fish cleaning service included with caught fillets
Captain Greg knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard with Dog Bone Sportfishing Charters, you're getting more than just a boat ride. You're getting decades of local knowledge, prime fishing spots, and a captain who genuinely loves what he does. Lake Michigan's got some serious fish swimming around out there, and we're talking about trophy-sized salmon and trout that'll have you telling stories for years. The best part? We handle all the messy work so you can focus on what matters – landing fish and making memories with your crew.
Your morning starts easy with Captain Greg going over the game plan and getting everyone comfortable with the gear. We keep groups small – just four anglers max – so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of rod time. The boat's equipped with quality downriggers, planer boards, and all the electronics you need to find fish in these big waters. Lake Michigan can be calm as glass or have some chop, but either way, we're heading to where the fish are biting. The morning usually starts mellow as we set lines and get into the zone, but once that first rod starts screaming, the energy kicks up fast. You'll spend the day working different depths and speeds, adjusting to what the fish want, and Captain Greg's right there coaching you through every fight.
We run downriggers to get your lures down to where the big fish cruise – sometimes that's 40 feet, sometimes it's 120 feet, depending on water temperature and what the fish are doing. Planer boards spread our lines wide so we can cover more water and avoid spooking fish with the boat. You'll be using everything from spoons and plugs to flasher-fly combos, and Captain Greg switches up the presentation based on what's working that day. The key to Lake Michigan fishing is staying mobile and reading the water – looking for temperature breaks, baitfish, and structure that holds fish. We use GPS to mark productive spots, but these fish move, so it's all about adapting and staying on them. When a fish hits, you'll know it – these salmon and trout don't mess around, and they'll test your drag and your arms.
Rainbow Trout are some of the most fun fish you'll tangle with on Lake Michigan. These silver rockets typically run 3 to 8 pounds, but don't let the size fool you – they fight like fish twice their weight. Spring and fall are prime time for rainbows when they're feeding heavily and closer to shore. They're acrobatic fighters that'll jump and run, and their bright silver sides flash in the sun when you get them close to the boat. What makes them special is their willingness to hit lures and their spirited fight that keeps you engaged from hookup to net.
Coho Salmon are the perfect middle ground between smaller trout and giant kings. Running 4 to 12 pounds on average, they've got serious speed and love to jump when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and these fish are known for their aggressive strikes and impressive aerial displays. Cohos are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and powerful tails. They'll strip line off your reel in long runs and test every knot in your setup. The meat is excellent too – firm, flaky, and perfect for the grill.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, and when you hook into a 15 to 30-pound king, you'll understand why they earned that title. These fish are pure power, using their broad tails and deep bodies to wage war against your drag system. Late spring through summer is when the biggest kings are caught, though they're around year-round. What makes chinooks special is their combination of size and stamina – they'll make multiple deep runs and use every inch of their strength to break free. Landing a big king is a team effort that'll leave your arms burning and your adrenaline pumping.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that can surprise you with their size and fight. These char typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, with some real monsters lurking in the depths. They're most active in cooler months and during summer when they move to deeper, colder water. Lakers have a unique fighting style – they use their weight and the deep water to their advantage, making powerful runs toward the bottom. Their mottled green and gray coloring is distinctive, and they're some of the oldest fish in the lake. What's exciting about lake trout is you never know if you're hooked up to a decent fish or a true giant that's been cruising these waters for decades.
Lake Michigan fishing with Captain Greg isn't just about catching fish – though you'll definitely do that. It's about getting away from the everyday grind and spending quality time on some of the best freshwater fishing in the country. We take care of cleaning your catch so you go home with fresh fillets ready for dinner, and you walk away with stories that'll last a lifetime. The boat's comfortable, the captain knows his stuff, and the fishing speaks for itself. Whether you're celebrating something special or just need a day on the water, this charter delivers exactly what you're looking for. Give us a call and let's get you out there where the big fish swim.
Hit the deep waters of Lake Michigan aboard this solid 30-foot Cherokee sportfishing boat powered by twin 350 HP Crusader engines. Built for serious fishing, she's got everything you need for a productive day chasing salmon and trout in the big lake. The hardtop provides shade when you need it, while the open back deck gives you plenty of room to fight fish and work the lines. Captain Greg knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish using the onboard fish finder and GPS. The boat's equipped with downriggers for trolling the depths where the big ones cruise. Your catch stays fresh in the icebox, and the crew will clean your fish so you can focus on the fishing. With a private head, comfortable seating for your group, and radar for those foggy Lake Michigan mornings, this charter boat has you covered for a solid day of Great Lakes fishing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan, and landing one is something you'll remember forever. These bruisers commonly hit 15-25 pounds, with some monsters pushing 30+. They're deep-water fish, typically holding 60-120 feet down near bottom structure and thermal layers. Early season through summer offers the best action, particularly during low-light periods since kings are light-sensitive. What makes them special? Pure power. When a king takes your line, it's like hooking into a freight train. The meat quality is top-shelf too - rich, buttery, and perfect for smoking or grilling. My go-to tip: when fighting a big king, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let your drag do the work and be patient. These fish have the stamina to fight for 20+ minutes, so stay calm and enjoy the battle.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are some of the most athletic fish you'll hook in these waters. These chrome-bright beauties average 3-8 pounds but can push 12+ pounds, and they're absolute acrobats when hooked. Cohos roam the mid-depths around 30-60 feet, often chasing baitfish near temperature breaks and current seams. Late spring through early fall is your best bet, especially when they're feeding actively in low-light conditions. What guests love most is the fight - these fish will jump, tail-walk, and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The table fare is outstanding too, with that rich orange-pink meat that's perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when trolling for cohos, vary your speed every few minutes. That speed change often triggers strikes from fish that have been following your lures.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of the char family and a true prize catch. These cold-water specialists typically run 15-25 pounds but can easily hit 30+ pounds in Lake Michigan's depths. You'll find them way down deep - we're talking 80-200 feet, suspended over deep basins or hugging bottom structure. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they move shallower, though summer deep-water fishing can be productive too. Lakers are known for their long, powerful runs and bulldogging fights that'll test your gear. The meat has a unique, rich flavor that's excellent smoked. Here's my key tip: when jigging for lakers in deep water, work your lure in long, slow lifts rather than quick jerks. They often follow the bait up and hit on the drop, so pay attention to your line going slack.
Oncorhynchus MykissThese beautiful fish with their signature pink stripe are a real treat to target in Lake Michigan. Rainbows typically run 12-16 inches and weigh 2-4 pounds, though we see some pushing 8+ pounds. They love the cooler waters and often cruise around 40-80 feet deep, especially near thermal breaks and structure. Spring through early summer is prime time when water temps hit that sweet 55-65°F range. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and run, plus the meat is fantastic - mild flavor with that beautiful pink flesh. The key trick I always share: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook too hard. These fish have soft mouths, so a gentle but firm hookset keeps them pinned while they put on their aerial show.
Traverse City