Lake Michigan Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Half-day offshore fishing charter on Lake Michigan watersCaptain Greg provides professional crew and fish cleaning serviceSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests
Captain Greg and Dog Bone Sportfishing Charters know exactly what makes a perfect day on Lake Michigan. You'll start with a calm morning launch, watching the sun come up over the water while we head out to prime fishing grounds. The afternoon picks up the pace as we chase active fish and work the best spots along the shoreline. With space for up to four anglers, this is the perfect setup for families or small groups who want personalized attention from an experienced crew. The best part? We handle all the messy work so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying the day. When we dock, you'll walk away with professionally cleaned fillets ready for the dinner table.
Lake Michigan fishing means covering water and adapting to what the fish are telling us. Captain Greg reads the conditions like a book – water temperature, wind direction, and seasonal patterns all factor into where we'll set up for the day. You might find us working the thermal bars early morning when the water's calm, then switching to structure fishing as the day heats up. The boat's equipped with quality downriggers and planer boards, so we can spread lines out and cover more territory. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – the crew walks everyone through the techniques and helps with everything from setting the drag to landing your fish. Seasoned anglers appreciate the freedom to work their own rods while still getting insider knowledge about local hotspots.
Lake Michigan trolling is an art form, and Captain Greg has it dialed in. We'll be running a spread of spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations at different depths to target whatever species are biting. The downriggers let us get baits down to where the trout and salmon are holding, usually anywhere from 30 to 120 feet depending on the season. Planer boards spread our lines wide, creating a fish-catching umbrella that covers serious water. You'll learn to read the rod tips for that telltale bounce that means fish on, and how to clear other lines when someone hooks up. The GPS and fish finder help us stay on productive water, but local knowledge is what really makes the difference. We know which lures work best in different conditions and how to adjust our approach when fish get finicky.
Rainbow Trout are absolute dynamite on light tackle, and Lake Michigan grows some beauties. These fish average 3-8 pounds but can push into double digits during peak season. Spring and fall are prime time for rainbows, when they move shallow to feed on alewives and smelt. They fight incredibly hard for their size, making screaming runs and aerial displays that get everyone on the boat excited. The meat is outstanding – firm, pink, and perfect on the grill with just a touch of lemon and butter.
Coho Salmon bring the acrobatics that salmon fishing is famous for. These silver bullets typically run 5-12 pounds and absolutely explode when hooked. Summer months are peak Coho time, and they'll often feed aggressively in the top 40 feet of water. Watch for the classic Coho jump – they'll clear the water multiple times during the fight. The key is keeping steady pressure without overtightening the drag. Fresh Coho has a rich, distinctive flavor that's milder than Chinook but still distinctly salmon.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These bruisers commonly hit 15-25 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 30 pounds or more. Kings are powerful, deep fighters that test your endurance and the boat's tackle. Late spring through summer offers the best Chinook action, especially when we find them staged near river mouths or working the deeper thermal breaks. Landing a big King is a team effort – the crew helps manage other lines while you battle it out. The payoff is incredible table fare with that classic salmon richness.
Lake Trout are the lake's native predators and grow to impressive sizes in these cold, deep waters. Lakers can live for decades and reach 20 pounds or more, though most catches run 5-15 pounds. They're typically deeper than the other species, often requiring us to fish 80-150 feet down. Lake Trout have a different fight – less jumping, more bulldogging power that keeps constant pressure on your arms. They're most active during cooler months when other species move to deeper water. The meat is excellent when prepared properly, with a firm texture that holds up well to various cooking methods.
Lake Michigan fishing with Dog Bone Sportfishing Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers and families are looking for – productive fishing with an experienced crew who knows these waters inside and out. Captain Greg's local knowledge puts you on fish while the professional fish cleaning service means you head home with dinner instead of a messy cooler. Whether you're after your first Lake Michigan salmon or you're a regular looking for a top-rated charter, this trip covers all the bases. The four-angler limit keeps things personal and gives everyone plenty of room to fish comfortably. Check the calendar and book your dates early – the best fishing windows fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs.
Step aboard our 30-foot Cherokee sportfishing boat and get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Michigan's productive waters. Twin 350 HP Crusader engines power you quickly to the hottest fishing spots, while our fish finder helps locate schools below. The spacious cockpit comfortably accommodates your crew of 4, with a shaded hardtop when you need a break from the sun and open deck space at the stern for battling big fish. Downriggers are rigged and ready for trolling the depths, and there's plenty of ice storage to keep your catch fresh. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, while the onboard toilet and sleeping berth add comfort for longer days on the water. Captain Greg handles the navigation and fish cleaning, so you can focus on what matters most – landing that trophy catch and enjoying quality time with family and friends on Michigan's greatest fishing waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon - the kings of Lake Michigan - are what trophy dreams are made of. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds, making them the largest salmon in the lake. They're deeper water fish, typically holding in 60-150 feet, and they fight with brute strength rather than acrobatics. Early morning and evening are best since they avoid bright light. The rich, pink meat is outstanding table fare. What makes kings special is their power - they'll peel line and test your drag like no other fish. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move shallower. My go-to trick: use a dodger with a spoon or fly about 6 feet behind it. The dodger's action drives them crazy, and that separation gives the lure a more natural presentation they can't resist.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are some of the most acrobatic fish in Lake Michigan. These 8-12 pound rockets will leap clear out of the water when hooked, making for exciting fights that get everyone on the boat cheering. They cruise in 30-80 feet of water, often suspended mid-column chasing baitfish. Late spring through early fall is peak season, with July and August being hot months. The bright orange meat is top-shelf eating - rich and flavorful. What sets cohos apart is their willingness to hit lures aggressively and their spectacular jumps. They can actually leap 6 feet vertically! Here's a tip that works well: when you see birds working baitfish on the surface, cohos are usually right underneath. Drop your lines and get ready for action.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep water giants of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-25 pounds with some monsters reaching 40+. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - often 100-200 feet down in summer. They're slow growers that can live decades, making each one special. Early spring right after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they move up to 40-80 feet. Lakers fight with steady power and make excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. What's unique is they're the only native deep-water gamefish here. They prefer overcast days and low-light conditions for feeding. Here's my secret: when jigging deep, give your lure a sharp pop every 10-15 seconds, then let it flutter down. That wounded baitfish action triggers their predator instincts even in the depths.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Lake Michigan typically run 2-8 pounds and 12-20 inches, though we've landed some beauties pushing 15 pounds. These silvery fish with their signature pink stripe are strong fighters that'll jump and run when hooked. You'll find them in cooler water, usually 15-40 feet deep near structure or suspended in open water during summer months. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special is their clean water preference - they're picky about habitat, which means better fishing for us. The meat is excellent eating with that mild, nutty flavor. Pro tip: when trolling spoons or plugs, vary your speed every few minutes. Rainbows often hit right after a speed change as it triggers their predator instinct.
Traverse City