Lake Michigan Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Early morning trolling for active Coho and Chinook SalmonAll fishing equipment and cut bait provided by Captain GregSmall group experience with maximum four guests offshore
Picture this: you're out on Lake Michigan before the sun fully rises, coffee in hand, watching the first light hit the water while Captain Greg sets up the downriggers. That's exactly what you'll get with Dog Bone Sportfishing Charters – a proper fishing trip that puts you right where the big salmon and trout are feeding. This isn't some touristy boat ride; it's a serious fishing charter that targets Lake Michigan's best species when they're most active.
Captain Greg knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got this early morning routine down to a science. You'll meet up before dawn because that's when the fish are hungry and moving. The boat can handle up to four anglers comfortably, so you won't feel crowded when someone hooks into a big Chinook. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes with the trip – Greg's got everything dialed in with the right lures, cut bait, and equipment for the conditions. Just make sure you've got your Michigan fishing license sorted out beforehand, and bring whatever snacks and drinks you want for the day. A cooler with some cold ones is perfectly fine, just keep it reasonable since you'll be handling fishing gear all morning.
This is all about trolling – the most effective way to cover water and find active fish on a big lake like Michigan. Captain Greg runs multiple lines at different depths using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to put your baits exactly where the fish are holding. You'll be running everything from spoons and plugs to cut bait rigs, depending on what the salmon and trout are hitting that day. The beauty of trolling is that you're always fishing – as soon as one rod goes off, you're fighting a fish while the other lines keep working. Greg handles all the technical stuff like boat speed, lure selection, and reading the fish finder, so you can focus on the fun part: landing fish.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan – these silver bullets will jump clear out of the water multiple times once you hook them. They typically run 3-8 pounds and are most active in the early morning hours, which is exactly when this charter targets them. Cohos love to feed near the surface on baitfish, making them perfect candidates for the trolling spread. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strikes and aerial displays – you'll know immediately when you've got one on.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweight champions here, and landing a big King is what many anglers consider the ultimate Lake Michigan experience. These fish can push 20+ pounds and will test your drag system and fighting skills. Kings tend to hold deeper than Cohos and make long, powerful runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. They're most active in cooler water, which is why the early start time is so important. The fight is all about endurance – these fish don't give up easily.
Rainbow Trout in Lake Michigan are chrome-bright and incredibly strong fighters. They average 5-12 pounds and are known for their long runs and head-shaking fights. Rainbows can be caught at various depths throughout the season, and they're opportunistic feeders that will hit both lures and cut bait. What's special about Lake Michigan rainbows is their condition – the abundant forage base keeps them fat and healthy, making them some of the best-fighting trout you'll find anywhere.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that can grow to impressive sizes in Michigan's cold, clear waters. These fish prefer cooler temperatures and are often found in deeper parts of the lake where they feed on smaller fish. Lakers are known for their steady, powerful fight – they won't jump like a Coho, but they'll pull hard and deep. They can live for decades and reach substantial sizes, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly. The best part about Lake Trout is they're often active when other species slow down, giving you consistent action throughout the trip.
This charter hits all the right notes for serious anglers who want to fish Lake Michigan the right way. Captain Greg provides top-rated service with all the gear and local knowledge you need, while you bring the excitement and appetite for some world-class fishing action. The early morning start maximizes your time in the most productive fishing window, and with only four spots available, you'll get plenty of personal attention and fishing time. Whether you're after the aerial show of a Coho or the power of a big Chinook, this trip puts you on fish when they're most likely to bite. Don't wait around – the best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your best day on Lake Michigan this season.
Jump aboard this well-equipped 30' Cherokee sportfishing boat powered by twin 350 HP Crusader engines for your Lake Michigan fishing charter. Captain Greg has you covered with all the gear, cut bait, and local knowledge to target Coho and Chinook salmon, plus rainbow and lake trout. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of deck space for fighting fish. Stay comfortable under the hardtop or catch some rays at the stern while trolling. Onboard amenities include a private head, icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus all the electronics you need - GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate the action. There's even a bed for anyone who needs a break between bites. Just bring your fishing license, snacks, and drinks (beer's fine in moderation). We'll start early when the fish are most active and put you on the best spots Lake Michigan has to offer.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights here, averaging 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. They're bottom huggers, staying deep in 60-150+ feet of water during the day since they avoid bright light. Early season and fall offer the best action, though summer fishing can be productive if you get down to where they live. Guests love the power these fish pack - it's a different kind of fight than coho, more of a bulldogging, line-peeling battle. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. My go-to advice is always fish deeper than you think and use downriggers to get your bait right in their face. Since kings are light-sensitive, don't be afraid to fish those deeper drops even in the middle of the day - that's often where the biggest fish are hiding.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, average 8-12 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked. They roam the upper water column during summer, often found 20-80 feet down following baitfish schools. Early morning and late evening are your best shots, especially during their fall run when they're feeding heavily. What makes coho special is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times, making every hookup memorable. Plus, that bright orange meat is some of the best eating you'll find. The key trick I share with guests is watching your fish finder for those suspended marks in open water. When you see coho on the screen, they're usually aggressive and ready to bite. Running bright spoons or plugs through those schools rarely disappoints.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep water giants, commonly running 15-30 pounds in Michigan's coldest depths. They live in 100+ feet of water most of the year, hugging bottom structure and drop-offs where the water stays consistently cold. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best windows when they move up slightly, but they're catchable year-round if you fish deep enough. What anglers love is the steady, powerful fight and the sheer size potential - these are trophy fish. The firm, flaky meat has a rich flavor that's fantastic smoked or grilled. Here's my secret: vertical jig right on bottom with big spoons or soft plastics. Lakers are curious fish, so drop your lure to bottom, then work it aggressively 5-10 feet off the deck. They'll often follow it up from the depths before committing.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 2-8 pounds in Lake Michigan, with that distinctive pink stripe along their silver sides. They're scattered throughout the water column but often hang in cooler depths during summer months. These fish love clean, well-oxygenated water around 55-64°F, making spring and fall prime times when they're more active near the surface. What guests really love is their scrappy fight - they'll jump and make strong runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent eating too, with that mild, slightly nutty flavor that's hard to beat. Here's a local tip: when trolling, try running your lures just above the thermocline where the water temperature drops. That's where they cruise looking for baitfish, and you'll often find them feeding actively in that zone.
Traverse City