Lake Michigan Salmon & Trout Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Early morning trolling maximizes active fish encounters offshoreTarget Coho and Chinook Salmon plus Rainbow and Lake TroutCaptain provides all equipment and bait for groups up to four
There's something special about hitting Lake Michigan's deep waters before dawn, when the big fish are still feeding and the competition hasn't arrived yet. Captain Greg runs a tight ship with Dog Bone Sportfishing Charters, and this early morning trolling trip puts you right where the salmon and trout are staging. With room for just four anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to battle those hard-fighting Chinook and Coho salmon that make Lake Michigan famous. Don't forget your fishing license and pack some snacks – you'll work up an appetite out there.
Captain Greg gets you on the fish by starting early, usually before sunrise when the salmon are most active in the cooler surface temps. The boat heads out into Lake Michigan's deeper structure where thermal layers create perfect hunting grounds for hungry salmon and trout. You'll be trolling with downriggers and planer boards, covering serious water while your lines work at different depths. The captain provides all tackle, bait, and gear – he knows exactly what these fish want and when they want it. Expect to run multiple rods per angler, so there's always action happening somewhere on the boat. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on coaching and prime spots at the rail when fish start hitting.
This is pure Great Lakes trolling at its finest. Captain Greg runs a full spread with downriggers working the thermocline while planer boards cover the edges where fish cruise for baitfish. You'll be pulling cut bait, spoons, and plugs at precise speeds – usually between 2.5 and 3.2 mph depending on conditions and what the fish are telling you. The downriggers let you target specific depths where salmon are holding, often 60-120 feet down during summer months. When a rod goes off, it's all hands on deck. These Lake Michigan salmon don't give up easy, and you'll need to work them carefully with the net ready. The captain handles boat positioning and coaching while you focus on the fight.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. These silver bullets typically run 3-8 pounds and fight way above their weight class. Coho stage in 40-80 feet of water during summer, feeding heavily on alewives and smelt. They're most active during low-light periods, which is why those early morning trips produce the best action. What makes Coho special is their unpredictability – they'll hit everything from flashy spoons to subtle cut bait presentations, and when hooked, they go ballistic on the surface.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the Great Lakes for good reason. These bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and provide drag-screaming battles that test your endurance and equipment. King salmon prefer deeper, cooler water and are often found near bottom structure where they ambush schools of baitfish. They're most active during spring and fall runs, but summer trolling can produce quality fish staging in the thermocline. Landing a big Chinook is a team effort – the angler, captain, and net man all need to work together to boat these powerful fish.
Rainbow Trout in Lake Michigan are chrome-bright and surprisingly aggressive, often mistaken for small Coho at first glance. These fish typically range 2-6 pounds but occasionally reach double digits. Rainbows love structure and temperature breaks, making them perfect targets for the trolling spread. They're known for long, sustained runs and aerial displays when hooked. What's exciting about Lake Michigan rainbows is their willingness to hit lures – they're less finicky than their stream cousins and provide consistent action throughout the season.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, often found in 80-200 feet of water hugging bottom structure. These native fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with 10-15 pounders being common and fish over 20 pounds always possible. Lakers fight differently than salmon – more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle than the wild runs of salmon. They're most active during cooler months but can be targeted year-round by working the right depths. Catching a trophy lake trout is a highlight for many anglers, representing a true native Great Lakes species.
Dog Bone Sportfishing Charters delivers the kind of personalized Lake Michigan fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Captain Greg's early morning approach puts you on active fish when they're feeding, and his small boat capacity ensures everyone gets premium treatment. Whether you're chasing your first Lake Michigan salmon or trying to land a trophy Chinook, this charter gives you the best shot at success. The captain provides everything except your license and lunch, so all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Lake Michigan is considered one of the world's top salmon fisheries.
Get ready to chase salmon and trout aboard our 30-foot Cherokee sportfishing boat! This well-equipped vessel runs on twin 350 HP Crusader engines, giving you the power to reach the best fishing spots on Lake Michigan. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines while targeting Coho and Chinook salmon, plus rainbow and lake trout. The hardtop provides shade when you need it, while the open stern gives you space to fight those hard-running fish. Onboard amenities include a private toilet, icebox to keep your catch fresh, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a fish finder to locate schools. Downriggers are rigged and ready for trolling the depths where the big ones lurk. Captain Greg handles all the tackle and bait, so just bring your license, snacks, and drinks. Early morning departures mean you'll be fishing when the salmon are most active.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, running 12-39 inches and commonly hitting 15-30 pounds. These are the fish that make your drag scream. They prefer deeper, darker water and are light-sensitive, so our early morning starts give you the best shot at hooking up. Spring through early fall offers prime fishing when they're chasing baitfish near thermal layers. The reddish-pink meat is premium eating, and the fight is legendary - long, powerful runs that test your gear. Chinooks are smart fish that require finesse. Key tip: keep your drag smooth but not too tight. These big fish will break you off on their initial run if your drag sticks or you try to muscle them.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These 12-30 inch fish average 8-12 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic jumps - they can leap 6 feet straight up. You'll find them suspended in mid-water during our early morning trolling runs. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding on alewives and smelt. The bright orange-red meat is outstanding table fare. What makes coho special is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They'll take you on a wild ride with multiple jumps and strong runs. Local trick: when a coho jumps, bow your rod toward the fish to keep tension without breaking your line.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants lurking in Lake Michigan's depths, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These coldwater fish live deep most of the year, coming up only during spring and fall turnover. They're slow-growing but long-lived, making each one special. Lakers are powerful fighters that use their weight and the deep water against you - expect a bulldogging battle rather than flashy jumps. The firm, flaky meat is excellent smoked or grilled. Best fishing happens in low-light conditions when they move up to feed. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days are golden. Pro tip: use a slow, steady jigging motion when fishing deep - lakers prefer a wounded baitfish presentation over aggressive action.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds in Lake Michigan. You'll find them in cooler depths during summer, moving shallower in spring and fall when water temps hit that sweet spot of 55-64°F. These fish are scrappy fighters with that signature pink stripe, and they jump when hooked. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Best fishing happens early morning or evening when they're actively feeding. Since rainbows are sensitive to pollution, finding them means you're fishing clean water. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes - that speed change often triggers strikes from following fish.
Traverse City