Weekend Salmon Fishing on Lake Michigan
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target King salmon during peak July through September seasonExpert guidance provided with all fishing gear and essentials includedFourhour weekend trips accommodate up to six guests maximum
Nothing beats the rush of hooking into a monster King salmon in the deep waters of Lake Michigan. Our 4-hour weekend trips put you right in the action during prime salmon season, from May through September. Whether you're a first-timer looking to learn the ropes or a seasoned angler chasing your next trophy, these trips deliver the goods. We keep it simple – show up with your energy and appetite for action, and we'll handle everything else. With spots for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, buddy trips, or anyone wanting to experience world-class Great Lakes fishing without the hassle of organizing gear and logistics.
These weekend adventures kick off early when the fish are most active and the lake shows its best colors. Lake Michigan's offshore waters are where the big salmon cruise, and that's exactly where we'll be setting lines. The experience moves fast – we're not just sitting around waiting for bites. Expect to be actively involved in the fishing process, from helping deploy downriggers to learning how to read your rod tip for strikes. The atmosphere stays relaxed but focused, with plenty of coaching for newcomers and space for experienced anglers to do their thing. Peak action happens during July, August, and September when mature Kings are feeding heavy before their spawning runs. The boat stays comfortable with room to move around, and you'll have multiple lines in the water maximizing your chances at hooking up with some serious fish.
We fish these Lake Michigan waters using proven trolling techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. Downriggers get our lures down to where the salmon are suspended, typically anywhere from 40 to 120 feet depending on water temperature and bait location. You'll be working with quality rods and reels spooled with appropriate line for big lake fishing – no need to worry about bringing your own gear unless you want to. Popular setups include spoons, flasher-fly combinations, and plugs that mimic the alewives and other baitfish these salmon hammer. We adjust our trolling speed and lure selection based on current conditions, and part of the fun is learning why certain colors and presentations work better on different days. The boat's equipped with fish finders and GPS to locate productive water and keep us on fish throughout the trip.
Chinook Salmon are the main attraction here and for good reason – these are the biggest, strongest fish swimming in Lake Michigan. Also called King salmon, these bruisers commonly hit 15-25 pounds with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly during peak season. They fight like freight trains, making long runs and testing your drag system to the limit. July through September offers your best shot at trophy-sized Kings as they bulk up on baitfish before heading to spawning rivers. The strikes can be subtle or bone-jarring, but once hooked, you're in for a workout that'll have your arms burning and adrenaline pumping.
Rainbow Trout add variety to the mix and are absolute acrobats when hooked. These fish typically range from 5-12 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays – expect multiple jumps and erratic runs that keep you on your toes. Rainbows often feed closer to the surface than salmon, especially during cooler morning hours. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action when salmon fishing slows down. Their silver sides and pink stripe make them beautiful fish, and their aggressive feeding behavior means they'll hit a wide variety of lures and presentations.
Lake Trout represent the deep-water specialists of our target species. These native fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds possible though 8-15 pounders are more typical. Lakers prefer the deepest, coldest water we fish and provide a different kind of fight – more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle than the speed runs of salmon and rainbows. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures drop, making them a reliable target during May and September trips. Lake trout have incredible table quality with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Lake Michigan salmon fishing during peak season is a customer favorite that fills up fast, especially for weekend dates. These 4-hour trips give you serious fishing time without eating up your entire weekend, and the combination of expert guidance, quality gear, and productive fishing grounds makes it a top-rated choice for both locals and visitors. You'll walk away with new fishing knowledge, hopefully some great fish for the freezer, and definitely some stories worth telling. The learning curve is friendly for beginners, but the fishing is challenging enough to keep experienced anglers engaged. Don't wait too long to reserve your spot – the best salmon fishing windows fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on some of the best freshwater fishing action in the country.
Our 31' Tiara is your ticket to prime salmon fishing on Lake Michigan's deep waters. Twin 350HP Crusader engines get you to the hotspots fast, cruising at 33 knots to maximize your fishing time. Built for up to 6 anglers, this offshore machine comes loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate those big Kings, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus VHF radio to stay connected. The onboard kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Between fishing sessions, relax in the comfortable cabin with multimedia system, bed, and toilet facilities. Perfect for weekend warriors targeting trophy salmon from May through September, when Lake Michigan's waters are alive with King salmon. Whether you're a rookie or seasoned angler, this boat delivers the speed, comfort, and fishing capabilities to make your Lake Michigan adventure productive and memorable.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan, averaging 12-20 pounds but regularly hitting 30+ pounds during peak season. These silver-sided fighters with black-spotted backs prefer deeper, cooler waters and put up legendary battles with powerful runs and jumps. July through September offers the best action when they're actively feeding on alewives and smelt. What makes them special isn't just their size - their rich, orange-pink meat is outstanding table fare. Since kings are light-sensitive, they typically stay deep during bright conditions. Here's a local trick: when trolling, watch your downrigger closely. Kings often hit hard and fast, so keep your drag properly set and be ready for that initial screaming run.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water monsters of the Great Lakes, commonly reaching 15-25 pounds with some true giants pushing 40+ pounds. These grey-green char prefer the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Michigan, often suspended 80-150 feet down. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they move shallower. Anglers love them for their steady, powerful fights and excellent white meat that's perfect for smoking or grilling. Unlike other trout, lakers don't jump much but they'll take long, determined runs. Jigging works best in deep water - drop a heavy spoon or jig down and work it aggressively. Local secret: when you mark fish on the finder, don't stop jigging if they don't hit immediately. Lakers often follow lures for minutes before striking.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Lake Michigan are scrappy fighters that typically run 2-6 pounds, though larger ones push 8-10 pounds. These colorful fish with their distinctive pink stripes love the cooler waters near thermoclines and structure. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities when they move into shallower areas to feed. What guests really enjoy is their acrobatic fight - rainbows jump, twist, and make blistering runs that test your skills. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Early morning and evening fishing works best since they prefer low-light conditions. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them in. Their soft mouths tear easily, so let them run and tire themselves out naturally.
Muskegon