Full Day Fishing Trip - Apostle Islands
When it comes to world-class fishing in the Great Lakes, the Apostle Islands stand out as one of Wisconsin's best-kept secrets. Captain Lorin with Fish of the Gitch has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the fish are holding. This 8-hour adventure takes you through some of the most productive waters on Lake Superior's Wisconsin side, where crystal-clear depths hide trophy Lake Trout and hard-fighting Salmon. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without crowding. The rugged shorelines and protected bays of the Apostles create perfect structure for big fish, and Captain Lorin's local knowledge means you'll be fishing the hottest spots while other boats are still searching.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Lorin at the dock, and trust me, you'll want that coffee strong. The pre-dawn departure gets you to the prime fishing grounds just as the fish start moving. The Apostle Islands create a maze of channels, drop-offs, and underwater structure that holds fish year-round. You'll be running in a well-equipped charter boat with all the latest electronics - GPS, fish finders, and downriggers that make the difference between a good day and a great one. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with 22 islands scattered across Lake Superior creating protected waters and diverse fishing opportunities. Captain Lorin adapts to conditions and fish behavior, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll put you on fish. The boat handles Lake Superior's moods well, but dress in layers because it can get chilly out there, especially in the morning.
Techniques & Top-Tier Gear
Captain Lorin runs a variety of techniques depending on what the fish want that day. Trolling with downriggers is the bread and butter for Lake Trout and Salmon, letting you cover water and present baits at precise depths where the fish are holding. You'll be running everything from spoons and plugs to cut bait, with the captain switching up colors and speeds until you find what triggers strikes. When the fish are shallow or relating to structure, you might find yourself jigging or casting near the islands' rocky shores. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle Lake Superior's bruisers, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. Downriggers take the guesswork out of depth control, crucial when Lake Trout are holding 40 to 80 feet down in the thermocline. The captain provides nets, coolers, and cleaning services, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of worrying about gear. GPS and sonar help locate schools of baitfish and the predators that follow them, turning what could be a day of blind trolling into precision fishing.
Target Species
Lake Trout are the backbone of Apostle Islands fishing, and these native char can grow massive in Lake Superior's cold, clean waters. Most fish run 3 to 8 pounds, but double-digit Lakers cruise these depths, especially around the deeper structure between islands. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures drop, but summer fishing stays productive if you get down to the thermocline around 50 to 80 feet. Lakers fight with dogged determination rather than flashy runs, but their size makes up for any lack of acrobatics. The meat is excellent when kept cold and prepared fresh.
Salmon fishing in the Apostles means targeting both Chinook and Coho, with Chinooks being the real prize fish. King Salmon can top 20 pounds in these waters, and when one hits your downrigger, you'll know it immediately. They prefer cooler water and are most active during spring and early summer when baitfish concentrate near the islands. Coho Salmon are smaller but fight like fish twice their size, jumping and making screaming runs that test your drag. Both species follow baitfish movements, so Captain Lorin watches his electronics to stay on the schools.
Steelhead are the wild card in Apostle Islands waters, showing up when you least expect them but providing some of the most exciting fishing available. These lake-run rainbows are pure muscle and attitude, often jumping multiple times during the fight. They're most common during spring and fall migrations, but resident fish provide action throughout the season. Even a 5-pound Steelhead will give you a workout on the appropriate tackle.
Brown Trout in Lake Superior grow fat and strong, developing the deep shoulders and bright colors that make them a favorite among anglers. They're often caught while targeting other species, lurking near structure and ambushing baitfish. Browns can be finicky, but when they're feeding, they'll hammer spoons and plugs with aggressive strikes. Fall fishing can be particularly productive as Browns move shallow to feed before winter.
Walleye might seem out of place in Lake Superior's deep waters, but the Apostle Islands' varied structure creates perfect habitat for these popular game fish. They're most active during low-light periods and can provide steady action when other species are off the bite. Walleye in these waters often run larger than their inland counterparts, and the meat quality is top-notch. They're typically found around rocky points and underwater humps where they can ambush prey.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Lorin's Full Day Fishing Trip gives you access to some of the most renowned fishing waters in the Great Lakes region. Eight hours on the water means you'll have time to work different areas and techniques, adapting to what the fish want that day. The Apostle Islands offer the perfect combination of scenic beauty and world-class fishing, making this a customer favorite for both serious anglers and families looking to create lasting memories. With expert guidance, quality equipment, and flexible techniques, you're set up for success from the moment you leave the dock. Whether you're after a trophy