Lake Michigan Fishing with Captain Corey
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Captain Corey guides anglers to Lake Michigan's best fishing spotsAll skill levels welcome for 5-10 hour fishing adventuresSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per charter
Captain Corey Kubsch has been running some of the most productive fishing charters on Lake Michigan, and his single-day trips are quickly becoming the talk among serious anglers. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to land your personal best or a family wanting to introduce the kids to world-class fishing, Captain Corey's got the knowledge and patience to make it happen. His charters run anywhere from 5 to 10 hours, giving you plenty of time to work the productive waters and dial in on whatever species are biting best that day.
When you step aboard with Captain Corey, you're getting more than just a boat ride – you're tapping into years of experience reading Lake Michigan's moods and patterns. He knows exactly where the thermoclines set up, which structures hold fish during different seasons, and how to adjust tactics when the bite gets tough. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, which means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention. Captain Corey welcomes all skill levels, so don't worry if you've never run downriggers or worked planer boards – he'll walk you through everything step by step. The beauty of these longer trips is that you're not rushed; there's time to move spots, try different presentations, and really dial in on what's working. Pack your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too focused on the action to think much about food once the fish start cooperating.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about covering water efficiently, and that means trolling is king. Captain Corey runs a proven setup with downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers to spread lines across different depths and distances from the boat. You'll be working with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy cohos to tackle-busting king salmon. The key to success out here is speed control and lure selection – Captain Corey constantly monitors water temperature, marks fish on the electronics, and adjusts presentation based on what he's seeing. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all have their place depending on conditions and target species. The boat's equipped with all the terminal tackle you'll need, including fresh leaders, sharp hooks, and a variety of proven lures. Don't be surprised if Captain Corey suggests switching colors or changing depths multiple times during the trip – that's how you stay on fish when conditions change throughout the day.
The rainbow trout fishing has been absolutely stellar, with most fish running 3 to 6 pounds and displaying that classic chrome finish that makes them so photogenic. These rainbows are aggressive feeders and put up an amazing fight relative to their size – they'll make multiple runs and often go airborne when hooked. Spring and early summer offer the most consistent action, when rainbows are concentrated in the upper water column chasing baitfish. Coho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, averaging 4 to 8 pounds and known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. Peak coho season runs from late summer into fall, and these fish will absolutely test your drag system. Steelhead trout are the ultimate prize for many anglers – these lake-run monsters can exceed 15 pounds and fight like freight trains. Spring offers the best steelhead opportunities when these bruisers are feeding heavily before their spawning runs. Chinook salmon are the kings of the Great Lakes for good reason, with mature fish reaching 20+ pounds and displaying raw power that'll leave your arms aching. Late summer and early fall produce the largest kings as they bulk up for their spawning cycle. Brown trout are the trickiest to pattern but offer some of the most rewarding fishing – these educated fish can grow huge in Lake Michigan's fertile waters, with trophy browns exceeding 10 pounds not uncommon for anglers who put in their time.
Captain Corey's reputation for putting clients on fish is spreading fast among the Lake Michigan fishing community, and his calendar fills up quickly during prime seasons. These single-day charters offer incredible value when you consider the quality of the fishing, the captain's expertise, and the memories you'll create with family or friends. Whether you're chasing your first salmon, looking to land a trophy steelhead, or just want to experience some of the best freshwater fishing in North America, this trip delivers. The flexible trip length means you can customize your adventure based on your schedule and how the fishing is shaping up. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates book up fast, especially during peak salmon and steelhead seasons. Contact Fishin' Again Charters today and get your spot reserved with one of Lake Michigan's most knowledgeable and dedicated captains.
Captain Corey's well-equipped motorboat cuts through Lake Michigan's waters with ease, bringing up to 4 anglers directly to where the fish are biting. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your next catch, while GPS navigation ensures you're always heading to the most productive spots. With a clean restroom facility, you can focus on what matters most - landing that trophy salmon or steelhead. The boat's reliable engine gets you out to the deep water fishing grounds quickly, maximizing your time with lines in the water. Whether you're after chinook salmon, coho, or lake trout, this vessel has everything needed for a successful day of Great Lakes fishing. Captain Corey knows these waters like the back of his hand, positioning the boat perfectly for trolling runs and helping both seasoned anglers and first-timers experience the excitement of Lake Michigan's legendary fishing action.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Lake Michigan - they didn't earn their reputation as "old brownies" for nothing. These cautious fighters average 8-24 inches and 3-8 pounds, but the big ones can push 15 pounds or more. They prefer structure like rocky areas, drop-offs, and weed lines in cooler water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning, especially during low-light periods. What makes browns special is their wariness - landing one feels like you've outsmarted a worthy opponent. The mild, flaky meat is excellent eating too. They're originally from Europe but have thrived in the Great Lakes for over 140 years. Pro tip: browns are night feeders, so try fishing deeper during bright days or focus on dawn and dusk when they're more active near structure.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, commonly running 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30-plus. These powerful fish prefer deeper, colder water and stay down where it's dark - they're sensitive to bright light. Early morning and evening produce the best action when they venture up from the depths to feed. What makes kings special is their sheer power and that incredible orange-pink meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're built for long, sustained fights that can last 20 minutes or more. Spring through early fall offers prime fishing when they're actively chasing alewives and other baitfish. Local tip: use heavy tackle and get your baits down deep with downriggers - these fish spend most of their time 40-80 feet down in the thermocline where the water stays cool.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are pure excitement on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight. They cruise Lake Michigan's open waters but move shallow in spring and fall when chasing baitfish. Early morning and evening produce the best bites when they're actively feeding. What sets cohos apart is their aggressive nature and those spectacular aerial displays - they can leap up to 6 feet vertically. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. Best fishing happens during their migration periods in spring and fall when they're closest to shore. Here's a local trick: when trolling, watch for diving birds - cohos often feed in the same areas, pushing baitfish to the surface.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Lake Michigan typically run 2-8 pounds and 12-20 inches, though we see some beauties pushing closer to 24 inches. These fish love cool, clean water around 55-65°F and cruise the deeper sections during summer heat. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're feeding aggressively near the surface. What makes rainbows special is their fight - they'll jump and make strong runs that test your drag. The pink flesh tastes great on the table too. They're actually the same species as steelhead, just with different life habits. Pro tip: when the water warms up, look for them near thermoclines where cooler water meets warm - that temperature break is where they hang out waiting to ambush baitfish.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate prize fish - basically rainbow trout that spent time in big water and grew into silver rockets averaging 24 inches and 8-15 pounds. These Great Lakes steelhead are phenomenal fighters with long, powerful runs that'll test your equipment. They prefer deeper, cooler water during summer but move into tributaries and near-shore areas during spring and fall migrations. What makes them special is their stamina - they fight harder and longer than most fish their size. The firm, pink meat is top-shelf eating. Fall through spring offers peak action when they're moving toward spawning areas. Pro tip: steelhead are light-sensitive, so focus your efforts during low-light periods - early morning, evening, or overcast days when they're more likely to be active in shallow water.
Lake Michigan