Fisherman's Special Charter on Lake Michigan
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day fishing charter accommodates up to 6 guestsCaptain handles all licensing and administrative requirementsOvernight lodging with two rooms included in package
Looking for a solid day on the water without the hassle? This six-person charter out of Kewaunee or Winthrop Harbor puts you right where the action is on Lake Michigan. Captain handles all the paperwork – licenses, stamps, the whole deal – so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. We're talking 3 to 6 hours of fishing or until you hit your limits, whichever comes first. Plus, you've got overnight lodging with two rooms waiting for you after a day of battling salmon and trout. Perfect setup for a weekend getaway with your crew.
These waters off Kewaunee and Winthrop Harbor are absolutely loaded with fish, especially during peak season from late spring through early fall. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped charter boat with all the gear you need – downriggers, planer boards, quality rods and reels. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish whether they're running shallow in 40 feet or cruising the deep thermocline at 120 feet down. Early morning starts are typical, but trust me, when you see those rods start bouncing with salmon and trout, you'll forget all about the early alarm. The boat comfortably handles six anglers, so everyone gets plenty of room to fight their fish without getting tangled up.
We run a combination of downriggers and planer boards to cover as much water as possible. Downriggers let us get baits down to precise depths where the fish are holding, while the planer boards spread our lines out wide to cover more territory. You'll be using spoons, flasher-fly combinations, and plugs depending on what the fish want that day. Dodgers and flashers create the flash and vibration that drives these Great Lakes salmon and trout absolutely crazy. The captain reads the fish finder and adjusts depths constantly – one minute we might be fishing 35 feet down in 60 feet of water, next thing you know we're dropping baits to 80 feet over 150 feet of water chasing a school that showed up on the sonar. Lead core lines and copper lines also come into play when fish are scattered or spooked by boat traffic.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter fish here, typically running 3 to 8 pounds with occasional monsters pushing double digits. These chrome rockets love the cooler water temperatures and can be found year-round, though spring and fall fishing tends to be most productive. They hit spoons hard and put up an amazing fight, jumping clear out of the water multiple times. Rainbows stage near shore in spring for their spawning runs, making them accessible in relatively shallow water.
Coho Salmon show up in big numbers during summer months, averaging 4 to 10 pounds of pure muscle. These silver bullets are absolute acrobats when hooked, jumping repeatedly and making long runs that'll test your drag system. Cohos prefer water temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s, so we often find them suspended over deep water or relating to temperature breaks where warm surface water meets cooler depths.
Steelhead Trout are the ultimate prize for many anglers – essentially rainbow trout that have spent time in the big lake and bulked up. These fish average 6 to 12 pounds and fight like freight trains, combining the jumping ability of rainbows with the raw power that comes from feeding on alewives and smelt in open water. Fall steelhead fishing can be absolutely phenomenal when conditions align.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the Great Lakes, with fish commonly weighing 15 to 25 pounds and occasional giants exceeding 30 pounds. These bruisers prefer deeper, cooler water and are typically found following baitfish schools along underwater structure. When a big king hits your line, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful runs and use their size to advantage, often diving deep to try to break you off.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in these waters, known for their wariness and fighting ability. They average 4 to 12 pounds but can grow much larger. Browns are often most active during low-light periods like dawn and dusk, and they have a reputation for following baits for long distances before deciding to strike. When they do hit, browns are bulldogs that use every trick in the book to throw your hooks.
This charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive fishing on proven waters with a captain who knows how to put fish in the boat. The overnight lodging takes care of your accommodations, so you can focus on fishing instead of logistics. Whether you're after your first Great Lakes salmon or looking to add another trophy to your collection, these waters consistently produce quality fish. The six-person capacity makes this perfect for groups of friends or family members who want to share the experience. Don't wait too long to book – prime dates during peak season fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Great Lakes have to offer.
This fully-equipped motorboat is your ticket to serious fishing action on Lake Michigan's productive waters near Kewaunee and Winthrop Harbor. Built for up to six anglers, she comes loaded with GPS navigation to hit the hottest fishing spots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of salmon, trout, and perch lurking below. The onboard toilet means longer fishing days without heading back to shore. Her reliable engine cuts through lake swells smoothly, getting you to the fish faster and keeping you comfortable during those epic 3-6 hour fishing sessions. Whether you're trolling for kings or casting for cohos, this boat handles it all while the captain takes care of licenses so you can focus on landing your limit.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish in these waters, averaging 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, but the big ones can surprise you. They love structure - think rocky areas, drop-offs, or anywhere with cover. Browns prefer cooler water and often feed more aggressively at night, especially during fall. What makes them special is their wariness - they're harder to fool than other trout, so landing one feels like a real accomplishment. The meat is mild and firm, great eating when prepared right. Fall is prime time when they feed heavily before winter. Here's my local tip: browns are spooky, so approach quietly and fish areas other anglers might skip. Try crawfish patterns or dark streamers near bottom structure, especially as light fades.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook, or king salmon, are the giants of our waters - they can reach 39 inches and 30+ pounds, though most run 12-25 pounds. These fish prefer deeper, colder water and tend to stay near bottom structure during the day since they're sensitive to light. Best fishing is early morning or evening from late spring through early fall. What draws anglers to kings is their sheer size and power - hooking into a big chinook means a serious fight that can last 20 minutes or more. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling. Since kings stay deep and are light-shy, my best advice is to fish weighted baits or lures near bottom structure, especially around dawn or dusk when they move up to feed.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them, typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds in these waters. They're known for being acrobatic fighters that can jump up to 6 feet when hooked. You'll find them in deeper, cooler water during the day, moving shallower to feed at dawn and dusk. Best fishing happens from late spring through fall when they're actively feeding before their spawning runs. What guests love about cohos is that combination of aerial displays and strong runs - they put on a real show. The meat is outstanding too, with bright orange flesh that's perfect for grilling. My go-to tip for cohos is to use bright colors like chartreuse or pink in your lures, especially when the water's a bit murky.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout average 8-24 inches and usually run 2-8 pounds, though they can get bigger in these waters. You'll find them in cooler depths during summer, near structure like rocky areas or drop-offs. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, so spring and fall fishing tends to be most productive. What makes rainbows special is their willingness to fight - they'll jump, run, and give you a real battle on light tackle. Plus, they taste great with that pink flesh and mild, slightly nutty flavor. The key to landing more rainbows is keeping your bait moving naturally through the water column. Don't let it sit static - these fish want something that looks alive and worth chasing.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in big water, making them bigger, stronger, and more silver. They average around 24 inches but can reach 45 inches, with most fish running 6-15 pounds. These are migratory fish that move through our area during spring and fall runs, preferring cooler water near structure like boulders or drop-offs. Best fishing is mid-fall through spring when they're moving to and from spawning areas. What makes steelhead special is their power - they're arguably the hardest fighting trout you'll encounter, with long runs and aerial displays. The meat quality is top-notch too. Here's a local trick: steelhead are light-sensitive, so fish early morning or evening, and don't be afraid to go deep with your presentation.
Lake Michigan