4-Hour Lake Michigan Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour Lake Michigan fishing trip with morning or afternoon optionsTarget Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Salmon speciesAccommodates up to five guests with professional captain guidance
When you're looking for a solid half-day fishing trip on Lake Michigan, this 4-hour charter out of Port Washington hits all the right notes. Whether you're an angler who's been chasing fish for decades or someone who's still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, this trip gives you a real taste of what Lake Michigan fishing is all about. You'll be trolling the deeper waters where the big lake trout and salmon cruise, and with morning or afternoon departure times, you can work this adventure around your schedule. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are holding.
This isn't some rushed tourist trap - it's a proper fishing trip that gives you time to settle in and actually catch some fish. You'll head out from Port Washington's harbor and make your way to the productive fishing zones where the thermocline sets up just right for trout and salmon. The boat can handle up to 5 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, there's plenty of room to move around and work the lines. The captain will read the conditions and recommend whether a morning or afternoon departure works best - sometimes the fish are more active in the early hours, other times they're feeding heavier in the afternoon. The flexibility here is a huge plus, especially when you're trying to coordinate schedules or work around other vacation plans.
The name of the game here is trolling, and if you've never done it before, you're in for a treat. The captain will set up multiple lines with downriggers and planer boards to cover different depths and spread the lures out wide. You'll be running spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos that have proven themselves on Lake Michigan year after year. The boat moves at a steady 2-3 mph, letting the lures work their magic in the strike zone where these fish are actively feeding. When a rod starts bouncing, that's your cue to grab it and start reeling. The captain will coach you through the fight, especially if you hook into a big chinook that wants to make multiple runs. All the gear is provided, from the rods and reels to the tackle and nets, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about what to bring.
Coho salmon are absolute rockets when they hit your line, often jumping multiple times and making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets typically run 3-8 pounds in Lake Michigan and are most active from late spring through early fall. They're aggressive feeders that love bright spoons and plugs, and they'll often hit close to the surface in the early morning or late afternoon. What makes cohos special is their acrobatic fight - they'll leap clear out of the water and shake their heads trying to throw the hook.
Steelhead trout are the marathon runners of the lake, known for long, powerful runs that can take 100 yards of line in a heartbeat. These chrome-bright fish average 5-12 pounds and are built for speed and endurance. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round in the deeper, colder waters off Port Washington. Steelhead have incredible stamina and will test every knot in your setup. They're prized not just for their fighting ability but also for their excellent table fare.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These bruiser fish can weigh anywhere from 10-25 pounds, with some monsters pushing even bigger. They're most active from late spring through early fall, feeding heavily on alewives and smelt in the deeper waters. When a big king hits your line, you'll know it immediately - they make powerful, sustained runs and have the muscle to really test your equipment. The fight can last 15-20 minutes with a big fish, and they're notorious for making one last strong run right at the boat.
Brown trout are the craftiest fish in the lake, often feeding at dawn and dusk when the light is low. They typically range from 3-10 pounds and have a reputation for being finicky eaters. Browns love structure and often relate to temperature breaks where they can ambush baitfish. They're known for their golden-brown coloration and their tendency to jump when hooked. Many anglers consider browns the best eating fish in the lake, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, often found in 60-120 feet of water where the temperature stays consistently cold. These native fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes - 5-15 pounders are common, with some reaching 20+ pounds. They're most active in spring and fall when they move into shallower waters, but can be caught year-round by those willing to fish deep. Lakers are strong, steady fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage. They're also excellent eating, especially when caught from the cold, clean waters of Lake Michigan.
A 4-hour trip gives you the perfect window to experience Lake Michigan fishing without burning a whole day. You'll have time to get into the fish, learn the techniques, and hopefully put some quality trout and salmon in the cooler. The captain's local knowledge and flexible scheduling make this a top-rated choice for both locals and visitors looking to get on the water. With five different species to target and proven trolling techniques, your chances of success are solid. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing windows fill up fast, especially during peak season when the salmon and trout are most active.
Captain Dave's 28-foot Sea Ray is built for serious Lake Michigan fishing. This clean, spacious boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers (4 adults plus a couple kids) with plenty of room to move around while fighting those hard-pulling salmon and trout. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate schools in the deep water. There's even a toilet onboard for those longer battles with lake trout. The Sea Ray's stable platform makes it perfect for trolling the waters off Port Washington, whether you're targeting steelhead in the shallows or heading out for chinook in deeper water. With both morning and afternoon trips available, you can hit the water when the fish are most active.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of Lake Michigan - they're cautious, selective, and incredibly satisfying to catch. These fish typically run 8-24 inches and weigh 1-9 pounds, with their golden-brown backs and distinctive black spots making them easy to identify. Browns love structure and cooler water, often hanging around rocky areas, drop-offs, and near shore in 20-80 feet of water. They're most active during low-light conditions and can be caught year-round, but fall fishing when they feed aggressively before winter is prime time. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're challenging to catch, which makes landing one really rewarding. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Browns will test your patience but reward persistence. Here's something I've learned over the years: when browns are being finicky, slow your trolling speed way down and use smaller, more natural-colored lures.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, or Kings as we call them, are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These monsters typically run 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but don't be surprised when we hook into 20-30 pounders. Kings have silver sides with blue-green backs and distinctive black spots on their head, back, and all fins. They're light-sensitive fish that prefer deeper water, usually found 60-200 feet down during summer months. Early morning and evening bites are most productive, with spring and fall offering the best action when they move shallower. What draws anglers to Kings is simple - they're the ultimate trophy fish with incredible pulling power and that beautiful orange-pink meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The fights are long, methodical battles that really test your equipment. Pro tip: since Kings are spooky, keep your downrigger balls at least 10 feet above your lures and use longer leaders than you think you need.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, are one of the most acrobatic fish you'll hook in Lake Michigan. These beauties typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds, though we've seen bigger ones. They're known for their incredible jumps - they can leap up to 6 feet out of the water when hooked. Cohos have that classic silver body with dark blue-green backs and black spots on their tail. We find them suspended in the water column, usually 20-80 feet down depending on water temperature. Spring through fall fishing is prime time, with late summer being especially productive. What makes cohos special is their aggressive strikes and wild fighting style - they'll make multiple runs and jumps that keep everyone on the boat excited. The orange-red meat tastes fantastic too. Pro tip: when trolling spoons, vary your speed every few minutes - cohos love that erratic action.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of our fishery and the largest member of the char family. These fish are built for the depths, typically running 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds - real tanks that provide steady, powerful fights. Lakers have that distinctive grey-green coloring with cream-colored spots and prefer the coldest water we can find, usually 80-200 feet down during summer. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they move shallower and feed more actively. What's great about lake trout is their consistency - when you find them, you can usually catch several, and they fight with that deep, steady pressure that really bends rods. The meat is excellent, especially from these cold, clean waters. Lakers avoid bright light, so overcast days or early morning trips are most productive. My go-to technique is jigging spoons right near bottom - when you feel them, drop your jig another 10 feet because they often school in layers.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in the big lake, which makes them stronger, more silvery, and way more aggressive than their stream cousins. These fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and really pack on the weight - some of the best fights you'll have on Lake Michigan. They're typically found suspended in open water or cruising near structure in 40-120 feet of water. The cooler months from fall through spring are when steelhead fishing really shines, especially during overcast conditions. What sets steelhead apart is their incredible stamina and long runs - they'll strip line like nothing else and make multiple powerful runs that test your drag system. The meat is excellent eating with that classic pink color. Here's a local tip: when we're marking fish but they won't bite, try dropping your presentation 10 feet deeper than where you see them on the fish finder.
Lake Michigan