5.0(1 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Lake Michigan Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour Lake Michigan fishing charter accommodates up to five guestsTarget trout and salmon species using professional trolling techniquesMorning and afternoon departure times available for scheduling flexibility
There's something special about getting out on Lake Michigan for a solid half-day of fishing, and this 5-hour charter from Port Washington hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you're an angler who's been working these waters for years or someone just getting their feet wet, this trip gives you serious time to get into the fish without burning your whole day. Captain Dave runs a tight operation here, and the flexibility of morning or afternoon departures means you can work around whatever else life throws at you. The boat heads out into some of the most productive trout and salmon waters on the Great Lakes, where the fishing can be absolutely electric when conditions line up right.
This isn't your typical rushed fishing trip where you barely get your lines wet before heading back to port. Five hours gives you real time to work different depths, try various presentations, and dial in what the fish want that day. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts the game plan based on what's been producing lately. Some days that means working the thermocline in 80 feet of water, other days you might find yourself trolling the surface in 40 feet chasing active salmon. The boat accommodates up to 5 anglers comfortably, so you've got plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows. Morning trips often start around sunrise when the water's calm and the fish are feeding, while afternoon departures can catch that evening bite when things start heating up again.
Lake Michigan trolling is an art form, and you'll get to see it in action on this trip. The boat runs multiple lines at different depths using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to cover as much water as possible. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations are the go-to presentations here, with colors and sizes adjusted based on water clarity and what the fish are showing preference for. The captain provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except maybe a cooler for your catch. Electronics play a huge role in success out here - the fish finder and GPS help locate schools of baitfish and mark productive structure. When you hook up, you'll be fighting these fish on quality gear that can handle the long runs salmon and trout are famous for on the Great Lakes.
"Went on a family fishing trip with Capt' Dave and had a great time! He took care of everything for us and was very professional and friendly to work with. Would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get out on the water!" - Justin
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and will test your drag system when they decide to make a run for deep water. Spring through early fall is prime time, with the best action often happening when they're staging near river mouths or following baitfish schools. The fight is legendary - long runs, jumping, and that bulldogging power that makes your arms burn. Landing a big king is a highlight that sticks with anglers for years.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. They're smaller than kings, usually in the 5-12 pound range, but they make up for it with acrobatics that'll have you scrambling for the net. These silver rockets love to jump and will put on a show once hooked. Cohos are often found in slightly shallower water than kings and can be more aggressive, making them great targets when you want consistent action.
Steelhead Trout are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These chrome-bright fighters are famous for their aerial displays and never-give-up attitude. Most run 6-15 pounds, but they fight like they're twice that size. Spring and fall offer the hottest steelhead action, often when they're moving in close to shore preparing for spawning runs. The combination of speed, jumps, and raw power makes steelhead a favorite among serious anglers.
Brown Trout are the thinking angler's fish - they can be finicky but reward patience with some of the best table fare in the lake. These golden-colored fighters prefer cooler water and can be found at various depths depending on the season. Browns often cruise structure and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for the trolling techniques used on these trips. They're known for their wariness, so when you connect with a good brown, it feels like you've outsmarted one of the lake's craftiest residents.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists of this fishery. These native fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds always a possibility. Lakers prefer the deeper, colder water and are typically caught while targeting other species, making them a nice bonus fish. Their fight is more of a steady, powerful pull rather than the flashy runs of salmon, but their size and the fact that they're a true native species makes them special catches.
Port Washington offers some of the most consistent Lake Michigan fishing you'll find, and this 5-hour format lets you experience it without the commitment of a full-day charter. The variety of species keeps things interesting - you never know if the next fish on is going to be a screaming coho or a tank steelhead. Captain Dave's local knowledge and professional approach means you're in good hands whether this is your first charter or your fiftieth. The flexibility of morning and afternoon departures makes it easy to work into any schedule, and with space for up to 5 anglers, it's perfect for family trips or getting out with your fishing buddies. Don't sleep on booking - the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the
Captain Dave's 28-foot Sea Ray is built for serious Lake Michigan fishing, with enough room for up to 4 adults or 6 passengers if kids are coming along. The boat's equipped with everything you need to find and land trout and salmon – GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate where the fish are holding. You'll spend your 5 hours trolling the productive waters off Port Washington, targeting Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and both Chinook and Coho Salmon. The spacious layout gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and there's an onboard toilet for convenience during longer battles. Whether you pick the morning or afternoon departure, this clean, well-maintained vessel puts you right where Lake Michigan's best fishing action happens. Perfect for both newcomers wanting to learn the ropes and experienced anglers looking to dial in on these legendary waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the crafty veterans of Lake Michigan, and they'll test your skills every time. These golden-brown beauties average 8-24 inches but the lake-run fish can surprise you with specimens over 30 inches. They're easily identified by those distinctive black spots scattered across their backs and that small reddish fin near the tail. Browns are structure-oriented fish, hanging around drop-offs, rocky areas, and anywhere they can ambush prey. They prefer water temps between 54-65°F, so spring and fall fishing is peak time. What makes them special is their wariness - they didn't get big by being dumb. The fight is strong and steady, and they're absolutely delicious on the table with firm, mild flesh. Fall nights are magic time when they feed aggressively. My best advice: when targeting browns, fish slower and more deliberately than for other species - they like to inspect their meal before committing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can easily hit 30+ pounds, making them the ultimate trophy fish. They're silver with black spots covering their back, tail, and fins, plus that distinctive black mouth that gives them away. Kings love deep, cold water and typically hang 80-150 feet down, often near bottom structure. Early morning and evening are prime time since they avoid bright light. What makes them special is that raw power - they'll strip line off your reel and test every knot you tied. The reddish-pink meat is restaurant quality. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. Here's my go-to tip: when targeting kings, use heavy tackle and don't be afraid to fish deep - these fish are light sensitive and stay down where it's dark and cool.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called "silvers," are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll hook in Lake Michigan. These guys typically run 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show when hooked, jumping up to 6 feet out of the water. They're beautiful fish too - bright silver sides with a blue-green back and black spots on their tail. We find them suspended in mid-water columns, usually 40-80 feet down depending on the season. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're actively feeding on alewives. What makes cohos special is their aggressive nature and that bright orange-red meat that tastes amazing on the table. One trick I always share: when you feel that first jump, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them tire themselves out with all that aerial display, then reel them in smooth and steady.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of the Great Lakes, and catching one is always a highlight of any trip. These grey-green giants with cream-colored markings can reach 15-40 pounds, with the average fish running 24-36 inches. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Michigan, often suspended 100-200 feet down in the main basin where oxygen levels stay high. Lakers are slow-growing fish that can live for decades, which makes each one special. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move up to 60-80 feet, but summer means going deep. The fight is powerful and steady - no jumping, just pure bulldogging strength that'll test your arms. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days produce the best action. Here's what works: jig slowly and methodically - lakers will often just mouth the bait, so watch for subtle taps rather than hard strikes.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in the big lake, and boy do they show it. These silver rockets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches when you get lucky. They're incredibly strong fighters thanks to all that open-water living, and their streamlined bodies make them pure muscle. We typically find them in 60-120 feet of water, suspended and following baitfish schools. The best action happens from late fall through early spring when water temps drop and they move shallower to feed. What guests love most is their unpredictable fight - they'll make long runs, jump, and test your drag like no other trout. The meat is top-notch too, firmer and more flavorful than their lake-bound cousins. Pro tip: when trolling for steelhead, don't set the hook hard on the strike - let them hook themselves and then hold on tight.
5.0 out of 5.0Went on a family fishing trip with Capt' Dave and had a great time! He took care of everything for us and was very professional an...
Lake Michigan