5.0(2 Reviews)Extended Half Day Morning Salmon and Trout Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour morning trip targeting salmon and trout speciesProfessional First Mate provides assistance throughout the charterMaximum four guests with captain exploring prime fishing areas
There's something special about being on Lake Michigan when the sun's just starting to climb and the fish are actively feeding. Hold'em Sportfishing's 6-hour morning charter gives you the perfect window to hit those prime fishing hours while having enough time to really work the water. Captain Greg and his skilled first mate know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether they're holding deep or cruising the shallows. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip strikes that sweet spot between having enough time to get into multiple species without burning your whole day on the water.
You'll launch from McKinley Marina in the early morning when the fish are most active and the lake conditions are typically at their calmest. Captain Greg uses this extended half-day format to his advantage, giving him the flexibility to move around and find where the fish are biting best that particular day. The boat is equipped with quality gear and electronics to locate schools of salmon and trout, and the first mate will be right there to help with everything from rigging lines to landing fish. You're looking at targeting Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and three species of salmon - Chinook, Coho, and Pink. The crew handles the technical stuff, so even if you're new to Great Lakes fishing, you'll be set up for success. Don't forget your fishing license, and bring along sunscreen (stick or lotion works better than spray on the water), plenty of water, some snacks, and a cooler to take your catch home.
Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing is all about trolling with downriggers and planer boards to cover water and find active fish. The captain will run a spread of lines at different depths using spoons, flashers with flies, and plugs that mimic the baitfish these predators are feeding on. Downriggers let you get your lures down to the thermocline where the big fish are holding, while planer boards spread your presentation wide to cover more territory. The first mate keeps everything running smooth - clearing lines when fish hit, adjusting depths based on what the fish finder is showing, and making sure your drag is set right when you're fighting a fish. The 6-hour window means you can work different depths and locations as conditions change throughout the morning, hitting structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks where these fish like to hunt.
"Wow! exceptional charter fishing experience. Captain Greg and Cathy are a husband/wife Team. Captain Greg introduced his "first mate" as one of the best in Milwaukee and that, we quickly saw, is the truth. These two went above and beyond in every way with an attitude of EXCELLENCE in every touch. HIGHLY recommend Hold'em Sportfishing out of McKinley Marina, Milwaukee. Mom, Dad, and three sisters went out on this trip for our Father's day wish. Every thing from the safety of the boat, to navigating to determined hunting down the fish, to docking, cleaning & packaging the fish for take home and EVEN photos with several phones. This couple has a passion in what they are doing and provided an experience as though we were their own family. Besides some lake trout, king salmon, and rainbow trout, we have memories that will last a lifetime." - Billie
"We had a absolute blast the Captain (Greg) and his first mate had us hooked up all day with some monster fish definitely recommend to anyone who is interested great people kind and always making sure your having a fun time thank you again Hold'em Sportfishingđ€đ«¶" - Charles
Pink Salmon are the most abundant salmon in Lake Michigan during their peak runs, typically showing up in strong numbers during late summer. These fish average 2-4 pounds and are perfect for anglers who want steady action. They're aggressive feeders and will hit small spoons and flies presented in the upper water column. Pinks fight hard for their size and are excellent table fare, making them a favorite for families looking to fill the cooler.
Coho Salmon, also called Silver Salmon, are known for their acrobatic fights and beautiful chrome sides. These fish typically run 5-12 pounds and are most active in spring through early fall. They'll often feed near the surface in the morning hours, making them perfect targets for this early charter. Cohos are considered by many to be the best-eating salmon in the Great Lakes, with firm, mild flesh that's perfect on the grill.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan - literally. These powerful fish can exceed 30 pounds and provide battles that'll test your arms and your drag system. King salmon prefer deeper, colder water and are most active during spring and fall runs. They're the trophy fish that most anglers dream about, with their massive shoulders and stamina that can strip line off your reel. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in the lake, known for their wariness and beautiful golden flanks with distinctive spots. These fish can live for many years and grow quite large, with fish over 15 pounds caught regularly. Browns often feed close to structure and drop-offs, and they're most active during low-light conditions like early morning. They're considered premium table fare and provide a challenging fight that combines power with cunning runs.
Lake Trout are the native char of the Great Lakes and can live for decades, growing to impressive sizes. These fish prefer the deepest, coldest water and are typically caught using downriggers in 60-150 feet of water. Lakers have a distinctive forked tail and pale spots, and they're known for their steady, powerful fight. The flesh is rich and flaky, with a unique flavor that's prized by many anglers. They're most active during spring and fall when they move into shallower
Step aboard our 32-foot sportfish convertible and head out into Lake Michigan's productive salmon and trout waters. This well-equipped fishing machine comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with professional trolling gear, downriggers, and live sonar to put you on the fish. The enclosed salon gives you a warm spot to grab coffee between runs, while the onboard refrigerator keeps your drinks cold and snacks fresh during the 6-hour morning trip. With GPS, radar, and fish finders running, your captain can navigate to the hottest spots for chinook salmon, coho, steelhead, browns, and lake trout. The spacious cockpit has plenty of room to fight fish and land your catch, plus an icebox to keep everything fresh for the ride back to port. A skilled first mate handles the gear and helps with landing fish.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the crafty veterans of Lake Michigan, averaging 8-15 pounds with golden-brown sides covered in dark spots. These fish are notoriously spooky and selective, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers. You'll find them prowling 30-100 feet down near structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Fall nights are prime time when they feed aggressively, but dawn and dusk produce year-round. What makes browns special is their wariness - they'll follow lures for miles before deciding to bite. The payoff is firm, mild-tasting meat that's perfect for the grill. They live longer than other trout, so some real monsters lurk out there. Best advice: downsize your presentation and vary your speed. When other fish won't cooperate, browns often will if you're patient and persistent.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, regularly hitting 15-30 pounds with thick shoulders and serious pulling power. These fish stay deep most of the time - we're talking 80-150 feet down in the cooler water they crave. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening bites are prime time. What sets kings apart is their raw strength and the way they bulldoze toward bottom when hooked. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the lake with that rich, orange meat. Summer and early fall are peak season when they're feeding heavily on alewives. Here's the key: use downriggers with heavy tackle and run your lures slow and steady. Kings don't chase much, so put your bait right in their face near bottom structure.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are Lake Michigan favorites running 8-12 pounds with that classic silver flash and acrobatic fight. These fish are absolute showoffs - expect multiple jumps and strong runs that'll test your drag. We find them cruising 40-80 feet down, often suspended over deeper water chasing alewives. Spring through fall produces the best action, especially during cooler morning hours. What makes coho special is their willingness to hit lures aggressively and their orange-red meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're smart fish though, so vary your presentation. My go-to trick: run bright spoons behind flashers in chartreuse or pink. When the bite gets tough, slow your trolling speed down - sometimes that's all it takes.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Michigan, with fish ranging from 15-40 pounds and that distinctive grey-green color with cream markings. These are the largest trout in the system and they stick to cold, deep water - we're talking 100-200 feet down most of the year. Spring after ice-out brings them shallow briefly, but summer finds them hugging bottom in the deepest holes. Lakers are built for endurance rather than speed, giving you that steady, bulldogging fight that can last forever. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor. Overcast days and low-light conditions are best since they avoid bright sun. Pro tip: vertical jigging with heavy spoons or paddle-tail swimbaits works best. Drop straight down and work the bottom - patience pays off with these deep dwellers.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon we target, usually running 3-5 pounds with bright silver sides. Also called "humpbacks" for the distinctive hump males develop during spawning. These fish love Lake Michigan's cold waters and typically cruise mid-depths following baitfish schools. They're perfect for beginners - aggressive biters that put up a decent scrap without being too overwhelming. Peak season runs late summer through early fall when they school up tight. The meat has that classic pink color from their crustacean diet, making excellent table fare. Pro tip: bright pink jigs work best since they mistake them for the shrimp they normally feed on. When you find one, work the area thoroughly - they rarely travel alone.
5.0 out of 5.0Wow! exceptional charter fishing experience. Captain Greg and Cathy are a husband/wife Team. Captain Greg introduced his "first ma...
We had a absolute blast the Captain (Greg) and his first mate had us hooked up all day with some monster fish definitely recommend...
Lake Michigan