5.0(2 Reviews)World Class Half Day Salmon and Trout Fishing Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour midday trip targeting six salmon and trout speciesCaptain's Lake Michigan expertise ensures productive fishing experienceFirst Mate assistance included with fourguest maximum capacity
Not everyone wants to roll out of bed at dawn to chase fish, and that's exactly why Captain Greg and his team at Hold'em Sportfishing created this perfect mid-day option. This 5-hour Lake Michigan fishing charter gives you the chance to sleep in while still getting your line wet for some of the Great Lakes' most prized catches. Running out of McKinley Marina in Milwaukee, you'll be targeting everything from hefty Lake Trout to acrobatic Steelhead, plus all the salmon species that make Lake Michigan famous among serious anglers.
Don't let anyone fool you – midday fishing can be just as productive as those crack-of-dawn trips when you've got a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Captain Greg's decades of experience on Lake Michigan means he knows exactly where to find fish when the sun's high and the bite typically slows down elsewhere. You'll have up to 3 other anglers joining you on this trip, making it perfect for small groups or families who want personalized attention from the crew. The boat comes equipped with a skilled First Mate who'll be right there to help you land that fish of a lifetime, net your catches, and make sure your gear stays in top shape throughout the day. Remember to grab your fishing license beforehand, pack some non-spray sunscreen (the spray stuff can mess with your tackle), and bring a cooler if you want to take your catch home for dinner.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about covering water and finding the right temperature breaks where fish like to hang out. You'll be trolling with downriggers and planer boards to get your lures down to where the fish are feeding, typically anywhere from 20 to 150 feet deep depending on the season and conditions. The crew runs a mix of spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs that have proven themselves time and again on these waters. Lake Michigan's thermal layers create perfect hunting grounds for salmon and trout, and Captain Greg knows how to read his electronics to find those sweet spots where baitfish stack up. The boat's setup allows everyone to fish comfortably without tangling lines, and the First Mate keeps everything running smoothly so you can focus on feeling that rod tip bounce when a big King hits your spread.
"Great Times!! Excellent adventures!" - Gregory
"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 Sue
Rainbow Trout, also called Steelhead when they're in their prime, are absolute fighters that'll give you a workout once hooked. These silver bullets typically run 5-15 pounds in Lake Michigan and love to jump clear out of the water when they feel that hook set. Spring through fall offers the best action, but summer fish are particularly aggressive when you find them in the right temperature zone. What makes Steelhead so special is their unpredictability – one minute they're hugging the bottom, the next they're chasing bait near the surface.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, known for their spectacular aerial displays that'll have you whooping and hollering. These silver rockets usually weigh in between 5-12 pounds and hit lures with serious attitude. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they love feeding in the upper water column where your lighter tackle really shines. Coho are perfect for anglers who want steady action with fish that fight way above their weight class.
Chinook Salmon, or King Salmon as most folks call them, are the heavyweight champions of the Great Lakes. These bruisers can push 30+ pounds and will test every ounce of your tackle and stamina. They typically hang deeper than Coho and prefer cooler water, making them prime targets during the warmer months when they seek refuge in Lake Michigan's depths. Landing a King is a bucket list experience – they make long, powerful runs and have the muscle to really challenge even experienced anglers.
Brown Trout are the crafty veterans of Lake Michigan, often the toughest to fool but incredibly rewarding when you do connect. These golden-sided beauties can grow massive in the lake's rich environment, with fish over 20 pounds caught every season. They're most active during spring and fall, often feeding closer to shore during low-light periods. Browns have a reputation for being line-shy and leader-conscious, making them a favorite target for anglers who love a mental challenge with their fishing.
Lake Trout are the native giants of Lake Michigan, perfectly adapted to the lake's deep, cold waters. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with some specimens topping 40 pounds. They prefer the deeper, colder parts of the lake and are most active when water temperatures drop. Lakers are known for their dogged, deep fighting style – they won't jump like salmon, but they'll test your drag system with steady, powerful runs toward the bottom. Many anglers consider them the ultimate Lake Michigan trophy because of their size potential and the challenge of consistently finding them in the lake's vast depths.
Our 32' Sportfish Convertible cuts through Lake Michigan's waters with the confidence of a boat built for serious angling. This well-equipped vessel comfortably handles up to 4 guests while you target salmon and trout in the big lake's productive waters. The captain relies on advanced fish finders and live sonar to locate schools, while professional-grade downriggers and trolling equipment give you the best shot at hooking into Chinook salmon, steelhead, browns, and lake trout. When the action slows or weather picks up, retreat to the enclosed salon to swap fishing stories and plan your next cast. The onboard refrigerator keeps your drinks cold and provides space for your fresh catch, while the head ensures comfort during longer battles with big fish. GPS and radar keep you on productive fishing grounds and safely back to port, even when Lake Michigan shows her moody side.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the sneaky ones - typically 15-25 inches but occasionally surprise you with a real hawg. They're homebodies that love structure like drop-offs, weed edges, and rocky areas, usually hanging 30-80 feet down. Fall is magic time when they get aggressive before spawning, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What sets them apart? They're smart, moody fighters with golden-brown sides covered in black and red spots, plus that firm, flaky meat is restaurant-quality. These fish have attitude and will test your patience. Here's the deal: browns love crawfish patterns, so anything orange or brown that mimics a crayfish will get their attention. Fish slower than you think - they like to inspect their meals.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of the lake - we're talking 15-30 pounds of pure muscle that'll make your arms burn. These bruisers stay deep, often 60-100 feet down in summer, hugging the bottom where it's coldest. They're light-shy, so overcast days or early morning and evening bites are your best bet. What makes kings special? They're the ultimate trophy fish with that rich, red meat that's unbeatable on the table. You can spot them by their black mouth and gums, plus those heavy shoulders. Local secret: kings are suckers for spoons run slow and deep. When you hook one, don't horse it - let that fish tire itself out because trying to muscle a 25-pound king to the boat rarely ends well.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are absolute acrobats - expect 12-20 pounds of pure energy that'll jump clear out of the water. These fighters cruise the upper water column, typically 15-40 feet down, chasing baitfish around structure and temperature breaks. Late spring through early fall is prime time, especially when alewives are thick. Guests love cohos because they hit hard, fight dirty, and that bright orange meat is top-shelf eating. Their silver sides and black-spotted tails make them easy to identify. Here's a local trick: when you mark baitfish on the finder, drop your lures just below them - cohos love to cruise underneath schools and ambush from below. Keep that drag loose because their first run will test everything.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water specialists - thick, heavy fish averaging 20-30 inches that live way down in the cold, clear depths. You'll find them suspended in 80-150 feet of water over deep basins, especially during summer when they follow the thermocline. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are hot times when they move shallower. Guests target them because they're the native kings of the Great Lakes with that unique char flavor - firm, white meat that's excellent eating. Their gray-green color with cream spots makes them distinctive. Pro tip: vertical jigging with heavy spoons or swimbaits is deadly - drop straight down and work that jig with sharp lifts. Lakers hit on the drop, so watch your line.
Oncorhynchus MykissAlso called steelhead in Lake Michigan, these beauties average 12-20 inches and put up a solid fight with plenty of jumps. You'll find them cruising open water, usually 20-60 feet down depending on the season. They prefer cooler temps, so spring and fall give you the best action when they move shallower. What makes them special? That pink meat is fantastic eating, and they're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag. The distinctive pink stripe along their sides makes them easy to spot in the net. Pro tip: when the water warms up in summer, look for them deeper near temperature breaks where the thermocline sets up - that's where they stack up waiting for baitfish.
5.0 out of 5.0Great Times!! Excellent adventures!
Wow! exceptional charter fishing experience. Captain Greg and Cathy are a husband/wife Team. Captain Greg introduced his "first m...
Lake Michigan