5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Guided Salmon and Trout Fishing Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour midday fishing trip targeting salmon and trout speciesExpert captain and first mate provide guidance throughout the experienceMaximum four guests for personalized attention on Lake Michigan
Not everyone's cut out for those crack-of-dawn fishing trips, and Captain Greg at Hold'em Sportfishing gets that. This 5-hour mid-day charter on Lake Michigan is designed for folks who'd rather hit the water after a decent night's sleep and a proper breakfast. Sure, the fish might not be as aggressive during midday hours, but don't let that fool you – Captain Greg's decades of experience on these waters means you'll still have plenty of action. You'll be targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized species: Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and both Chinook and Coho Salmon. With a top-rated first mate handling the details, you can focus on what matters most – getting fish in the boat.
This charter accommodates up to four anglers, making it perfect for a small group of friends or family looking to experience Lake Michigan's renowned fishery. You'll launch from McKinley Marina in Milwaukee, where Captain Greg and his crew will have everything rigged and ready to go. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need for the day. While meals aren't included, you'll want to pack some snacks and plenty of water – five hours on the lake works up an appetite. Don't forget that cooler either; you'll need somewhere to stash your catch for the ride home. The crew will clean and package your fish, but having your own ice chest makes transport a breeze. A fishing license is required, so make sure you've got that sorted before you step aboard. And here's a pro tip from someone who's seen too many lobster-red anglers: bring non-spray sunscreen and apply it liberally. That lake reflection is no joke.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling, and Captain Greg has this technique dialed in. You'll be running downriggers and dipsey divers at various depths, covering water efficiently while presenting lures at the right level where fish are holding. The crew uses a mix of spoons, plugs, and flies depending on what the fish are hitting that day. Steelhead might be cruising the thermocline at 40 feet, while Lakers could be hugging bottom in 80 feet of water. The beauty of this setup is that you're always fishing multiple depths simultaneously, increasing your odds of connecting with whatever species are active. The first mate will handle the technical stuff – setting lines, adjusting depths, and managing the gear when fish hit. Your job is to grab the rod when it starts singing and fight that fish to the boat. The crew provides high-quality tackle that's designed for Lake Michigan's hard-fighting species, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own equipment unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without.
"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 silver phase, are some of the most acrobatic fighters in Lake Michigan. These fish average 5-8 pounds but can push into the teens, and they'll test your drag system with blistering runs and aerial displays. Spring through early summer is prime time, when they're feeding heavily on alewives and smelt in 20-60 feet of water. What makes them special is their unpredictability – one minute they're sipping flies near the surface, the next they're crushing spoons in deep water. Anglers love them because they fight clean and taste even better on the dinner table.
Coho Salmon are the perfect introduction to Pacific salmon fishing in the Great Lakes. These silver bullets typically run 3-6 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights. Mid-summer through early fall is when they really turn on, especially during overcast conditions or low-light periods. They're often found in the top 40 feet of water, making them ideal targets for this type of fishing. What sets Cohos apart is their willingness to hit lures – they're not nearly as finicky as some other species, making them a customer favorite for charter fishing.
Chinook Salmon, or King Salmon, are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can exceed 20 pounds and will give you the fight of your life. They're most active from late spring through early fall, typically holding in deeper, cooler water during the heat of summer. Kings are notorious for their powerful, sustained runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. They're the fish that make legends – every angler has a story about the King that broke them off or the monster that took 20 minutes to boat.
Brown Trout are the wary veterans of Lake Michigan, often the most challenging species to consistently catch. They're typically found in 15-50 feet of water and are known for their selective feeding habits and explosive fights. Browns can live longer than other trout species, with some specimens pushing into the double digits in both age and weight. What makes them exciting is their unpre
Step aboard our 32-foot Sportfish Convertible and get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Michigan's prime fishing waters. This well-equipped boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to work the lines without getting tangled up. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, using advanced fish finders and GPS to locate where the Chinook, Coho, Steelhead, and Lake Trout are holding. Downriggers and top-quality trolling gear help get your lures down to the right depth, while the live sonar shows exactly what's swimming below. When you need a break from the action, duck into the enclosed salon to grab a cold drink from the onboard fridge or use the head. The boat's radar keeps you safe even when Lake Michigan gets moody, and there's an icebox ready for your catch. Whether the fish are hitting hard or being finicky, this setup gives you the best shot at bringing home a cooler full of fresh Great Lakes fish.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest trout we chase - golden-brown backs with black spots and that sneaky nature that keeps anglers honest. They typically run 12-20 inches in Lake Michigan, preferring structure like drop-offs, weed lines, and rocky areas. Best fishing happens spring through fall, especially during low-light conditions when they move shallow to feed. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're educated fish that test your skills. The payoff is excellent table fare with firm, flavorful meat. These fish love ambush points, so we work areas where deeper water meets structure. Here's something that works: browns often hold tight to bottom contours, so keep your presentations close to structure. They won't chase baits far, but put something right in their face and they'll hammer it.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon earn their name - they're the biggest, strongest fish we target, averaging 15-25 pounds with some pushing 30+. These silver and blue-green bruisers with black spots stay deep, often 60-120 feet down in Lake Michigan's coldest water. They're light-sensitive so early morning, evening, and overcast days produce best. What guests remember most is that initial run when a king takes off - it's like hooking a freight train. The deep orange meat makes outstanding eating too. Since they hug bottom structure, we run heavy tackle and downriggers to get baits into their zone. My best advice: when you hook one, don't rush the fight. These fish have stamina to match their size, so keep steady pressure and let them tire naturally.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure excitement on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and pack 8-12 pounds of muscle that can jump 6 feet straight up. Coho prefer the mid-depths of Lake Michigan, often suspended 40-80 feet down following baitfish schools. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening prime times. What makes them special is that bright orange meat and their relentless fight - they never give up easy. Guests love the combination of great eating and heart-pounding action. Here's a tip that works well: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Coho often hit right after a speed change as it triggers their predatory instincts and makes your lure look like a wounded baitfish trying to escape.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of our fishery, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-30 pounds with grey-green coloring and cream spots. They live in Lake Michigan's deepest, coldest water - usually 80-200 feet down during summer. Spring and fall offer the best chances when they move shallower. What guests appreciate is their steady, powerful fight and excellent eating quality. Unlike other trout, they don't jump but make long, determined runs that test your tackle. These fish follow the thermocline religiously, staying where water temperature hits that sweet spot around 50°F. The key is staying patient - lakers inspect baits carefully before committing. Run your lures slow and deep, and when you feel that subtle tap, give them a moment to take it fully before setting the hook hard.
Oncorhynchus MykissAlso called steelhead in Lake Michigan, these silver beauties with that signature pink stripe run 12-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds. They're strong fighters known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Rainbow trout prefer cooler water between 55-64°F, so we find them in deeper sections during summer but closer to surface in spring and fall. They're excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. What guests love most is their unpredictable fight - one minute they're deep, next they're airborne trying to throw the hook. Pro tip: when you feel that first run, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. They'll tire themselves out with those spectacular leaps if you stay patient and don't horse them to the boat.
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