Morning Salmon & Trout Trip - Lake Michigan
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Early morning departure targeting six salmon and trout speciesFive-hour inshore fishing trip with experienced first mate supportPeak Coho season from May through mid-June offers best action
There's nothing quite like being on Lake Michigan at first light, watching the sun come up while you're already working the water for salmon and trout. This half-day morning charter with Hold'em Sportfishing gets you out there when the fish are most active, departing anywhere from 4 AM to 6 AM depending on what's running and seasonal conditions. You'll spend five solid hours targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized game fish, with the added bonus of a skilled first mate keeping your lines in the water and helping you land those trophy fish. The trip maxes out at four anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowded conditions.
Captain Greg knows Lake Michigan like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish from the get-go. This isn't a leisurely cruise – you're here to catch fish, and that's exactly what happens. The early morning departure means you're hitting prime feeding times when salmon and trout are actively hunting baitfish near the surface and along thermoclines. May 1st through June 15th is absolutely prime time for Coho salmon, but honestly, this trip produces year-round. You'll be targeting Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Pink Salmon depending on the season and what's showing up on the fish finder. Don't forget to bring sunscreen (non-spray works best on boats), plenty of water, some snacks, and a cooler if you want to take your fillets home fresh.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about covering water and presenting lures at the right depths where fish are holding. You'll be trolling with downriggers and planer boards to spread your lines out and target different depths simultaneously. The captain runs a mix of spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations depending on conditions and what the fish are hitting. Copper line setups and lead core are also part of the arsenal when you need to get down deep for those lake trout. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels, and your first mate will handle all the rigging and net work – just focus on fighting the fish. Temperature breaks and structure are key, and the captain uses his electronics to locate schools of baitfish and the predators following them. You'll learn to read the water and understand why certain areas hold fish while others don't.
"I cannot say enough good things about this charter. We were on fish the whole day, 5 different species of fish and some serious giants!! We were 1 fish short of a 20 fish limit. Greg knows his stuff, I promise you will not be disappointed!!" - Chad
Lake Trout are the deep-water kings of Lake Michigan, often holding in 80-200 feet of water near thermal layers. These native char can live for decades and grow massive – we're talking 15-30 pound fish that'll test your drag system. They're most active in cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Lakers fight with a steady, powerful pull that'll make your arms burn, and their pink meat makes some of the best eating you'll find in fresh water.
Steelhead, which are actually Rainbow Trout, are absolute rockets when hooked. These chrome-sided fighters average 5-12 pounds but can push 15-20 pounds in Lake Michigan's rich waters. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but resident fish provide action all season. Steelhead are known for their aerial displays and blistering runs – they'll peel line off your reel faster than you'd expect. Their fighting ability and excellent table fare make them a top target for serious anglers.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in the lake, often feeding in shallow water during low-light conditions. These European imports have adapted perfectly to Lake Michigan, growing fat on alewives and smelt. Browns average 3-8 pounds but trophy fish over 15 pounds are caught regularly. They're notorious for their wariness and fighting ability, often making long runs toward structure when hooked. Fall is prime time for big browns as they move shallow for spawning.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed heavyweights, with fish regularly topping 20-30 pounds in Lake Michigan's food-rich waters. These Pacific salmon were introduced in the 1960s and have thrived, creating a world-class fishery. Kings are most active from late spring through fall, following massive schools of alewives. When you hook a mature Chinook, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful runs and use their size to their advantage. The anticipation of hooking into a 25-pound king keeps anglers coming back.
Coho Salmon are pure excitement on the end of a line, known for their acrobatic jumps and fast runs. These silver bullets average 3-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. May through June is peak Coho season when fresh schools move into Lake Michigan from tributaries. They're aggressive feeders and often the most cooperative species when it comes to hitting lures. Coho provide non-stop action and their firm, flaky meat is outstanding on the table.
Pink Salmon run in odd-numbered years in Lake Michigan, creating a unique fishing opportunity every other season. These smaller salmon average 2-4 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers when they're running. Pinks are aggressive biters and provide great action for anglers of all skill levels. They're excellent for kids or anyone wanting to catch multiple fish, and their mild flavor makes them perfect for smoking or grilling.
This morning trip fills up fast, especially during peak season when the Coho are running hot.
Step aboard our 32' Sportfish Convertible and get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Michigan's productive waters. This comfortable fishing machine handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful morning on the water. We've got professional-grade trolling gear, downriggers for precise depth control, and live sonar to track schools of fish moving below. The GPS and fish finder help us stay on top of the hottest spots, while radar keeps us safe when visibility drops. Between fish, you can duck into the enclosed salon to warm up or grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your snacks cool throughout the trip. With a clean restroom onboard, you can focus on what matters most—landing that trophy Coho or Chinook. Whether you're targeting aggressive salmon or fighting Lake Trout in deeper water, this boat puts you in prime position to make the most of Lake Michigan's incredible fishing opportunities.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook, or King salmon, are the heavy hitters of Lake Michigan. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can push 30+ pounds when conditions are right. They're deep water fish, usually hugging bottom in 80-150 feet during summer months since they're sensitive to light and heat. What guests love is the raw power - no flashy jumps, just pure bulldogging strength that'll test your arms and equipment. The payoff is incredible: thick, rich fillets with that deep red meat that's restaurant quality. Early season and fall are best when they move shallower. They prefer cold water under 60°F, so we target thermal breaks and deep structure. My secret: use big baits and fish them slow near bottom. Kings don't waste energy chasing fast-moving lures - they want an easy meal.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the stars of our May-June season and for good reason. These silver rockets typically run 8-12 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll have you grinning ear to ear. They can jump 6 feet straight up, so keep your rod tip down and drag smooth. Cohos cruise the mid-water column looking for baitfish, usually 20-60 feet down depending on water temp. The meat is outstanding - bright orange-red fillets that grill up perfect. They're most active in low light, so our early morning trips are prime time. What makes them special is that perfect balance of size and fight - big enough to feel substantial but athletic enough to really battle. Pro tip: when you see one jump, resist the urge to pull back hard. Let the fish work against a steady drag.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep water specialists of the Great Lakes and true natives to these waters. These gray-green giants with cream-colored spots average 24-36 inches and can weigh 15-40 pounds - some real monsters lurk in the depths. They live in the coldest, deepest water year-round, usually 100+ feet down in summer, but come up shallow right after ice-out in spring. What makes them special is their size potential and that clean, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're steady fighters rather than acrobats, using their weight and the deep water to their advantage. Overcast days are best since they avoid bright light. Here's my go-to method: vertical jig with spoons or soft plastics right on bottom - they won't come up much, so you've got to get down to them.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest of our Pacific salmon but don't let size fool you - they're scrappy little fighters. Most run 4-5 pounds, though we've seen some push 8-10 pounds in good years. They show up in odd-numbered years when conditions are right, preferring those cooler water temps around 50°F. You'll find them staging in deeper water before moving shallow to feed. What guests love is their willingness to bite and that bright pink meat that's packed with omega-3s. They're great for getting kids hooked on fishing since they're aggressive and don't require heavy tackle. Here's the trick: use bright pink or orange jigs and keep them moving. These fish respond to color and motion more than scent, so don't be afraid to work that lure.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout, or steelhead as we call them in the Great Lakes, are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find. These silvery beauties with their signature pink stripe typically run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds. They love the cooler waters we get in spring and fall, hanging around structure and drop-offs where the water stays between 55-65°F. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with that light pink flesh. Best fishing is early morning or late evening when they're actively feeding. My tip: keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom - they like a little action but won't chase something that's working too hard.
I cannot say enough good things about this charter. We were on fish the whole day, 5 different species of fish and some serious gi...
Lake Michigan