6 Hours Lake Superior Fishing Adventure - Marquette, MI
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour Lake Superior charter targets trophy lake trout and salmonSmall group experience accommodates up to five guests maximumProfessional guides provide equipment and local fishing expertise
Picture this: you're out on Lake Superior at dawn, the biggest of the Great Lakes stretching endlessly before you, and your rod suddenly doubles over with the weight of a trophy lake trout. That's what you're signing up for with Hooked Up Charters' top-rated 6-hour fishing adventure out of Marquette. This isn't your average afternoon on the water – we're talking about world-class fishing in some of the deepest, coldest waters in North America, where monster fish grow fat and fight like freight trains. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next wall-hanger or someone who just wants to experience what Superior fishing is all about, this charter delivers the goods every single time.
When you step aboard our boat at the Marquette marina, you're getting more than just a ride to the fishing grounds – you're getting a front-row seat to one of the most productive fisheries in the Great Lakes. Lake Superior around Marquette is legendary for good reason. The deep, cold waters stay oxygenated year-round, creating perfect conditions for trophy-sized salmon and trout. We'll head out to our proven hotspots, where underwater structure and temperature breaks concentrate baitfish, and that's where the big boys come to feed. The scenery alone is worth the trip – you'll see Marquette's iconic red sandstone cliffs from a completely different perspective, with Presque Isle Park jutting out into the lake like nature's own fishing pier. But trust me, once the action starts heating up, you won't have much time to admire the view. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand, reading the electronics and adjusting tactics throughout the day to keep you connected to fish.
We run a serious trolling operation here, and that means we're constantly moving and adjusting to find where the fish are holding. Our downriggers get your baits down to the magic depths – anywhere from 40 to 150 feet depending on the season and what we're targeting. We'll set up a spread of spoons, plugs, and cut bait that's proven to trigger strikes from Superior's finest. The beauty of trolling Lake Superior is covering water efficiently while keeping your presentations in the strike zone. When the water temperature is right and the baitfish are stacked up, we might run planer boards to get our lines away from the boat and increase our coverage. Don't worry if you've never worked downriggers before – our guides handle all the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish. The moment that rod tip starts dancing and the drag starts screaming, that's when the real fun begins. These fish have the entire lake to run, and they'll use every inch of it to try and throw your hooks.
Coho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Superior, and when you hook into one, you better hang on tight. These silver bullets average 8-12 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, jumping clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. Peak season runs from late July through September when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. What makes cohos so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute they're diving deep, the next they're tail-walking across the surface. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake, with firm, pink flesh that's perfect on the grill.
Steelhead trout are the marathon runners of Superior, known for their incredibly long, powerful runs that can peel line off your reel faster than you think possible. These chrome-bright beauties typically run 6-15 pounds, but their stamina is legendary. Spring and fall are prime time for steelhead, when they're actively feeding near river mouths and along shoreline structure. What sets Superior steelhead apart is their pristine condition – living in these cold, clean waters keeps them in fighting shape year-round. The way they use the current and deep water to their advantage makes every hookup a chess match between angler and fish.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Superior, with mature fish pushing 20-30 pounds and occasionally even bigger. These powerhouse fish are built for deep water, with broad shoulders and massive tails that generate serious pulling power. Late spring through early fall is when the big kings are most active, staging in deeper water before moving toward spawning areas. When you're connected to a big chinook, everything else stops – these fish demand respect and proper technique to land successfully. Their size and strength make them the trophy fish most anglers dream about, and Superior grows some absolute monsters.
Brown trout in Lake Superior are opportunistic predators that can show up anywhere and at any time, making every trip a potential surprise. These golden-flanked beauties typically range from 5-15 pounds but grow larger in Superior's rich waters. Browns are notorious for their wariness and fighting ability, often making long runs toward structure where they can break you off. They're most active during low-light periods and overcast days, feeding on everything from alewives to smelt. What makes browns special is their unpredictability – you never know when one might crash a spread meant for salmon, turning a good day into a great one.
Lake trout are the native royalty of Superior, perfectly adapted to these deep, cold waters where they can live for decades and reach impressive sizes. These bottom-dwellers typically range from 10-25 pounds, with true giants lurking in the deepest parts of the lake. Lakers are most active during spring and fall when they move into shallower water to feed, but they can be caught year-round by those who know where to look. Their fighting style is more about pure power than speed – steady, head-shaking battles that test your tackle and patience. As the only native trout species in Superior, catching a lake trout connects you to the lake's ancient fishing traditions.
This 28-foot Grady White Sailfish is built for serious Lake Superior fishing adventures. The boat comes equipped with top-tier navigation and fish-finding technology to locate those trophy lake trout and salmon hiding in Superior's deep waters. You'll have everything needed for a comfortable day on the water - an icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the onboard bed and toilet mean you can focus on fishing instead of heading back to shore. The GPS, radar, and VHF radio ensure safe navigation even when Lake Superior's weather turns unpredictable. With space for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out while working the lines. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive spots, so you can spend more time reeling in catches rather than searching empty water. This charter boat has everything you need for a productive day targeting Superior's legendary fish populations.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the ghosts of Superior - they're here, but they make you work for them. These golden-brown beauties with their spotted sides typically run 8-24 inches and are known for being incredibly wary. They prefer cooler water around 54-65°F and love hanging near structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and sunken logs. Fall fishing can be outstanding when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at night. What makes browns special is their wariness - they've earned every inch they've grown by being smart. The reward is some of the best-tasting trout you'll ever put on the table, with firm, flaky meat. They're also surprisingly strong fighters for their size. One thing I've learned over the years: approach brown trout spots quietly and keep your presentations natural. These fish spook easily, so stealth and patience pay off more than aggressive tactics.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Superior, averaging 15-20 pounds but capable of hitting 30-plus if conditions are right. These silver-sided bruisers have blue-green backs covered in black spots and that distinctive black mouth that gives them away. They're light-sensitive fish, so they spend most of their time deep - we're talking 80-150 feet down near the thermocline. Early morning and evening bites are your best bet when they might venture a bit shallower. What makes kings special is their raw power combined with excellent eating quality - that rich, reddish-pink meat is hard to beat. The fight is more about steady, bulldogging runs than aerial displays. My go-to tip: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure. These fish will find every piece of structure down there to wrap your line around, so you need to control the fight from the start.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll hook in Lake Superior. These beauties average 8-12 pounds with their distinctive dark blue-green backs and bright silver sides marked with black spots. What makes coho special is their ability to jump up to 6 feet out of the water - they'll give you a show every time. We typically find them cruising the mid-depths around 40-80 feet, especially near drop-offs and structure. Spring through early summer offers the best action when water temps are right. The meat has that bright orange-red color that makes for excellent table fare. Pro tip: when trolling for coho, keep your spoons and flies moving fast - they like to chase down active baits, and their aggressive nature means they'll often hit harder than you expect.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the true natives of Superior's deep, cold water - some of these fish have been down there for decades. They're the largest char species, commonly running 15-25 pounds with grey-green coloring and those cream-colored spots. These fish live their lives suspended in 80-200 feet of water over the deep basins, following baitfish schools. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they might come up to 60-80 feet. What guests love about lake trout is their size potential and that deep-water fight - no jumping, just steady, powerful pulls that test your gear. The meat is excellent too, especially from these cold, clean waters. Here's what works: vertical jigging with spoons or swimbaits is your best bet. Keep your jig moving just off bottom, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard. Lakers have bony mouths and don't always hook themselves.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in big water, making them stronger and more silvery than their stream cousins. These fish typically run 24 inches but can push 45 inches if you're lucky. They're built like torpedoes with that classic streamlined shape and those telltale black spots scattered across their backs. We target them in the deeper, cooler sections of Superior, usually 60-100 feet down where they cruise looking for baitfish. Fall through spring gives you the best shot at them as they move closer to shore. What guests love most is their stamina - steelhead will make long, powerful runs that test your drag and your patience. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first heavy headshake, don't horse them. Let them run and tire themselves out in the open water before trying to bring them boatside.
Marquette, MI