Port Washington Fishing Charters | 5-Hour Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
5-hour private charter targeting trout and salmon in Port WashingtonMorning departures at 5:00 AM, afternoon trips start at 3:00 PMCaptain provides complimentary fish cleaning service after each trip
Want to get away from the weekend crowds and really focus on landing some quality fish? Our weekday-only charters out of Port Washington give you exactly that - five solid hours on Lake Michigan targeting the big trout and salmon that call these waters home. Whether you're an early bird who loves the 5 AM start or prefer our 3 PM afternoon departure, you'll have the lake mostly to yourself while we work the productive zones where these fish love to hang out. Captain cleans your catch at the end too, so you just focus on the fishing and head home with dinner ready to cook.
This isn't your typical weekend warrior trip - we're talking serious fishing time with up to six anglers aboard. The morning trip kicks off right at dawn when the bite is often hottest, especially during summer months when surface temps push the fish deeper. Our afternoon departure works great for folks who can't make that early start, and honestly, the evening bite can be just as productive, particularly in spring and fall. You'll spend the full five hours working different depths and structures, moving with the fish as conditions change throughout the day. The boat's equipped with downriggers and all the gear you need, but don't forget that fishing license - Wisconsin DNR doesn't mess around, and we always run legal. Pack some snacks and drinks because five hours goes by fast when the fish are cooperating, and there's nothing worse than getting hangry when you're trying to work a hot bite.
We're primarily trolling out here, which means covering water to find active fish rather than sitting in one spot hoping they come to us. The boat runs multiple downrigger setups that let us present lures at precise depths - could be 30 feet down in early season, or we might be fishing 80-100 feet deep in mid-summer when the thermocline really sets up. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos all have their place depending on what the fish want that day. The captain reads the fish finder and water temperature constantly, adjusting our spread and depth to stay in the strike zone. You'll learn to watch for subtle rod tip action that signals a fish picking up the lure, then it's game on. These Lake Michigan trout and salmon don't give up easy - they'll make runs, jump, and test your drag system. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy cohos to beast chinooks pushing 20-plus pounds.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of Port Washington fishing, and these aren't your typical stocked rainbows. Lake Michigan 'bows grow fat and strong on alewives and smelt, often reaching 6-8 pounds with some real giants pushing double digits. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are in their comfort zone, usually found in the top 40 feet of water. What makes them so fun is their attitude - rainbows hit hard and fight harder, making long runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. They're also excellent table fare with firm, pink meat that tastes nothing like pond-raised trout.
Coho Salmon, or silvers as the old-timers call them, are pure adrenaline on the end of a line. These fish average 4-7 pounds but what they lack in size compared to chinooks, they make up for in acrobatics. Cohos love to jump - we're talking multiple tail-walking displays that make for great photos and even better memories. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they often feed aggressively in the morning and evening hours. Their silver sides flash in the sun as they fight, and they're known for making last-second runs right at the boat that'll test your nerves.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan, and landing one is a fishing experience you won't forget. These kings can top 20 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus. They're most cooperative during spring and fall migrations when they move closer to shore, but summer fishing can be fantastic if you know where to look. Chinooks are powerful, deep-fighting fish that use their weight and the current to their advantage. They don't jump much, preferring to slug it out in long, bulldogging runs that'll make your arms ache. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking.
Brown Trout are the sneaky good fish that many anglers overlook, but locals know better. These fish are smart, spooky, and absolutely beautiful with their golden flanks covered in dark spots. Browns often feed closer to structure and can be found in shallower water than other species, especially during low-light periods. They're known for their wariness - a brown trout that's seen a few lures will test your presentation skills. When hooked, they're strong fighters that use their head-shaking tactics to throw hooks. Fall is prime time for big browns as they move shallow for their spawning run.
Lake Trout round out our target species list, and while they're deeper dwellers most of the year, spring offers some fantastic opportunities. Lakers are the natives here, perfectly adapted to Lake Michigan's deep, cold environment. These fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes - 10-15 pounders are common, with occasional giants exceeding 20 pounds. They prefer the deep, cold water and are most accessible during spring turnover when they move up from the depths. Lake trout have a different fight than salmon - more of a heavy, steady pull rather than the wild runs of other species, but their size makes up for any lack of acrobatics.
Five hours of quality fishing time, all gear provided, your catch cleaned and ready to take home, and the satisfaction of working these world-class Lake Michigan fisheries - that's what you get with Hunt n Fish Salmon Charters.
Step aboard this battle-tested 33-foot Proline sportfisher that's been hooking trophy catches since 1999. Twin Mercruiser engines packing 315HP each will get your crew of up to six anglers to the prime fishing grounds fast, cruising at 28 knots across Port Washington waters. The fish finder will pinpoint where the trout and salmon are lurking below while GPS and radar keep you on course. When you need a break from fighting fish, grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator or icebox. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will clean your catch after each 5-hour morning or afternoon session. Whether you're targeting early morning feeders at 5 AM or afternoon biters at 3 PM, this proven fishing machine has the comfort features you need including a bed and head for those longer battles with Lake Michigan's finest.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish in our waters, averaging 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds. These golden-brown beauties with black spots love cool, clear water between 54-65°F. They're structure-oriented fish, holding near fallen timber, rocky areas, and undercut banks. Browns feed most aggressively at dawn, dusk, and after dark - making our early morning trips perfect. What sets them apart is their wariness and fighting ability once hooked. The firm, mild-flavored meat is outstanding table fare. Fall brings prime action as they become more aggressive before spawning. They'll take everything from small spinners to large streamers. Here's my secret: browns often follow lures without striking, so if you see a fish behind your bait, stop reeling for a second - that pause triggers strikes.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings for a reason - these bruisers average 7-15 pounds but can push 30+ pounds in the right conditions. They're light-sensitive fish that hug the bottom during bright days, so we target them with downriggers and weighted gear. Early morning and evening trips produce best results. What makes them special is their incredible fighting power and that rich, orange-pink meat. Kings prefer deeper, colder water and will suspend over structure or near thermal breaks. Spring through early fall offers prime fishing. These fish test your tackle and your patience, but landing one is worth it. Local trick: when they're finicky, try switching from bright lures to more natural colors like blue-black or purple-black, especially on overcast days.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their aerial shows - they can jump up to 6 feet out of the water. Cohos prefer cooler depths during summer but move shallower during their fall migration. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and the way they leap when hooked. The bright orange meat is top-shelf eating. Best action happens during overcast conditions or low-light periods like dawn and dusk. They'll hit spoons, plugs, and flies in bright colors - chartreuse, pink, and fuchsia work well. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Cohos often strike right after a speed change, so don't be afraid to kick it up or slow it down to trigger that bite.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep, cold waters, commonly running 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These grey-green chars with cream markings live in the deepest parts of the lake, often suspended 50-100 feet down in summer. They prefer overcast days and low-light conditions when they're most active. What draws anglers is their sheer size and the challenge of deep-water fishing. The fight is more of a steady pull than jumping, but their weight makes for a serious battle. Spring after ice-out is prime time when they move shallower. Jigging is our go-to method with large spoons, jigs, or swimbaits. My tip: use your electronics to mark fish, then jig aggressively to get their attention, but slow down once you see them on the screen - subtle movements seal the deal.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds, though we've seen some real beauties pushing bigger. These colorful fighters prefer water temps between 55-64°F, so they're most active during our spring and fall trips. You'll find them cruising near structure like fallen trees or rocky drop-offs, often in 10-20 feet of water. What makes them special is that classic silver body with the pink stripe - plus they put up a solid fight with some nice jumps. The meat is excellent eating too. My go-to tip: when the water's clear, downsize your presentation. A smaller spoon or lighter jig often triggers strikes when they're being picky. They're also great indicators of clean water, so when we're catching rainbows, you know we're fishing quality habitat.
Port Washington, WI