Port Washington Lake Michigan Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
7hour private Lake Michigan fishing trips for up to 6 guestsMorning departures at 5:00 AM, afternoon trips start at 1:00 PMCaptain cleans all caught trout and salmon at no extra charge
Picture this: you're cruising the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan at dawn, coffee steaming in your hands, watching the sun paint the horizon while your rods are loaded and ready. That's exactly what you'll get with Hunt n Fish Salmon Charters' top-rated 7-hour fishing adventure out of Port Washington. Whether you're an early bird who loves the 5:00 AM morning bite or prefer the afternoon action starting at 1:00 PM, this charter puts you right where the big fish are feeding. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for family trips, buddy getaways, or even solo adventures where you'll make new fishing friends.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a full 7 hours of serious fishing time on one of the Great Lakes' most productive waters. Captain and crew know these Port Washington waters like the back of their hands, hitting the spots where rainbow trout stack up and where those monster Chinook salmon cruise the thermoclines. The morning trips capitalize on that legendary early bite when fish are most active, while afternoon charters often produce steady action as baitfish move and predators follow. You'll spend your day in comfortable, well-equipped boats designed for Lake Michigan's conditions, with plenty of room to fight fish and space to relax between bites. The best part? No cleaning fees – your captain handles all the messy work so you can focus on what matters: getting your line wet and landing fish. Just remember to grab your Wisconsin fishing license beforehand and pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during this world-class fishing experience.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about covering water and finding the fish, which means we're trolling most of the day with proven setups that consistently produce. The charter runs multiple lines at various depths using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to target different parts of the water column where trout and salmon are feeding. You'll be fishing with high-quality rods and reels spooled with the right line weights, while the crew handles the technical stuff like speed control, lure selection, and reading the electronics. Spoons, flasher-fly combinations, and plugs are the go-to baits here, with colors and patterns chosen based on water clarity, weather conditions, and what the fish have been hitting lately. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the day – maybe starting shallow for browns and rainbows in the morning, then moving to deeper water for lake trout and kings as the sun climbs higher. GPS and fish finders help locate productive structure and baitfish schools, but local knowledge really makes the difference in putting fish in the boat consistently.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of Port Washington fishing, typically running 3-8 pounds with occasional larger specimens that'll test your drag system. These chrome-bright fighters love the upper water column, especially during spring and fall when they're actively feeding on alewives and smelt. They hit hard and jump like crazy, making them a customer favorite for anglers who love explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Peak season runs from April through October, with some of the best action happening during the cooler months when they move shallow to feed.
Coho salmon, or "silvers" as locals call them, are absolute rockets that can turn a peaceful day into pure chaos when they hit your line. Running 4-12 pounds on average, these fish are known for their spectacular jumping ability and never-give-up attitude. They typically hang in 40-100 feet of water during summer months, following temperature breaks and baitfish concentrations. What makes cohos special is their willingness to bite throughout the day and their habit of schooling up, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Summer and early fall produce the most consistent action.
Chinook salmon are the true giants of Lake Michigan, with fish commonly reaching 15-25 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30-plus pounds. These are the fish that make grown anglers weak in the knees – powerful, determined fighters that use their size and Lake Michigan's depth to their advantage. Kings prefer deeper, cooler water and are most active during low-light periods, which is why early morning trips often produce the biggest fish. They're not as acrobatic as cohos, but their sheer power and stamina make every hookup a memorable battle that can last 20 minutes or more.
Brown trout are the crafty veterans of Lake Michigan, often the hardest to fool but incredibly rewarding to catch. These golden-sided beauties typically run 4-10 pounds and are known for their wariness and preference for specific conditions. They often feed close to shore during low-light periods and can be found around structure and drop-offs. What makes browns exciting is their unpredictability – they might slam a lure aggressively or barely mouth it, keeping you guessing throughout the fight. Spring and fall produce the most consistent brown trout action when water temperatures are in their comfort zone.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, often found in 80-150 feet of water where the temperature stays consistently cool. These native fish can live for decades and grow quite large, with 10-20 pound fish being common and occasional trophies reaching 25-30 pounds. Lakers have a different fighting style – less jumping, more dogged determination as they try to sound back to the depths. They're most active during colder months and can provide steady action when other species are less cooperative. Their prehistoric appearance and impressive size make them a prized catch for anglers looking for something different.
Lake Michigan fishing out of Port Washington offers some of the most consistent multi-species action you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes system. This 7-hour charter gives you the time to really experience what these waters have to offer, from the early morning bite to those late-day surprises when big fish decide to feed. With
Hit the waters of Lake Michigan aboard this battle-tested 33-foot Proline sportfisher. With over two decades of proven performance since 1999, this vessel packs serious power with twin 315HP Mercruiser engines that'll get you to the hot fishing spots at a cruising speed of 28 knots. Built for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing trout and salmon - GPS navigation to find the prime locations, radar for those early morning fog conditions, and a fish finder to locate schools below. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, and take advantage of the toilet and sleeping quarters for comfort during your 7-hour adventure. Whether you choose the 5 AM morning departure or 1 PM afternoon start, this seasoned fishing platform delivers the stability and equipment needed to make the most of Lake Michigan's excellent fishing opportunities.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of the trout family - they didn't earn their reputation as "educated" fish for nothing. Running 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, these golden-brown beauties with dark spots are known for their wariness and strong fights. In Lake Michigan, they prefer structure like rocky drop-offs and points in 20-80 feet of water. Fall brings the best action when they feed aggressively before spawning. What guests love is the challenge - browns test your skills and reward patience with quality fish. The firm, flaky meat is excellent eating. They're most active during low-light periods, making dawn and dusk prime time. My go-to trick: work your lures slower than you think - browns often follow before striking, and that extra pause can trigger the bite.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer deeper, cooler water - think 60-120 feet during summer. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening hours produce the best results. What makes kings special is the combination of size and fight - they're bulldogs that'll test your gear and your patience. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Since they hug the bottom in deeper water, downriggers and weighted lines are essential. Pro tip: kings often follow temperature breaks and thermoclines, so pay attention to your fish finder's temperature readings. When you find that sweet 50-55°F water, that's where the big ones live.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are pure adrenaline on a rod. These 12-30 inch fighters average 8-12 pounds but can push much bigger in Lake Michigan's cold waters. They're acrobatic - expect jumps up to 6 feet when hooked. You'll find them cruising 20-80 feet deep, often suspended over deeper water chasing baitfish. Spring through early fall provides the best action, especially during their feeding runs. What guests love most is the fight - cohos are aggressive and won't give up easy. Plus, that bright orange meat makes for outstanding table fare. The key here is staying mobile and watching your electronics for bait schools. When you mark fish, work that area hard with spoons or plugs that mimic their preferred alewives and smelt.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the giants of the deep - these char family members can reach 15-40 pounds and live decades in Lake Michigan's cold depths. With their grey-green coloring and cream markings, they're built for the deep water life, usually found 80-200+ feet down during summer. Spring right after ice-out and fall offer your best shots when they move shallower. What makes lakers special is their sheer size and the challenge of deep-water fishing. They're excellent eating with firm, mild meat. Since they avoid bright light and prefer cold, oxygenated water, overcast days often produce better results. Key tip: jigging is your best bet in deep water - use heavy spoons or jigs that mimic wounded baitfish, and don't be afraid to go deep where the big ones live.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and typically weigh 2-8 pounds, though Lake Michigan holds some nice surprises. They're stunning fish with that signature pink stripe and spotted pattern. You'll find them in cooler waters, usually 15-60 feet deep depending on season and temperature. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot between 55-65°F. What makes rainbows special is their fight - they're acrobatic jumpers that'll test your drag and keep you guessing. The meat is excellent eating with that classic trout flavor. Since they're picky about clean water, finding them means you're fishing quality spots. Pro tip: early morning trips give you the edge since they feed actively at dawn when the light is low.
Port Washington, WI