Port Washington Lake Michigan Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour private charter targets salmon and trout on Lake MichiganMorning trips start at 5 AM, afternoon departures begin at noonProfessional fish cleaning service included with all charter packages
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure on Lake Michigan? You've found it right here in Port Washington. Our 8-hour private charters give you and up to 5 friends exclusive access to some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Great Lakes have to offer. Whether you're an early bird who loves the 5 AM morning bite or prefer the afternoon action starting at noon, we've got you covered. The crystal-clear waters off Port Washington are loaded with hungry fish, and our experienced captain knows exactly where to find them. Plus, we'll clean your entire catch at no extra charge – because nobody wants to deal with that mess after a long day on the water.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. With just your group and our captain, you'll have plenty of room to move around and everyone gets their shot at landing the big one. We launch from Port Washington's marina and head out into the deep, productive waters where the thermocline holds baitfish and attracts feeding salmon and trout. The fishing here is world-class – these waters consistently produce fish in the 15-30 pound range, with occasional monsters that'll test your drag system to the limit. Our captain reads the water conditions, monitors fish finder activity, and adjusts our approach throughout the day to keep you on active fish. Don't forget to grab your Wisconsin fishing license before we head out, and pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the action.
We run a serious trolling operation out here, using downriggers and planer boards to cover water efficiently and present lures at the right depths. The boat is equipped with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need – from spoons and plugs to flasher-fly combinations that drive these fish crazy. We'll set multiple lines at different depths to target fish holding in various parts of the water column. When the fish are shallow, we might pull boards wide to cover more territory. When they're deep, the downriggers come into play, getting our baits down 60-100 feet where the big kings like to cruise. The captain will coach you through the fight when you hook up, but once that rod starts bouncing, it's all you. These fish have plenty of room to run in the open lake, so be ready for some serious battles.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Michigan, and Port Washington waters hold some true giants. These powerful fish average 15-25 pounds but can easily push 30+ pounds during peak season. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with these fish staging near the harbor before their spawning runs. When you hook a king, get ready for long runs and head-shaking jumps that'll test every knot in your setup. They're aggressive feeders and will crush spoons, plugs, and meat rigs with authority.
Coho Salmon bring non-stop action and acrobatic fights that anglers absolutely love. These silver rockets typically run 8-15 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumping ability. They school up in good numbers during summer months, often feeding aggressively on alewives near the surface. Cohos are less finicky than their chinook cousins and will hit a wide variety of lures, making them perfect for newer anglers looking to get their first taste of Great Lakes salmon fishing.
Rainbow Trout, including the famous steelhead strain, offer some of the most exciting fishing available. These chrome-bright fish are incredibly strong for their size, typically ranging from 5-12 pounds with occasional fish pushing much larger. They're active throughout the season and known for their lightning-fast runs and aerial displays. Rainbows often feed higher in the water column, making them accessible to lighter tackle presentations.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in the lake and arguably the most challenging to consistently catch. These golden-sided beauties can grow huge in Lake Michigan's fertile waters, with fish over 20 pounds caught every season. Browns are notorious for being finicky feeders, often requiring precise presentations and specific lure choices. They're most active during low-light periods and cooler water temperatures, making them a customer favorite for their fighting ability and table fare.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, typically found in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake structure. These native fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – 15-25 pound lake trout are common, with occasional fish reaching 30+ pounds. They're bottom-oriented feeders that require heavy tackle and deep presentations, often found near underwater humps and drop-offs where they ambush prey.
Port Washington's Lake Michigan fishing scene is heating up, and prime dates fill fast during peak season. Our 8-hour private charters give you the flexibility to fish morning or afternoon sessions while targeting multiple species in the same trip. With professional fish cleaning included and all tackle provided, you just need to show up with your license, some food and drinks, and the desire to catch fish. The fishing here consistently ranks among the best in the Great Lakes, and our local knowledge puts you on fish while others are still searching. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate trip, or just want to get your crew together for some serious fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to experience why anglers travel from across the country to fish these waters.
Step aboard this seasoned 33-foot Proline sportfisher that's been chasing salmon and trout across Lake Michigan since 1999. Twin Mercruiser engines pack 630HP total, pushing this fishing machine to 28 knots when you need to reach the hottest spots fast. The spacious deck handles up to six anglers comfortably, while the fish finder and GPS help your captain locate where the big ones are hiding. When the bite slows down, grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator or icebox. The radar keeps you safe during those early morning runs when fog rolls in off the lake. After hours of battling salmon in the deep blue waters, you can take a break in the cabin's bed or use the private head. Your captain handles all the fish cleaning at the dock, so you head home with perfectly filleted catch ready for the dinner table. Whether you choose the 5 AM morning departure or noon afternoon start, this proven charter boat delivers serious fishing action on Lake Michigan's productive waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Lake Michigan and can live up to 18 years, growing large and wary. These golden-brown beauties average 8-24 inches but the big ones can hit 9+ pounds. They're homebodies that stick to structure - rocky reefs, drop-offs, and areas with good cover. Browns prefer cooler water and feed aggressively during fall nights, making early morning and late evening your best shots. What anglers love is the challenge - they're finicky and fight smart, using every trick to break free. The meat is excellent, with a slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Here's a tip that's saved many trips: browns are spooky, so if the trolling bite is slow, try switching to smaller, more natural-colored lures and slow your speed down. Sometimes finesse beats flash with these educated fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan - massive fish that can push 20-30 pounds and provide battles you'll remember forever. These bruisers prefer deeper water, often 60-150 feet down, especially during bright conditions since they're light-sensitive. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move up to feed. Spring through early fall offers consistent action, with peak fishing in late summer. What makes kings special is their raw power - they'll strip line and test your drag like no other freshwater fish. The rich, orange-pink meat is restaurant-quality too. Here's something that's helped my clients land more big kings: when you hook one, resist the urge to horse them up. Let them run and tire themselves out in the deep water first. Trying to muscle a fresh king to the boat usually ends with a broken line or bent hooks.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump up to 6 feet when hooked. In Lake Michigan, we find them cruising 40-120 feet deep, following baitfish schools along temperature breaks. Early morning and late afternoon produce the best bites, especially during their peak runs in late summer and early fall. What guests love most is their aerial show - cohos will leap repeatedly, making for some great photos and stories. The bright orange meat is top-shelf eating too. My go-to tip for landing more silvers: when you see one jump, immediately drop your rod tip and give them slack for a second. That prevents them from throwing the hook on their way back down. Fight them with a steady hand after that initial jump.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the deep - true monsters that can reach 15-40 pounds in Lake Michigan's coldest depths. These grey-green bruisers with cream-colored spots live in 80-200+ feet of water, suspended over deep basins where oxygen levels stay high. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they move shallower to feed. Overcast days often produce better fishing since they avoid bright light. What makes lakers special is their sheer size and the deep-water battle - they use the depths to their advantage. The firm, flaky meat is outstanding when prepared right. Here's the key to more hookups: when jigging in deep water, use a heavy spoon or jig and work it aggressively with sharp snaps. Lakers often hit on the fall, so watch your line closely and set the hook at any unusual movement.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are Lake Michigan favorites, typically running 2-8 pounds with that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. These beautiful fish love clean, cool water and are great indicators of water quality. You'll find them anywhere from 20 to 80 feet deep, often suspended near thermoclines or hugging structure. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot between 55-64°F. What makes rainbows special is their scrappy fight - they'll jump and run hard for their size. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. Here's a local trick: when trolling spoons or plugs, vary your speed every few minutes. Rainbows often hit right after a speed change when the lure's action shifts. They're curious fish that respond well to presentation changes.
Port Washington, WI