5.0(2 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Morning Lake Michigan Fishing Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target five species including Lake Trout and Chinook SalmonPrivate charter accommodates up to four guests maximumEarly morning departure maximizes active fish feeding times
There's nothing quite like getting your lines in the water as the sun starts to peek over Lake Michigan. This top-rated 5-hour morning charter kicks off at 6:00 AM sharp, giving you prime fishing time when the water's still cool and the fish are actively feeding. Running Monday through Thursday from March 12 through October 16, you'll have the chance to target some of the Great Lakes' most prized species – Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, and the mighty Chinook Salmon. Captain Jarrod keeps groups small at just 4 anglers maximum, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
You'll meet at the dock bright and early – trust me, it's worth the early alarm clock. The morning bite on Lake Michigan is legendary among local anglers, and there's a reason we start before dawn. As the first light hits the water, you'll be positioned over productive structure where fish have been feeding all night. The trip runs until 11:00 AM or until you hit your catch limit, whichever comes first – and on good days, that limit comes faster than you'd expect. The cooler morning temperatures keep fish active near the surface, making for exciting action and plenty of photo opportunities. Don't forget to bring a cooler if you want to take your catch home – nothing beats fresh Lake Michigan fish on the dinner table.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about covering water and finding where the fish are stacked up. We'll be trolling with downriggers and planer boards to spread our lines across different depths and distances from the boat. The captain provides all the gear you'll need – quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of proven lures that work in these waters. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations are the go-to setups depending on what species we're targeting and where they're holding. You'll learn how to read the fish finder, watch for temperature breaks, and understand why certain areas hold fish while others don't. The boat's equipped with all the electronics needed to locate schools and structure, so we're not just fishing blind out there.
"Early morning is the way to go! We reeled in 12 fish and had over 20 bites. Jarrod was an excellent captain- professional, knowledgeable and fun to be around (which is important when on a boat for hours)! Pack a cooler and put on some tunes for a fun time out on the water fishing. Highly recommend!" - Laura
"My son and his friend went today and had the time of their life! Captain Jarrod was so knowledgeable and really was great teaching these southern boys about Lake Michigan. We will definitely be booking with him again!" - Lachelle
Lake Trout are the deep-water kings of Lake Michigan, and these native fish can live for decades in the cold, clear waters. They're typically found in 80-200 feet of water during the warmer months, relating to bottom structure and thermal layers. Lakers fight hard with long, powerful runs, and their pink-orange flesh makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities when they move shallower, but we can target them year-round with the right approach.
Steelhead, or Rainbow Trout, are absolute rockets when hooked – they'll jump, run, and test every ounce of your drag system. These fish are most active during the spring and fall migrations when they're moving between the lake and tributary streams. Steelhead averaging 8-15 pounds are common, with some pushing over 20 pounds. Their bright silver sides and acrobatic fights make them a world-class gamefish that keeps anglers coming back.
Brown Trout are the clever predators of the bunch, often the hardest to fool but incredibly rewarding when you connect. These fish prefer structure like reefs, drop-offs, and temperature breaks where they ambush baitfish. Browns can grow huge in Lake Michigan's fertile waters – fish over 15 pounds are caught regularly. Their golden-bronze coloring and aggressive strikes make them a trophy species that serious anglers dream about.
Coho Salmon bring non-stop action when they're in the area, typically running in schools and hitting lures aggressively. These silver bullets average 5-12 pounds and fight with incredible speed and jumping ability. Cohos are most abundant during their late summer and fall runs, but can be found throughout the season. They're excellent eating and perfect for anglers who want consistent action.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan, with fish regularly topping 20-30 pounds during peak season. King Salmon make powerful, sustained runs that will test your tackle and your patience. These fish are most active during the spring and fall, when they're feeding heavily on alewives and other baitfish. Landing a big Chinook is a bucket-list experience that creates lifelong fishing memories.
This morning charter consistently delivers the goods – great fishing, professional guidance, and memories that'll last long after the trip ends. The early start time puts you on fish when they're most active, and the 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques. With the season running March through October and trips available Monday through Thursday, you've got flexibility to find dates that work with your schedule. Captain Jarrod's local knowledge and teaching approach make this perfect for both experienced anglers and families looking to get kids hooked on fishing. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Lake Michigan is considered one of the premier freshwater fisheries in North America.
Meet "In The Box," your ride for some serious Lake Michigan fishing action! This beautifully restored 31' Tiara Open packs brand-new 454 Crusader engines and everything you need to chase trout and salmon in comfort. She's loaded with top-shelf electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar to keep you on the fish even when visibility drops. The full cabin features AC, a fridge to keep your catch fresh, and an onboard head for convenience during those long runs. Premium rods, reels, and tackle are all set up and ready to go. With upgraded seating, full canopy for weather protection, and a Bluetooth speaker for tunes between bites, you'll have everything covered for a productive morning on the water. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work the lines while targeting Lakers, Steelhead, Browns, Coho, and Kings in Michigan's legendary waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-20 pounds with some pushing 30-plus. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer deep, cold water - usually 60-120 feet down where it stays cool. They're light-sensitive, so they hug the bottom during bright days and feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're actively feeding before spawning runs. What makes kings special is their raw power and the quality table fare - that rich, orange-pink meat is hard to beat. They don't jump like coho, but they'll make long, steady runs that'll test your tackle. Here's the key: use heavy gear and keep steady pressure. Kings will use their weight against you, so don't pump and wind - just maintain constant pressure and let your drag do the work.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho are silver bullets that put on a show when hooked. These acrobatic salmon average 8-12 pounds and fight way above their weight class, known for jumping clean out of the water multiple times. You'll find them roaming open water in 20-60 feet, often suspended and following baitfish schools. They're most active during cooler months from late spring through fall, especially in low-light conditions. The bright orange-red meat makes them prime table fare - some of the best eating fish in the lake. What sets coho apart is their aggressive nature and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. They can jump up to 6 feet vertically, so keep steady pressure and your rod tip up. Pro tip: when trolling, coho love bright flashy lures like chartreuse and pink spoons. Run them 2-3 colors back on your downriggers for best results.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of Lake Michigan, living in the coldest water down to 200+ feet. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots can reach 20-40 pounds and grow slowly, making them a prized catch. You'll find them suspended over deep basins or hugging bottom structure in 80-150 feet most of the season. Spring after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they move shallower and feed more actively. Lakers don't jump, but they're bulldogs that use the deep water to their advantage with powerful, sustained fights. The meat is excellent - rich and flaky when prepared right. What makes them special is their size potential and the challenge of fishing deep water. Overcast days are best since they avoid bright light. My go-to technique: vertical jig with heavy spoons or swimbaits right on bottom. Lakers often hit on the drop, so stay alert.
Oncorhynchus MykissSteelhead are Lake Michigan's rainbow trout that spend time in deeper water, typically running 2-8 pounds and 12-24 inches. You'll find them suspended in 40-80 feet of water during summer, moving shallower in spring and fall when water temps hit their preferred 55-65°F range. These fish are scrappy fighters with beautiful silver sides and that signature pink stripe. They're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. What makes them special is their acrobatic jumps when hooked - they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight. Best fishing happens early morning or evening when they're actively feeding. Here's a local trick: when trolling, watch your downrigger rod tips closely. Steelhead often hit with a subtle tick before the rod loads up, so stay ready to grab that rod fast or you'll miss the hookset.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the lake-run version of rainbow trout, spending most of their time in Lake Michigan's deeper waters before heading to tributaries. These silvery fighters average 24 inches but can reach 45 inches and pack serious power. You'll find them in 50-100 feet of water during summer, moving shallower in spring and fall. They prefer cooler water temps around structure like thermal bars and current breaks. What makes steelhead special is their stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag and patience. The streamlined, chrome-bright fish are excellent eating and prized by anglers for their fighting ability. Best season runs from late fall through spring when water temps drop. Here's what I've learned: when you hook one, let them run. Don't try to muscle them in - steelhead will break you off if you get too aggressive early in the fight.
5.0 out of 5.0Early morning is the way to go! We reeled in 12 fish and had over 20 bites. Jarrod was an excellent captain- professional, knowled...
My son and his friend went today and had the time of their life! Captain Jarrod was so knowledgeable and really was great teaching...
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