5.0(2 Reviews)Private 7-Hour Lake Michigan Fishing Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sevenhour morning charter targets five Lake Michigan speciesPeak feeding times from sunrise through early afternoonPrivate boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably
Picture this: you're heading out on Lake Michigan at dawn, watching the sunrise paint the water while you set your first lines of the day. This private 7-hour charter from In The Box Fishing Charters gives you and up to three friends the entire boat to yourselves, plus plenty of time to work the productive waters where the big fish live. Captain Jarrod knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, and those monster Chinook Salmon that make Lake Michigan famous. Running dock to dock from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (or until you hit your limits), this customer favorite trip maximizes your chances at landing quality fish during those prime morning feeding windows when the action is hottest.
You'll meet Captain Jarrod at the dock bright and early – trust me, those 6 AM starts are worth every minute when you see the sunrise over the lake. The boat's fully rigged and ready, so you can grab your coffee and focus on the fishing ahead. We're talking about a full seven hours of fishing time here, which means you get to work multiple spots and really dial in what's working that day. The morning bite is legendary on Lake Michigan, especially for salmon and trout, so you'll be setting lines just as these fish start their feeding frenzy. Pack some snacks and drinks for the day – there's nothing like eating lunch on the boat after landing a few keeper fish. Don't forget the sunscreen either, because you'll be out there when the sun gets serious. This world-class fishery delivers consistent action, and with a private charter, you set the pace and fishing style that works best for your group.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling – we're covering water to find where the fish are holding and what depth they're feeding at. Captain Jarrod runs a top-rated operation with quality downriggers, planer boards, and all the terminal tackle you need to get your lures down to where the salmon and trout are cruising. You'll learn how to work spoons, plugs, and flies behind dodgers – classic Lake Michigan techniques that have been producing fish for decades. The boat's equipped with fish finders and GPS, so we can mark productive areas and return to spots that are holding fish. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – Jarrod's patient with beginners and knows how to coach everyone from kids to experienced anglers. The rods stay busy on this lake, and with seven hours of fishing time, you'll get plenty of practice reading the electronics, adjusting depths, and fighting fish on the downriggers.
"A perfect trip for my 12 year old son who loves cold-weather fishing. Jarrod was great at engaging with my son for all his questions and was very patient with him. He also ensured that he had the best fishing method for him (and great at coaching me in the technique I used)." - Daniel
"Jarrod is an amazing and knowledgeable captain. He is very skilled in his craft and so patient. We did a charter for my son's 11th birthday and from the moment they go out there until they were coming in their lines were stacked with some huge fish! He definitely knows what he is doing and we will be booking again in the future!" - Katrina
Rainbow Trout and Steelhead are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll find in Lake Michigan. These chrome-bright beauties average 5-8 pounds but can push well into double digits. Steelhead are especially active in spring and fall, making long runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag system. They feed heavily on alewives and smelt, so we'll match our lures to what they're eating. What makes these fish special is their incredible stamina – a good steelhead will take you into your backing and keep you guessing which way it's heading next.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, known for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. These silver missiles typically run 3-6 pounds and are most active during spring and early summer. Coho love to feed near the surface in the morning, making them perfect targets for our dawn patrol trips. They're also great fish for kids and beginners because they fight hard but don't usually get too big to handle. Watch for the telltale splash when a coho takes your spoon – that's when the real fun begins.
Lake Trout are the deep-water heavyweights that can really make your day memorable. These native fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with 10-20 pound fish caught regularly and true giants pushing 30 pounds or more. Lakers prefer cold water and are most active during spring and fall when the thermal layers turn over. They're strong, steady fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage. Finding a school of lake trout means you could be in for multiple hookups and some serious fish for the cooler.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason – these bruisers can exceed 20 pounds and will test every piece of tackle on the boat. King salmon are most active during spring and fall runs, when they're feeding heavily before or after spawning. A big chinook will make long, powerful runs and has the strength to break you off if your drag isn't set right. These fish are why serious salmon anglers make the trip to Lake Michigan year after year. Landing a trophy king is something you'll remember for the rest of your fishing life.
This private 7-hour trip gives you the best chance at experiencing everything Lake Michigan has to offer. With a renowned captain who knows how to put you on fish and the flexibility to fish
Meet "In The Box," your ticket to serious Lake Michigan fishing action! This fully renovated 31' Tiara Open packs brand-new 454 Crusader engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast. The boat's loaded with everything you need – premium rods, reels, tackle, plus top-notch electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar for those foggy mornings. Stay comfortable with AC, grab cold drinks from the onboard fridge, and use the cabin bathroom when nature calls. Full canopy keeps you covered while you're fighting those Chinook salmon and lake trout. Whether you're targeting steelhead in the early morning bite or chasing coho later in the day, this rig handles Lake Michigan's big water with ease. Upgraded seating means you can fish in comfort all day, and the Bluetooth speaker keeps the mood right between strikes. All safety gear included – just bring your cooler for the catch!
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-30 pounds with some pushing 40+ pounds. These bruisers have silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots covering their heads, backs, and all fins. They're light-sensitive, so they hug the bottom during bright days, typically 80-150 feet down near structure. Early morning and evening hours are your best bet, especially during summer months. What makes kings special is their sheer power - they'll make blistering runs that can empty your reel if you're not careful. The reddish-pink meat is outstanding table fare. Since they stay deep, use downriggers or heavy weights to get your bait down to them. Here's the key: troll slower than you think. Kings like a lazy presentation, so keep your speed around 2-3 mph and let the lure do the work.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are absolute rockets when hooked. These fish run 12-30 inches and typically weigh 8-12 pounds, though we've seen bigger ones. They've got dark blue-green backs with silver sides and distinctive black spots on their backs and tails. In Lake Michigan, you'll find them suspended in mid-water, usually 30-60 feet down, cruising for alewives and smelt. Early morning is prime time during summer months. What guests love about coho is their aerial show - they can jump 6 feet straight up and will peel line like crazy. The orange-red meat is top-shelf eating. Pro tip: when trolling for coho, use bright lures like chartreuse or pink. They're aggressive feeders, so don't be afraid to run your lures a bit faster than you would for other species.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water natives of Lake Michigan, with grey-green bodies covered in cream-colored spots. These char can grow massive - we regularly see 15-25 pounders, with some reaching 40+ pounds. They live in the coldest, deepest water, typically 100-200 feet down in summer, though they'll come shallow in spring and fall when water temps drop. Lakers prefer overcast days and low-light conditions for feeding. What anglers love is their steady, powerful fight and excellent eating quality. They're slow-growing fish that can live decades, so they're special catches. The best technique is vertical jigging with spoons or swimbaits right on bottom. Here's what works: drop your jig to bottom, then work it 2-3 feet off the lake floor. Lakers are curious and will often follow your lure up before striking, so vary your jigging cadence.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds in Lake Michigan. These beauties are silver with that signature pink stripe and black spots scattered across their backs. You'll find them in the cooler water columns, usually 40-80 feet down during summer months. They prefer water temps between 55-65°F, so spring and fall offer some of the best action when they move shallower. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. Let them run and tire themselves out. Their mouths are soft, so too much pressure will tear the hook right out.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in the big lake, making them silver, streamlined, and incredibly strong. These fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches, with most weighing 6-15 pounds. In Lake Michigan, they roam the deeper water during summer, typically 50-100 feet down near structure or temperature breaks. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they move shallower and become more active. What sets steelhead apart is their legendary fighting ability - they're pure muscle and attitude. Long, powerful runs and aerial displays make them a favorite among serious anglers. The meat is excellent, firmer than regular rainbow trout. My advice: use a longer rod with good backbone and keep your drag smooth. These fish will test every knot you've tied, so check your terminal tackle twice.
5.0 out of 5.0A perfect trip for my 12 year old son who loves cold-weather fishing. Jarrod was great at engaging with my son for all his questio...
Jarrod is an amazing and knowledgeable captain. He is very skilled in his craft and so patient. We did a charter for my son’s 11th...
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