Lake Michigan Fishing Charters | Private 6 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Fishing
Six-hour private charter accommodates up to four guestsTarget Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and Rainbow TroutMorning and afternoon departure times available daily
Nothing beats the feeling of your rod bending with a powerful Lake Michigan salmon on the other end. Our private 6-hour charters give you and up to three friends exclusive access to some of the best fishing waters in the Great Lakes. Captain Jerry has been running these waters for over two decades, and he knows exactly where the big ones are hiding. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add a trophy to your collection or someone who just wants to experience world-class fishing, this charter delivers results. We run morning and afternoon trips, so you can pick what works best for your schedule and fishing preferences.
Your day starts at the marina where we'll get you set up with all the gear you need. Our 28-foot charter boat is equipped with downriggers, planer boards, and top-quality rods and reels that can handle the fight these Lake Michigan fish are famous for. We'll head out to productive waters anywhere from 60 to 180 feet deep, depending on where the fish are running that day. The beauty of a 6-hour charter is we're not rushed – if the action is hot in one spot, we can stay and work it. If it's slow, we've got time to move and find where they're biting. You'll spend your time learning proper techniques, fighting fish, and soaking up the stunning views of Lake Michigan's endless blue waters.
We primarily troll for these species using a combination of downriggers and planer boards to cover different depths and areas of the water column. Our downriggers let us get lures down to precise depths where the thermocline holds the coldest, most oxygen-rich water – exactly where salmon and trout love to hang out. We'll run spoons, plugs, and cut bait depending on what's working that day. The planer boards spread our lines out wide, covering more water and keeping lines away from the boat's wake. This setup might seem complex, but don't worry – we handle all the technical stuff. Your job is to grab the rod when it starts screaming and hang on for the ride. We provide all tackle, but feel free to bring your lucky lures if you've got them.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 30 pounds and fight like nothing you've ever experienced. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak action happening in summer when they're feeding heavily on alewives and smelt. When you hook into a king, expect multiple runs, jumps, and a battle that'll test your arms and your drag system. They're absolute torpedoes when they take off, and landing one is a memory you'll never forget.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their chinook cousins, but pound for pound, they're some of the most acrobatic fish in the lake. These silver rockets love to jump, and they'll put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Cohos typically run 5 to 12 pounds and are incredibly fun on lighter tackle. They school up in summer and can provide fast action when you find them. Their bright silver sides and aggressive strikes make them a customer favorite, especially for anglers who love seeing their fish jump.
Lake Trout are the deep-water giants that call Lake Michigan home year-round. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – we've seen lakers over 20 pounds come over the rail. They prefer the coldest, deepest water, so we target them with downriggers in 100+ feet of water. Lake trout fight with a steady, powerful pull rather than flashy runs, but their size and the deep water make for a serious arm workout. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake when prepared right.
Rainbow Trout, often called steelhead when they're chrome bright, are pure elegance on the end of your line. These fish combine the jumping ability of cohos with the raw power of kings, making them incredibly popular with serious anglers. Rainbows can be found at various depths throughout the season, and they're known for their beautiful colors and excellent table fare. When conditions are right, they'll feed aggressively and provide some of the most consistent action of any species we target.
Lake Michigan fishing doesn't get much better than this. Six hours gives you real time to work the water, learn from an experienced captain, and hopefully land some fish that'll make great stories back home. We keep our group size small at just four anglers maximum, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention. The boat is comfortable, the gear is top-notch, and Captain Jerry's knowledge of these waters is second to none. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to experience some of the best freshwater fishing in the country, this charter delivers. Book your date now – the fish are waiting, and the best days fill up fast.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the giants of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-30 pounds with some pushing 40+. These "kings" have silver sides with black spots covering their back, tail, and fins. They're deep-water fish that stay in the coldest, most oxygenated zones, often 60-150 feet down. Early morning and evening produce the best action since they avoid bright light. What makes chinook special is the sheer power - when a big king takes your line, you know it immediately. The fight can last 20+ minutes with long, powerful runs. The rich, reddish meat is top-shelf table fare. Spring through early summer offers peak fishing as they follow baitfish. Key tip: use heavy tackle and keep your bait near bottom - these fish rarely look up, so get down to their level for consistent success.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are absolute acrobats that'll jump 6 feet out of the water when hooked. These fish average 8-12 pounds with bright silver sides and dark backs. In Lake Michigan, they patrol open water but move toward structure when feeding. Spring through fall offers prime fishing, especially early morning and evening when they're most active. What guests love about coho is their aggressive fight - they're known for spectacular aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. The bright orange-red meat is outstanding eating too. They prefer cooler water, so we target them at different depths as seasons change. Local trick: use bright colors like chartreuse or pink in your lures - coho can't resist flashy presentations.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Michigan, typically weighing 15-40 pounds and living in the coldest depths year-round. These gray-green fish with cream-colored spots prefer water 100+ feet deep where temperatures stay consistently cold. They're slow-growing natives that can live decades, making each catch special. Spring right after ice-out and fall offer the best chances when they move shallower. What anglers love is their steady, powerful fight - no flashy jumps, just raw strength that'll test your gear. The firm, flaky meat is excellent eating with a clean taste. Overcast days typically produce better since they avoid bright sunlight. Best local advice: vertical jigging with spoons or swimbaits works best in deep water - let your lure flutter down and work it slowly near bottom where they cruise.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Lake Michigan typically run 2-8 pounds with that signature pink stripe along their silvery sides. They're surprisingly adaptable fish that cruise various depths depending on water temperature - you'll find them shallow in spring and fall, but they head deeper when summer heats up. These fish love clean, oxygenated water around 55-65°F. What makes them special is their fighting spirit - they'll jump and run when hooked, putting on a real show. The meat has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that's perfect on the grill. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: keep your bait moving rather than letting it sit static - rainbows are predators and respond better to action.
Lake Michigan