Lake Michigan Family Fishing Charter from Waukegan
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour private Lake Michigan charter targets five salmon speciesCaptain Mark guides families through inshore and offshore watersAll fishing equipment and tackle included for groups up to six
Captain Mark Mathieu knows these Lake Michigan waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you and your family what makes Waukegan one of the premier fishing destinations on the Great Lakes. This 6-hour private charter is designed specifically for families and small groups who want to experience world-class salmon and trout fishing without the crowds. Whether you're teaching your kids to fish or looking to add some trophy species to your photo album, this top-rated charter delivers the perfect balance of relaxation and fish-catching action that keeps families coming back year after year.
You'll meet Captain Mark at the Waukegan Harbor, where his well-equipped charter boat awaits with all the fishing gear you need already rigged and ready. The beauty of a private charter is that Mark tailors the day to your group's experience level and preferences. First-timers get patient instruction on everything from setting the hook to proper reeling technique, while seasoned anglers can focus on landing those bucket-list fish. The boat comfortably handles up to six guests, making it ideal for multi-generational family trips or close friends who want to share the excitement of hooking into Lake Michigan's legendary salmon runs. Mark runs both inshore and offshore depending on where the fish are biting, and he's constantly adjusting tactics based on current conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. Don't forget to bring snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized throughout the day, and make sure anglers 16 and older have their valid Illinois fishing license.
Captain Mark specializes in trolling techniques that consistently produce results on Lake Michigan. He runs a mix of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups depending on the depth and structure you're fishing. The boat comes equipped with high-quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of proven lures including spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs that Lake Michigan salmon and trout can't resist. Mark knows exactly which colors and presentations work best during different seasons and weather conditions. In spring and fall, you'll often find fish closer to shore where the water temperatures are more favorable, while summer fishing typically means heading to deeper offshore waters where the thermocline holds cooler, oxygen-rich water. The trolling spreads Mark sets up allow multiple lines in the water simultaneously, maximizing your chances of hookups and letting everyone on board stay engaged. He handles all the technical aspects of boat positioning, speed control, and lure selection, so your family can focus on the fun part – fighting fish and creating memories.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish can reach 20-30 pounds and provide heart-pounding fights that test your endurance and fishing skills. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the largest fish often caught during the summer months when they're feeding heavily on alewives in deeper water. What makes Chinooks so special is their incredible strength and speed – they'll strip line off your reel faster than you can believe and make multiple runs that keep you guessing. The moment you hook into one, everyone on the boat knows it.
Coho salmon offer a different but equally exciting experience, known for their acrobatic jumps and aggressive strikes. These silver bullets typically range from 5-15 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Cohos tend to stay in shallower water than their Chinook cousins, making them more accessible during certain times of the year. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Many families love targeting Cohos because they're active fighters but manageable for younger anglers to land with some coaching.
Steelhead trout are the athletes of Lake Michigan, combining the fighting spirit of salmon with the beauty and grace that makes trout fishing so addictive. These chrome-bright fish average 8-12 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Steelhead are particularly active during cooler months and can be found both inshore and offshore depending on seasonal migration patterns. They're known for their long, powerful runs and their ability to change direction quickly, keeping anglers on their toes throughout the fight.
Brown trout are the wary veterans of the lake, often requiring more finesse and patience to consistently catch. These beautiful fish can grow quite large in Lake Michigan's nutrient-rich waters, with specimens over 15 pounds not uncommon. Browns are known for their golden-brown coloration and distinctive spotted patterns. They tend to be more active during low-light periods and can be incredibly selective about lure presentation. Landing a big Lake Michigan brown trout is considered a real accomplishment among local anglers.
Lake trout represent the deep-water specialists, inhabiting the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Michigan year-round. These native fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with some specimens exceeding 20 pounds. Lakers have a distinctive forked tail and beautiful spotted pattern that makes them instantly recognizable. They're typically caught in deeper water using downriggers, and their steady, powerful fighting style provides a different experience from the more erratic salmon and steelhead. Lake trout are also prized for their excellent eating quality and are considered by many to be the best-tasting fish in the Great Lakes.
This customer favorite Lake Michigan fishing charter fills up quickly, especially during peak salmon season when the fishing is at its absolute best. Captain Mark's reputation for putting families on fish while maintaining a safe, educational, and fun atmosphere has made this one of the most sought-after charters operating out of Waukegan. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for helping people catch fish creates an experience that turns first-time charter guests into repeat customers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so once you're committed, you're locked in for what's sure to be an outstanding day
Your Lake Michigan fishing adventure starts aboard our impressive 56' Viking Sportfish, a serious fishing machine built for pursuing salmon and trout in these legendary waters. Powered by a reliable 270HP Yamaha engine, this boat cuts through Lake Michigan swells at speeds up to 30 knots, getting you to the hottest fishing spots quickly and comfortably. Captain Mark knows exactly where the Chinook salmon, Coho, Steelhead, Brown trout, and Lake trout are biting, and our boat's fish finder technology helps pinpoint schools beneath the surface. The wireless trolling motor lets us move silently through productive areas without spooking fish, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the prime locations during your 6-hour charter. With space for up to 6 anglers, this vessel is perfect for family fishing trips where kids can learn alongside experienced fishers. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without tangling lines, and there's plenty of storage for your snacks and drinks. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, so you just need your fishing license and enthusiasm for landing trophy fish in one of the Great Lakes' most productive fishing destinations.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones in Lake Michigan - they didn't get their reputation for being wary without reason. These golden-brown fish with black spots average 8-24 inches but can surprise you with specimens over 30 inches. They love structure like rocky drop-offs and prefer cooler water temps between 54-65°F. Fall fishing is prime time when they feed aggressively, especially at night near piers and rocky areas. What makes browns special is their wariness and the challenge they present to experienced anglers. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild-flavored meat. These fish can live up to 20 years, so the big ones have seen every trick in the book. Best approach: fish them early morning or late evening when they're less spooky, and don't be afraid to downsize your tackle and lures when they get finicky.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan - literally. These bruisers can reach 30+ pounds and are built for power, not acrobatics. They have distinctive black mouths and gums, with spots covering their backs and tails. Kings prefer deeper, colder water and are light-sensitive, so they typically stay down during bright days. Early morning and evening provide the best bite windows. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but summer means going deeper with downriggers. What guests love about chinook is the sheer size and that arm-burning fight on heavy tackle. The rich, orange-pink meat is outstanding table fare. These fish are sensitive to light, so fishing deeper water with weighted presentations is key. Local trick: when the bite gets tough, try switching to smaller, more natural-colored lures and slow your trolling speed down.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called "silvers," are acrobatic fighters that'll jump up to 6 feet when hooked. These fish average 8-12 pounds and feature bright silver sides with dark backs and spotted tails. In Lake Michigan, we find them in varying depths depending on water temperature and baitfish movement. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when they're chasing alewives. What makes coho special is their aggressive nature and that bright orange-red meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're scrappy fighters that make great targets for families since they're willing biters. Pro tip: watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding coho. When trolling, vary your speeds until you find what triggers them that day.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of the char family, living in the coldest depths of Lake Michigan year-round. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots typically run 24-36 inches and can exceed 40 pounds. You'll find them suspended in deep basins, often 80-200 feet down in summer, following temperature layers and oxygen levels. Spring after ice-out and fall offer the best fishing when they move shallower. Lakers are prized for their size potential and that deep-water challenge - it's pure vertical jigging in serious depths. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for smoking. Since they're slow-growing and live in such specific habitat, each one is special. Pro tip from years of guiding: use your electronics to mark suspended fish, then drop heavy jigs right to them. Vary your jigging cadence until you find what triggers them.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in open water, making them larger and more silver than their stream cousins. These fish average 24 inches but can reach impressive sizes in the Great Lakes. They prefer cooler water and will move to different depths following temperature breaks and baitfish. Fall through spring gives you the best shot at hooking one, especially during overcast conditions. What draws anglers to steelhead is their raw power - they're known for long, screaming runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is excellent eating too. These fish can live up to 11 years and spawn multiple times, making them sustainable targets. Key tip: when fighting a steelhead, keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to - forcing the fight usually means a lost fish.
Lake Michigan