Lake Michigan Salmon & Trout Charter from Waukegan
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour private charter targeting salmon and trout speciesCaptain provides all fishing gear and tackle includedAccommodates up to six guests of all skill levels
Captain Mark Mathieu has been running top-rated fishing charters out of Waukegan for years, and his 6-hour inshore trips are customer favorites for good reason. When you step aboard his boat, you're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting decades of local knowledge about where the salmon and trout are biting in Lake Michigan's productive waters. This private charter accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to escape the crowds and focus on filling the cooler. All skill levels are welcome, from first-timers who've never held a rod to seasoned anglers looking to dial in their Lake Michigan game.
Your day starts early at Waukegan Harbor, where Captain Mark will have the boat prepped and ready to hit the prime fishing zones. The inshore waters off Waukegan are world-class for salmon and trout, especially during the spring and fall runs when these fish are actively feeding and moving along the shoreline structure. You'll be targeting Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, Steelhead, Brown trout, and Lake trout – basically the dream team of Great Lakes fishing. The captain provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, so you can focus on the fishing instead of wondering if you brought the right gear. Just remember to grab your fishing license if you're 16 or older, and pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the 6-hour adventure. The deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to the date when you book.
Lake Michigan inshore fishing is all about trolling, and Captain Mark has this technique dialed in perfectly. You'll be running multiple lines at different depths using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to cover the water column where these fish are feeding. The boat is equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy Coho to bruiser King salmon that might go 20 pounds or more. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations are the go-to lures, with colors and presentations changing based on water clarity, temperature, and what the fish are keying on that day. The captain reads the fish finder constantly, looking for bait schools and temperature breaks where predators stack up. When you get a fish on, he'll coach you through the fight and make sure you get that trophy shot before deciding whether it's a keeper or goes back to fight another day.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish can exceed 30 pounds and will test your drag system with screaming runs and head-shaking jumps. Spring and fall are prime time for Kings, when they're feeding heavily on alewives and moving through Waukegan's waters. The fight alone is worth the trip – nothing beats the adrenaline rush of a big Chinook peeling line off your reel. Coho salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but they make up for it with acrobatics that'll leave you breathless. These silver rockets love to jump and run, often going airborne multiple times during the fight. Summer months are excellent for Coho, especially when the water temperatures are right and they're actively chasing bait near the surface.
Steelhead trout are legendary among Great Lakes anglers for their incredible fighting ability. These chrome-bright fish are basically ocean-going rainbow trout that have adapted to the Great Lakes, and they fight like they're twice their size. Spring and fall runs bring the best Steelhead fishing, and landing one is a memory you'll replay for years. Brown trout are the smartest fish in the lake, often requiring finesse and perfect presentation to fool them. These golden-flanked beauties can grow surprisingly large in Lake Michigan's rich waters, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly. They're most active during low-light periods and cooler months. Lake trout are the natives here, and they're built for these deep, cold waters. These spotted predators can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with their deep-bodied strength providing a completely different fight than the other species you'll encounter.
This Lake Michigan charter with Kingfisher Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – productive fishing, expert guidance, and the chance to tangle with some of the best fighting fish in the Great Lakes. Captain Mark's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this a trending choice among both locals and visiting anglers. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to the sport, celebrate a special occasion, or just need to get away from shore fishing for a day, this 6-hour adventure covers all the bases. The private boat means you're fishing at your own pace with your own group, not competing with strangers for rod time or photo opportunities. Don't sleep on booking – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons when the fishing is red-hot.
Captain Mark's 56' Viking Sportfish cuts through Lake Michigan's waters with authority, powered by a reliable 270HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast at 30 knots. This tournament-grade fishing machine comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you chase salmon and trout in Waukegan's productive waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth around those finicky Chinook, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate schools holding in deeper water. Built for serious fishing, this Viking gives you the stable platform needed for battling Lake Michigan's hard-fighting salmon and steelhead. Whether you're dropping lines for browns near structure or working the thermocline for coho, you've got the right boat under your feet for a productive day on the big lake.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest fish we target—they didn't earn the nickname "professor" for nothing. These golden-colored beauties typically run 3-8 pounds, though Lake Michigan holds some real trophies pushing 15-20 pounds. They're covered in distinctive black and red spots with that classic brown-gold coloring. You'll find them anywhere from 15-60 feet deep, often relating to structure or temperature breaks. Spring and fall are prime, but they feed aggressively at night year-round. What makes browns special is their wariness—they'll inspect your lure and test your skills. The meat is mild and flaky, some of the best eating in the lake. They're notorious for following lures without striking. My secret: when you mark fish that won't bite, change your speed or direction suddenly. That erratic action often triggers strikes from browns that have been tailing your spread.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings of Lake Michigan—these bruisers regularly hit 15-25 pounds, with some monsters pushing 30-plus. They're built for power with broad shoulders and that distinctive black mouth. Unlike their jumping coho cousins, kings prefer to slug it out deep, making powerful runs and testing your tackle. You'll find them anywhere from 40-120 feet down, hugging the thermocline or suspended over deep water. Early season (April-June) and fall are peak times. What guests love about kings is the pure muscle—it's like being hooked to a freight train. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. These fish are light-sensitive, so they stay deep during bright conditions. Here's what works: use heavy tackle and don't be afraid to put some pressure on them. They've got hard mouths, so keep that rod tip up and maintain steady pressure throughout the fight.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are absolute acrobats—they'll jump clean out of the water and put on a show that'll get your heart pumping. These silver beauties typically run 8-12 pounds in Lake Michigan, though we see some pushing 15-20 pounds. They've got dark blue-green backs with bright silver sides and distinctive black spots on their tails. You'll find them cruising the inshore waters, usually in the top 30-50 feet of the water column. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're feeding heavily on alewives and smelt. What makes coho special is that acrobatic fight—they'll leap multiple times and make long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is fantastic too, with that bright orange-red color. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them jump and tire themselves out.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the giants of the deep—these gray-green fish with cream-colored spots can reach 20-40 pounds and live for decades. They're built for the depths, with that classic torpedo shape and forked tail. You'll find them in 80-200+ feet of water, suspended in the cold, oxygen-rich depths. Early spring right after ice-out is fantastic when they're shallow, but summer means going deep. What makes lakers special is their size and the challenge of fishing deep water. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days or low-light periods are best. These fish live slow and grow slow, so they're worth the wait. Here's the key: fish directly under the boat with heavy jigs or spoons. Use your electronics to stay on them, and don't be afraid to go deeper than you think. When you hook one, it's often a long, steady pull rather than flashy runs.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that live like salmon—they're the same fish, but steelhead are chrome-bright from living in the big lake. These fish average 6-10 pounds but can push 15-20 pounds, and they're built like torpedoes. You'll find them anywhere from 20-80 feet deep, often suspended over deeper water or working the thermocline. They love cooler water temps, so spring and fall are your best bets, though we catch them year-round. What makes steelhead special is their stamina—they'll make long, powerful runs and fight harder than almost any fish their size. The meat is excellent, pink and flaky. They can be finicky eaters, so presentation matters. My go-to trick is to vary your trolling speed every few minutes—speed up, slow down, even stop for a second. That speed change often triggers a strike when they're being picky.
Lake Michigan