Lake Michigan Charter Fishing from Winthrop Harbor
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Charter targets Lake Michigan species from 36foot vesselAccommodates up to six guests with provided fishing equipmentInshore fishing adventure departing from Winthrop Harbor
Ready to test your skills against some of Lake Michigan's finest fighting fish? Our 36-foot charter boat operates right out of Winthrop Harbor, putting you in prime position to target trophy trout and salmon in these world-class waters. With room for up to six anglers, this is the perfect setup whether you're planning a family outing, buddies trip, or just want to get away from the crowds and into some serious fish. The boat comes fully rigged with all the gear you need, so you can focus on what matters most – getting lines in the water and fish in the cooler.
Once we clear Winthrop Harbor, we'll head out into the big water where the real action happens. Lake Michigan's structure and thermoclines create perfect conditions for holding big fish, and our captain knows exactly where to find them based on current conditions. The 36-foot boat gives us the stability and range to hit the best spots, whether that's working the nearshore structure or running out to deeper water where the kings like to cruise. You'll be fishing in some of the most productive waters on the Great Lakes, with excellent visibility most days and plenty of room to move around when you hook into something substantial. The harbor location is ideal – easy access from Chicago and Milwaukee, but far enough north to get into cleaner water where the fish are more active.
We run a proven trolling spread that's been fine-tuned for these waters over years of fishing Lake Michigan. The boat's equipped with quality downriggers, planer boards, and all the terminal tackle you need to get your baits down to where the fish are holding. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we'll adjust our spread – sometimes running spoons tight to the boat, other times spreading out with boards to cover more water. The electronics on board help us locate baitfish concentrations and temperature breaks where predators like to ambush their prey. You don't need to bring anything except your fishing license and whatever snacks or drinks you want for the day. We've got rods, reels, tackle, and the knowledge of what's working right now. If you have lucky lures you want to run, feel free to bring them along – sometimes personal favorites produce when nothing else will.
Rainbow Trout are absolute rockets when they hit, often going airborne multiple times during the fight. These chrome-bright fish typically run 3-8 pounds in these waters, with the occasional double-digit fish showing up to make your day. Spring through fall produces consistent action, but late spring and early summer are peak times when they're feeding heavily and fighting their hardest. What makes rainbows special is their unpredictability – they'll hit everything from small spoons to big plugs, and you never know if that next bite is going to be a scrappy 3-pounder or a tackle-busting pig.
Coho Salmon bring serious attitude to the boat. These silver bullets average 4-10 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making long runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag and your nerves. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August typically producing the most consistent action. Cohos love structure and temperature breaks, so we'll work areas where different water masses meet. They're notorious for hitting hard and fast, so keep your drag set properly and be ready for battle when that rod doubles over.
Brown Trout are the thinking angler's fish – they're smart, moody, and absolutely beautiful when you get them in the net. These bronze-sided bruisers can push well over 10 pounds, with 20+ pounders always a possibility. Browns are most active during low-light periods and cooler months, making early morning and evening trips particularly productive. They're known for testing leaders and finding every piece of structure they can wrap your line around, so be ready for a chess match once you hook up. The reward is worth it – a big brown trout from Lake Michigan is one of the finest fighting and eating fish you'll find anywhere.
Lake Trout are the deep-water giants that make legends. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with 15-30 pound fish common and true giants always lurking in the depths. Lakers prefer colder, deeper water, so we'll often target them with downriggers in 60+ feet of water. They fight differently than the other species – more of a bulldogging, powerful fight that tests your endurance rather than explosive runs. Summer months are prime time when they move up in the water column to feed, though they can be caught year-round by anglers willing to go deep and stay patient.
Lake Michigan fishing from Winthrop Harbor offers some of the most consistent and rewarding angling you'll find on the Great Lakes. With multiple species to target, proven techniques, and a top-rated charter operation, this is your chance to experience what keeps anglers coming back season after season. The 36-foot boat provides the perfect platform for up to six anglers, whether you're looking to introduce someone to Great Lakes fishing or target personal bests with experienced friends. Don't wait until prime dates fill up – the best fishing and most popular times book fast. Contact Kinn's Sport Fishing today to secure your spot on the water and get ready for some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer.
Ready to chase salmon and trout on Lake Michigan? This classic 36' Chris Craft convertible has been hauling in serious catches from Winthrop Harbor since 1977. The boat got a complete makeover in 2017, so you're getting that vintage charm with modern reliability. Twin 330HP Crusader engines push her at a steady 16 knots to the hottest fishing spots without burning through fuel. The fish finder keeps you on top of schools while GPS gets you back to port safely. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer runs. There's even a head onboard for those extended trips chasing coho and chinook. With room for 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. The convertible layout gives everyone access to the action whether you're trolling the depths or casting near structure. This boat knows Lake Michigan's moods and handles everything from calm mornings to afternoon chop like the seasoned fishing machine she is.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they've earned their reputation as the hardest to fool. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds. They're homebodies, preferring deep pools near structure like rocks or vegetation where they can ambush prey. Fall is when they really turn on, feeding aggressively at night as they prepare for spawning. Spring mornings can be productive too when water temps hit that sweet spot of 54-65°F. What makes them special is their wariness - landing one feels like you've outsmarted a worthy opponent. The eating quality is excellent with firm, mild flesh. They've been thriving in Lake Michigan since 1883 and know every trick in the book. Here's what works: during daylight hours, focus on deeper structure and use smaller presentations. They're spooky, so keep noise down and let your lures work naturally.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, are the acrobats of Lake Michigan. These fighters average 12-30 inches and pack 8-12 pounds of pure energy. They're known for their spectacular jumps - can leap 6 feet straight up when hooked. Look for them in deeper water during summer, but they'll move shallower in spring and fall. The bright silver sides with dark backs make them easy to identify, and that bright orange-red meat is top-notch eating. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding on baitfish. What guests love most is the fight - these fish don't give up easy and will test your skills with sudden bursts and aerial displays. Pro tip from our boat: when trolling for coho, bright colors like chartreuse and pink work well, especially in the early morning or overcast conditions when they're most active.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the deep, often called "lakers" by locals. These bruisers average 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds - serious fish that require serious tackle. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Michigan, sometimes suspended 100+ feet down where the water stays frigid year-round. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallower, but summer means going deep with downriggers. What draws anglers is their sheer size and the challenge of finding them in that vast, deep water. They're slow growers that can live decades, making each one special. The fight is more of a powerful, bulldogging battle than flashy jumps. For eating, the meat is rich and oily - great smoked. Here's the key: focus on structure like underwater humps and drop-offs. Use jigging spoons or large swimbaits, and don't be afraid to fish 150+ feet down in summer.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds in Lake Michigan. These beauties are easy to spot with their silver bodies and signature pink stripe. They prefer clean, cold water around 55-64°F and can be found at various depths depending on the season. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make sudden runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. The meat is firm and takes well to grilling or pan-frying. Here's a local tip: during summer when they go deeper, look for them near thermoclines where the water temperature drops. They're indicators of clean water, so finding them means you're fishing in the good stuff.
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