Charter Fishing on Lake Michigan | Algoma 38' Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended 6-8 hour trips targeting salmon and trout speciesProfessional charter accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablySeasonal fishing focuses on Chinook, Steelhead, and Brown Trout
Looking for a real fishing adventure on Lake Michigan? You've found it. Our 6-hour and 8-hour charters out of Algoma put you right where the big fish are biting. This isn't some cookie-cutter tourist trip – we're talking serious angling time with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're after that wall-hanger salmon or want to tangle with some hard-fighting trout, we've got the boat, the gear, and the local knowledge to make it happen. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows.
When you step aboard our 38-footer, you're getting on a fishing machine built for Lake Michigan's big water. We launch from Algoma's harbor and head out to where the fish are holding – could be the thermal bars, structure along the bottom, or bait schools we've been tracking. The extra hours really matter out here. Six to eight hours gives us time to work different depths, try various presentations, and adjust our game plan based on what the fish are telling us. Early morning departure means we're fishing during prime feeding times, and if the bite stays hot, we keep working it. The boat's equipped with all the downriggers, planer boards, and electronics you need, plus we provide all tackle and bait. You just bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and a valid fishing license.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling, and we've got it dialed in. We run multiple lines at different depths using downriggers to get your baits down where the fish are cruising. Spoons, plugs, and flies – we rotate through what's working that day. The planer boards let us spread lines out wide, covering more water and staying away from boat noise. When fish are shallow, we'll run leadcore or copper lines. Deeper fish mean dropping rigger balls down 80, 100, even 150 feet depending on the thermocline. The electronics tell us where baitfish are stacked up, and that's usually where we'll find our target species. Temperature breaks are gold mines – salmon and trout love those thermal layers where cold and warm water meet. We read the water, watch the fish finder, and put baits where they need to be.
Coho Salmon are the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing, especially spring through early summer. These silver rockets average 3-8 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They love the upper water column, often hitting baits in the top 40 feet. When a coho grabs your line, get ready for jumping, screaming runs that'll test your drag. They're aggressive feeders and fantastic table fare – flaky, mild, and perfect for the grill. Chinook Salmon are the kings of the lake for good reason. These bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and provide battles that last 15-20 minutes. Late summer and fall are prime time when they're staging for their spawning runs. They fight deep and dirty, using their weight and the current to try breaking you off. Landing a big king is something you'll remember forever. Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in the lake and absolute fighters. They average 5-15 pounds but don't let size fool you – browns are notorious for long, powerful runs and sudden direction changes. Fall months are magic for browns as they feed heavily before winter. They're spooky fish that require finesse, but when you hook one, they reward you with an epic battle. Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, often found in 100+ feet of water. These native fish can live decades and grow huge – 20-pound lakers aren't uncommon. They fight differently than salmon, more like a bulldog that just won't give up. Their mottled colors and prehistoric look make them special catches. Brook Trout round out our target list, though they're less common in our area. These beauties prefer cooler water and are absolutely gorgeous with their vibrant colors and distinctive markings.
Lake Michigan fishing doesn't get much better than this. Our extended trips give you the best shot at multiple species and that fish of a lifetime. The boat's ready, the captain knows where they're biting, and all that's missing is you with a rod in your hands. Don't wait until the season's almost over – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout runs. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who just loves being on the water, these trips deliver the goods. Call now and let's get you hooked up with some Lake Michigan fishing action you'll be talking about for years.
Step aboard our classic 38' Bertram convertible and get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Michigan's productive waters near Algoma. This beautifully restored 1978 beauty runs on twin 330HP Mercruiser engines that'll get you to the fish fast and keep you comfortable all day long. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines whether you're trolling for Coho salmon in spring or targeting those hefty Chinook and Brown trout come fall. The boat's equipped with everything serious fishermen need - GPS to mark those hot spots, radar for when the lake gets moody, and a quality fish finder to locate schools hiding in the depths. Plus there's an onboard head for those long 6 to 8-hour trips. The deep cockpit gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the sturdy construction handles Lake Michigan's waves like a champ. Perfect setup for landing Steelhead, Lake trout, and whatever else is biting in Algoma's legendary waters.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are Lake Michigan's most colorful natives and a real treat to catch when conditions align. These stunning fish rarely exceed 3-5 pounds in the big lake, but what they lack in size they make up for in beauty - olive-green backs with distinctive wavy lines, sides dotted with red and blue-haloed spots, and bright orange fins with white edges. Brookies are temperature sensitive and stick to the coldest water they can find, usually 100+ feet deep during summer. Spring and fall offer your best shot when they venture shallower to feed. They're scrappy fighters with quick bursts of energy. The meat is delicate and sweet - some say it's the best eating of all trout. Here's the thing about brooks: they're incredibly sensitive to water quality, so when you find them, you know you're in pristine water. Try small spoons and light tackle near thermal breaks.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the lake's craftiest predators and probably the most challenging fish you'll target. These golden-brown beauties typically measure 15-25 inches and weigh 3-8 pounds, though trophy fish over 15 pounds lurk in our deeper waters. What sets browns apart is their wariness - they're easily spooked and incredibly selective about what they'll eat. You'll find them hugging structure like rock piles and drop-offs, often in 40-80 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they become more aggressive before spawning. Their fighting style is different too - they make strong, determined runs and often try to wrap your line around structure. The meat quality is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's something most folks don't know: browns feed heavily at dawn and dusk, so those early morning and evening bites often produce the best fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These powerful fish average 15-20 pounds but can easily exceed 30 pounds in our waters. They're built like torpedoes with silver sides, blue-green backs, and distinctive black mouths. Unlike their acrobatic coho cousins, kings prefer to stay deep and fight with pure power - long, bulldogging runs that'll test your gear and patience. You'll find them in deeper water, typically 60-120 feet down, especially during summer months when they seek cooler temperatures. Late summer and fall are prime time when they move closer to shore. Their orange-pink meat is outstanding table fare. Pro tip: when you hook a king, don't rush it. Let the fish tire itself out on long runs rather than trying to muscle it up too quickly.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are one of the most acrobatic fish you'll encounter on Lake Michigan. These beautiful fish typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds, though we've seen some real bruisers push closer to 20. What makes cohos special is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight. You'll find them cruising the upper water column, especially during spring and early summer when they're actively feeding. Their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs make them easy to identify. The meat is orange-red and absolutely delicious. Here's a local tip: when trolling for cohos, keep your speed between 2.5-3 mph and watch for birds working bait schools. That's where the silvers will be staging.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of the Great Lakes and the only native trout species left in Lake Michigan. These massive char typically range 20-30 inches and weigh 8-20 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40+ pounds in deeper basins. They're built for cold water life with grey-green coloring and cream-colored spots across their bodies. Lakers live in the depths - we're talking 80-200+ feet down where it stays cold year-round. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move up slightly to feed. What guests love is their steady, powerful fight once hooked. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for smoking. They're slow-growing fish that can live 20+ years, so we practice selective harvest. Local secret: use a heavy jigging spoon and work it right off the bottom in 120+ feet - that's where the big ones cruise.
Algoma, WI