Lake Michigan Salmon & Trout Charter - Winthrop
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Charter fishing adventure targeting Salmon and Trout on Lake MichiganAccommodates up to 6 guests aboard professional 38-foot fishing vesselInshore fishing experience with Kinn's Sport Fishing in Winthrop area
When you're looking for some serious action on Lake Michigan, this Winthrop charter delivers exactly what you're after. Captain Kinn knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his 38-foot boat gives you the perfect platform to chase down some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Great Lakes has to offer. With room for up to six anglers, this top-rated charter experience puts you right in the heart of where the fish are running. The fishing window here is tight, but when it's on, it's really on - and that's what makes every trip feel like you're part of something special.
You'll be fishing from a well-equipped 38-footer that's built for Lake Michigan's conditions. Captain Kinn runs a clean operation with all the gear you need, from downriggers to planer boards, plus he's got the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets their shot at the action. We typically head out early to hit the prime feeding times, and you'll spend your day working the productive zones where salmon and trout cruise for baitfish. The captain keeps things moving, adjusting depths and locations based on what the fish are telling us through the electronics.
This is all about trolling with downriggers and planer boards to cover water and find active fish. We'll be running spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations at various depths, typically anywhere from 20 to 120 feet down depending on the thermocline and where we're marking fish. The downriggers let us get baits down to precise depths while maintaining boat speed, usually between 2.2 and 3.2 mph. Planer boards spread our lines out to cover more water and keep baits away from the boat's wake. Captain Kinn watches the fish finder constantly, looking for bait schools and temperature breaks where predators like to hang out. When we hook up, it's all about playing the fish properly - these lake trout and salmon have room to run, and they'll use every inch of it.
Rainbow Trout are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, and when you hook into a fresh chrome steelhead, you're in for a show. These fish typically run 4 to 8 pounds, with some pushing into double digits. They love cooler water and are most active during spring and fall. What makes rainbows so exciting is their aerial displays - they'll jump, twist, and do everything they can to throw the hook. You'll find them feeding on alewives and smelt in the upper water column, especially early and late in the day.
Coho Salmon are pure energy wrapped in silver, hitting baits hard and fighting like fish twice their size. Most cohos here run between 3 and 7 pounds, but they pack serious punch. These fish are known for their aggressive strikes and blistering runs toward the surface. Peak coho action typically happens from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding and putting on weight. They're suckers for bright spoons and plugs, especially when worked through schools of baitfish.
Brown Trout are the smart guys of the lake - they're cautious, finicky, and absolutely beautiful when you get them to the boat. Lake Michigan browns can be real trophies, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly. They prefer deeper, cooler water during summer months and can be tough to fool, which makes landing one even more satisfying. Browns often feed near bottom structure and drop-offs, and they're known for their powerful, determined fights that test your drag system.
Lake Trout are the giants lurking in the depths, and hooking into a big laker is like tying into a freight train. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and provide arm-burning fights from deep water. Lakers prefer the coldest, deepest parts of the lake and are most active during cooler months. They're not the fastest fish, but their size and strength make every battle memorable. When you finally get a good lake trout to the surface after a long fight from 80 or 100 feet down, you'll understand why anglers target these bruisers.
This world-class Lake Michigan fishing opportunity doesn't wait around - the seasonal windows are short, and the best dates fill up fast with repeat customers who know what Captain Kinn delivers. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add some Great Lakes salmon and trout to your logbook, or you're new to the game and want to learn from someone who really knows these waters, this charter gives you everything you need for a successful day. The combination of quality equipment, local expertise, and productive fishing grounds makes this a customer favorite that anglers talk about long after they've headed home. Don't let this season slip by - grab your spot on one of the most renowned charters operating out of Winthrop and get ready for some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer.
This beautifully restored 38' Bertram convertible from 1978 brings classic sportfishing style to Lake Michigan's productive waters. Twin 330HP Mercruiser engines push this solid fishing platform at a comfortable 14 knots, getting you to the salmon and trout grounds efficiently. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day - GPS to navigate the big lake, radar for those foggy mornings, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of fish. With space for up to 6 anglers and an onboard head for convenience, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines and land those hard-fighting Lake Michigan salmon and steelhead. The boat's classic convertible design provides excellent fishing access from multiple angles.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in the lake and the trickiest to fool. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches but can push 30+ inches when conditions are right. They're homebodies, hanging around structure like reefs, drop-offs, and weed lines rather than roaming open water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning. Browns fight differently than other trout - more bulldogging than jumping, but they're incredibly strong. The table fare is outstanding with firm, flaky meat. Here's the secret: browns are night feeders, so early morning and late evening produce the best action. Don't be afraid to fish right against bottom structure.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, known for their wild jumps when hooked. These silver bullets typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds, though we've seen some push past 20 pounds. They cruise the open waters chasing baitfish, usually 20-60 feet down depending on the thermocline. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding. What makes coho special is their aggressive strikes and aerial show - they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight. The bright orange meat is top-shelf eating. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, get your spoons down quick - coho are likely feeding below.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the deep, often called "lakers" by locals. These grey-green fish with cream spots are the largest trout species, commonly hitting 15-40 pounds and stretching 24-36 inches. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Michigan, often suspended 60-150 feet down over deep basins. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they move shallower. What draws people to lakers is their sheer size and power - they fight like submarines with long, steady runs. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Key tip: use heavy jigging spoons and work them vertically - lakers rarely chase lures horizontally, so stay right over them.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds in Lake Michigan. You'll spot them by their signature pink stripe and black spots scattered across their silver bodies. These fish prefer cooler water between 55-65°F, so we target them in deeper areas during summer months and closer to the surface in spring and fall. They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and run when hooked, making every catch exciting. The meat is excellent eating with that classic pink flesh. My go-to trick? When trolling, vary your speed every few minutes - rainbows love that erratic action and it triggers more strikes than steady retrieves.
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