Full-Day Lake Michigan Charter in Port Washington
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour Lake Michigan charter targeting salmon and trout speciesProfessional trolling techniques on stable 33foot Trojan cruiser vesselAll fishing equipment provided for groups up to six guests
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a 33-foot Trojan cruiser, watching the sunrise paint Lake Michigan in shades of gold while your lines are already working the depths for monster salmon and trout. That's what you get with Livin' the Dream Fishing Charters – a proper eight-hour commitment to putting fish in the boat. Operating out of their permanent slip at 106 Lake Street in Port Washington, Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand. Whether you've never held a fishing rod or you're looking to add some Lake Michigan trophies to your collection, this charter welcomes up to six anglers for a dedicated day of serious fishing.
This isn't a quick morning trip – we're talking about a full eight hours dedicated to your group alone. The 33-foot Trojan provides the stability you need when the lake decides to show its personality, and there's plenty of room for six people to fish comfortably without stepping on each other's toes. Port Washington sits in prime Lake Michigan fishing territory, where deep water structure and current breaks create perfect conditions for salmon and trout. The boat launches from a permanent slip, so you're not dealing with trailer ramps or weather delays – just show up ready to fish. The crew handles everything from rigging to netting, which means you can focus on what matters: fighting fish. All you need to bring is your Wisconsin fishing license with Great Lakes stamp, some snacks for the day, and maybe a cooler for your catch.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling, and this crew runs it like clockwork. They're pulling professional-grade rods and reels loaded with everything from spoons and flashers to dodgers and flies, depending on what the fish are hitting. The boat runs multiple lines at different depths using downriggers, dipsy divers, and leadcore setups to cover the water column effectively. Spring and early summer often means working the thermocline where baitfish stack up, while late summer requires deeper presentations as fish follow the cooling water. The captain reads the electronics constantly, adjusting speed, depth, and lure selection based on what's marking on the sonar. You'll learn proper trolling technique, how to work a fish on light tackle, and the art of keeping multiple lines in the water without creating a tangled mess. All tackle, rods, and reels are provided – this is high-end stuff that can handle whatever Lake Michigan throws at you.
King Salmon remain the crown jewel of Lake Michigan fishing, and for good reason. These Chinook beasts average 15-25 pounds but can push well over 30 when conditions are right. They're most active during the cooler months from April through June and again in late August through September when they stage for their spawning runs. What makes Kings special is their raw power – they'll strip line off your reel in blistering runs and jump clear of the water trying to throw the hook. The fight can last 20 minutes or more, testing both your arms and your patience. Coho Salmon offer a different kind of excitement, typically running 8-15 pounds but making up for size with acrobatics that'll leave you breathless. They're surface-oriented fighters, often jumping repeatedly and making quick direction changes that keep you guessing.
Rainbow Trout provide consistent action throughout the season, with fish ranging from 5-12 pounds that fight way above their weight class. They're particularly active in the spring thermal breaks and during low-light periods. Brown Trout are the sneaky trophy fish – they don't always cooperate, but when you hook into a mature brown pushing 15-20 pounds, you'll understand why they're considered the smartest fish in the lake. Lake Trout round out the mix as deep-water specialists that can reach impressive sizes, often exceeding 20 pounds and providing a steady, determined fight that tests your endurance more than your reflexes.
Eight hours on Lake Michigan with professional equipment, experienced crew, and prime Port Washington fishing grounds – this is how you do a proper fishing charter. The boat's dedicated to your group for the entire day, which means no rushing back for the next trip and no sharing space with strangers. You'll leave with a cooler full of fresh fillets, some new techniques under your belt, and probably a few fish stories worth telling. The season books up fast, especially during peak salmon runs, so don't wait until the last minute. Grab your fishing license, round up your crew of up to six anglers, and get ready for a day of serious Lake Michigan fishing that'll remind you why this is some of the best freshwater angling in the country.
Step aboard our 33-foot Trojan cruiser and get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Michigan's productive waters. This wide-beam motorboat offers serious stability when you're fighting trophy fish, with twin 454 engines providing the power to reach prime fishing spots quickly. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work without tangling lines, while our professional-grade fish finder helps locate schools of King and Coho salmon lurking in the depths. Modern GPS and radar systems keep us on target even when morning fog rolls in off the lake. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer fishing days. Whether you're a first-timer learning to troll or an experienced angler seeking your personal best, this stable platform handles Lake Michigan's changing conditions with ease. All the high-quality tackle is provided - just bring your Wisconsin license and Great Lakes stamp, and we'll handle the rest from our permanent slip in Port Washington.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they average 14-20 inches and can live 12+ years, getting wary with age. We find them along drop-offs and near structure, usually 50-120 feet deep during summer months. Fall fishing is phenomenal when they feed aggressively before winter. They're known for explosive runs and tricky fights, often heading straight for cover. Guests appreciate their wariness makes them a challenge, and the golden-brown coloring with black spots makes them beautiful fish. The meat is excellent eating with a slightly firmer texture than rainbows. Key tip: browns are spookier than other trout, so keep boat noise down and use lighter line when possible - they'll inspect your offering before committing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook - we call them "kings" for good reason. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 30+ in Lake Michigan. They're deep water fish, typically holding 60-150 feet down in the coldest, most oxygenated water they can find. Early morning and late evening are prime times since they avoid bright light. What makes them special is their raw power - no jumps like coho, just bulldogging runs that'll make your arms ache. The rich, fatty meat is restaurant-quality. My advice: when you hook one, don't rush it. Keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. Try to horse them up and you'll likely pull the hook or break off on these heavy fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," run 12-20 inches and 3-8 pounds in our waters. They're absolute acrobats - expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag. We typically find them 30-80 feet down, cruising open water and following baitfish schools. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shot, with overcast days producing hot action. Guests love their aggressive strikes and how they never give up without a fight. The bright orange-pink meat makes them table favorites too. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the surface, get your lines down fast - coho often feed just below those diving gulls chasing the same baitfish we're targeting.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our trout family, averaging 20-30 inches and 6-15 pounds, though 20+ pounders show up regularly. They live deep - we're talking 100-200+ feet in summer, hugging the thermocline where water stays cold year-round. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are best, when they move shallower. These fish are pure muscle with stamina that'll surprise you - long, steady fights without the flashy jumps. Guests love the challenge of deep-water fishing and the fact that any laker could be a trophy. The light, flaky meat is outstanding. Here's what works: jig aggressively to get their attention, then slow down once you feel that first tap - they often mouth baits before fully committing.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout average 12-16 inches and 2-4 pounds in Lake Michigan, with that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and run when hooked. We find them anywhere from 40-100 feet deep, often suspended near temperature breaks where the cooler water holds more oxygen. Spring through fall are prime times, but early morning and evening fishing produces best results. What guests love most is their willingness to bite and how they taste on the table - firm, mild meat that's perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. These fish are curious, and that speed change often triggers strikes from followers.
Lake Michigan