6 HR Private Weekday Special (AM/PM)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Six-hour weekday fishing trips targeting trout and salmonMorning and afternoon departure options with Captain JamesPrivate charter accommodates up to three anglers total
Looking for a solid day on the water without the weekend crowds? Captain James has you covered with this 6-hour weekday charter that puts you right where the fish are biting. With your choice of early morning or afternoon departure times, this private trip gives you and up to two buddies the flexibility to fish when it works for your schedule. At $600 for up to three anglers, you're getting serious value for a full day of guided fishing from April through November.
This isn't your average half-day trip – six hours gives you real time to get into the fish and try different spots if the action slows down. Captain James knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust tactics based on what's working that day. The 5:00 AM start time is perfect for those who want to beat the heat and catch the morning bite, while the noon departure lets you sleep in and still get a full afternoon of fishing. You'll have the boat to yourselves, which means no strangers crowding your space and plenty of room to fight fish properly. The season runs from April 1st through November 20th, covering prime spring salmon runs, hot summer action, and fall trout fishing when the leaves start turning.
Captain James runs a variety of techniques depending on the season and what species are active. Early in the year, you'll likely be trolling for salmon with downriggers and diving planers, working different depths until you find where they're holding. As the season progresses, the approach shifts – summer fishing might have you pulling copper line or running lead core to get down to the cooler water where the big lake trout hang out. Fall brings some of the best fishing of the year when trout move shallow and you can actually sight-fish to cruising browns. All tackle and terminal gear is provided, though you're welcome to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. The captain supplies quality rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy coho to monster chinook, plus he's got the local knowledge of what lures and colors are producing.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter fish here, and they fight like fish twice their size. Most rainbows run between 3-8 pounds, with the occasional double-digit fish showing up to make your day. They're active from spring through fall, but peak fishing happens in May and again in September when water temperatures are perfect. These fish hit hard and make long runs, especially when hooked in open water.
Coho Salmon provide some of the most exciting action you'll find on the Great Lakes. These silver bullets average 5-12 pounds and are absolute acrobats once hooked. Peak coho season runs from July through September, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit everything from spoons to flies, and their aerial displays make every hookup a photo opportunity.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the lake for good reason – these bruisers can top 30 pounds and will test your skills and your tackle. Spring and early summer offer the best shots at big kings, though they're around through August. When you hook a chinook, expect a battle that could last 20 minutes or more. They're not flashy fighters like coho, but their raw power and stamina make them the fish that serious salmon anglers dream about.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in the lake and arguably the most rewarding to catch. These golden beauties average 4-10 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're notorious for being finicky feeders. Fall is prime time for browns as they move shallow for their spawning run. They're often the last fish biting when everything else shuts down, and their wariness makes every brown trout a trophy regardless of size.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that provide steady action when surface fish are tough to find. These native char can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – 10-20 pounders are common, with fish over 25 pounds possible. They're most active in spring and fall when they move to shallower water, but summer fishing can be productive if you're willing to fish deep. Lake trout have a unique fighting style – they don't jump, but they're incredibly strong and will sound for the bottom when hooked.
Six hours of private fishing with an experienced captain for $600 is tough to beat, especially on weekdays when the water's less crowded and the fish are more cooperative. Captain James has been putting anglers on fish for years, and his track record speaks for itself. Whether you're after your first salmon, looking to land a personal best trout, or just want to spend a day on the water with good company, this trip delivers. The season books up fast, particularly those prime fall dates when the big browns are moving. Don't wait until the last minute – give Captain James a call and secure your spot for what could be your best day of fishing this year.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 36-foot Trojan cruiser and get ready for some serious fishing action! Captain James will have you cutting through the water at up to 40 knots thanks to twin 385HP Crusader engines that pack plenty of punch. This boat was given new life in 2020 and comfortably handles up to 3 anglers, giving everyone space to cast lines without bumping elbows. Whether you're chasing early morning trout or afternoon salmon runs, you'll appreciate the smooth ride and stable platform for reeling in your catch. The spacious deck layout means you can move around freely while fighting fish, and there's room for all your gear plus whatever you pull out of the water. Perfect for those weekday fishing trips when you want to escape the weekend crowds and focus on what's biting.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in the water - they didn't survive over a century in American waters by being easy. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 12-20 inches and 2-6 pounds. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and heavy cover where they can ambush prey. Fall is magic time when they feed aggressively at night and early morning. Browns are prized for their wariness and explosive fights once hooked. The mild, sweet meat is excellent table fare. They prefer water temps between 54-65°F and often hold in the deepest, most protected spots. Look for fallen trees and rocky structure. Guide tip: browns are nocturnal feeders, so don't pack up at sunset - that's when the big ones start hunting. Use larger lures that create vibration in low light.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions, averaging 15-30 pounds with some pushing 40+. These deep-water fighters prefer staying near the bottom in cold, oxygen-rich water. Spring through summer offers the best action when they're actively feeding before spawning runs. What sets kings apart is their sheer power - they'll test your gear and patience with long, bulldogging runs. The rich, orange-pink meat is restaurant quality. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening sessions produce better results. You'll find them in deeper channels and drop-offs where the current brings food. My go-to technique: use weighted lures to get down to their level - kings rarely come up to chase bait, so you need to bring it to them in the strike zone.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers, are pure adrenaline on a rod. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. They migrate from ocean to rivers, so timing is everything - spring through early fall when they're running. You'll find them in deeper holes and near current breaks where they stage before moving upstream. The bright orange meat is some of the best eating you'll find. What makes coho special is their aggressive nature and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. They prefer cooler, oxygenated water and often hold in the deeper parts of pools. Here's a guide secret: bright colors work best - chartreuse and pink spoons or spinners will trigger strikes when nothing else will.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of cold northern lakes, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-25 pounds. These char family members live in the depths year-round, often suspended 50-100+ feet down in summer. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow to feed. What makes lakers special is their size potential - 30+ pounders are possible, and they fight with surprising strength for a deep-water fish. The firm, mild meat is great smoked or grilled. They prefer water temps around 45-55°F with high oxygen levels. Look for deep basins and drop-offs where they cruise for baitfish. Pro secret: jig vertically with heavy spoons or paddle-tail swimbaits - the erratic wounded baitfish action triggers their predatory instincts better than steady trolling.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the perfect beginner fish - beautiful, feisty, and found in clean, cold water. They typically run 12-16 inches and 2-4 pounds, with that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. You'll find them in deeper pools and near structure like fallen logs or undercut banks. Fall fishing is prime time when they're feeding aggressively before winter. What makes them special? They jump, they fight hard for their size, and the pink meat tastes fantastic grilled with lemon. These fish love cooler water around 55-65°F, so early morning and evening produce the best action. Pro tip: keep your bait moving - dead drifting rarely works as well as a slow, natural retrieve that mimics injured prey.
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