6 HR Salmon & Trout Fishing with Long Gone 3 Charters
Looking for a world-class fishing experience on Lake Michigan? Long Gone 3 Charters has perfected the art of salmon and trout fishing in Waukegan waters, offering both early morning and afternoon trips that consistently deliver trophy catches. Whether you're chasing the legendary morning bite at 5 AM or prefer the afternoon session starting at noon, you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Great Lakes. With trips running seasonally from April through November, you're guaranteed to hit prime fishing windows when these fish are most active and aggressive.
What to Expect on the Water
Your adventure begins at Waukegan Harbor, where Captain and crew will have everything prepped and ready to roll. The morning trip kicks off bright and early at 5 AM - trust me, those sunrise bites are absolutely worth the early alarm. You'll spend 5 solid hours working the productive waters around Waukegan, with pricing at $740 for up to 4 anglers. The afternoon option starts at noon and extends your fishing time to a full 6 hours for $840, giving you even more opportunities to fill the cooler. Both trips accommodate up to 4 guests, making it perfect for family outings or small groups of serious anglers. The boat is equipped to fish depths up to 50 feet, putting you right in the strike zone where salmon and trout cruise for baitfish. Spring through fall fishing here is phenomenal, with different species peaking at various times throughout the season.
Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup
Long Gone 3 Charters runs a proven trolling operation that's dialed in for Lake Michigan conditions. The crew will set up multiple downriggers and planer boards to cover maximum water and present lures at the exact depths where fish are holding. You'll be running a spread of spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations that have been tested and refined over years of guiding on these waters. The boat's electronics help locate bait schools and temperature breaks where predator fish congregate. Downriggers allow precise depth control, critical when salmon are suspended 20-40 feet down in the water column. The captain reads the conditions daily - water temperature, wind direction, and bait movements all factor into where and how deep to fish. All tackle and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own rods if you have favorites. The crew handles all the technical setup, so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying the day.
Top Catches This Season
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Michigan, and Waukegan waters produce some absolute monsters. These powerful fish average 15-25 pounds but regularly push into the 30+ pound range during peak season. King salmon hit hardest in spring and fall when they're actively feeding on alewives and smelt. Their runs are legendary - expect screaming drag and multiple jumps when you hook into a big chinook. The fight can last 10-15 minutes, making every hookup a memorable battle that'll have your arms burning.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement with their acrobatic fighting style and consistent action. These silver bullets typically range 8-15 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays once hooked. Cohos school up in good numbers, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're particularly active during summer months and provide excellent table fare with their firm, flaky meat. Many anglers actually prefer coho fights over kings because of their jumping ability and speed.
Rainbow Trout offer steady action throughout the season and are perfect for anglers wanting consistent hookups. These colorful fighters typically run 3-8 pounds and are known for their beautiful pink stripes and spirited battles. Rainbows stay relatively shallow compared to salmon, often hitting lures in the top 20 feet of water. They're excellent eating and provide great action when salmon fishing is slower. Spring and fall see the best rainbow action in Waukegan waters.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in the lake, known for their wariness and hard-hitting strikes. These bronze-colored beauties can grow quite large, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly. Browns are most active during low-light periods and cooler water temperatures. They're notorious for making long, powerful runs and testing your drag system. Many consider brown trout the best eating fish in Lake Michigan, with delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Lake Trout round out the target species list and are true deep-water dwellers. These native fish prefer cooler temperatures and are typically found in the deeper portions of your fishing area. Lakers can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds possible. They're known for their steady, bulldogging fights rather than flashy jumps. Lake trout are most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are optimal.
Time to Book Your Spot
Long Gone 3 Charters has built a reputation as one of Waukegan's top-rated fishing operations, and their salmon and trout trips consistently deliver results. The seasonal window from April through November covers all the best fishing periods, from the spring staging through the fall feeding frenzy. Whether you choose the 5 AM departure to catch the morning bite or the noon trip for extended fishing time, you're in for a day of quality angling. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably, and the crew's local knowledge puts you on fish day after day. Don't wait - prime dates fill up quickly, especially during peak salmon runs. Book your 6-hour adventure today and experience why anglers keep coming back to fish with Long Gone 3 Charters season after season.