6 HR Salmon & Trout Fishing - Waukegan
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Trout in deep watersEarly morning or afternoon departures with professional charter serviceSix-hour guided fishing trips accommodate up to four guests
Lake Michigan's Waukegan waters are legendary among Chicago-area anglers, and for good reason. This top-rated 6-hour charter puts you right in the action where massive salmon and feisty trout cruise the drop-offs and thermoclines. Captain Long Gone 3 Charters knows these waters like the back of his hand, running two killer trips daily that'll have you fighting fish from sunrise to afternoon. Whether you're after that wall-hanger chinook or a cooler full of eating-sized coho, this world-class fishery delivers year-round action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your adventure kicks off bright and early with the 5:00 AM departure - trust me, the early bird gets the salmon here. You'll have four anglers max on board, so there's plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the captain. The morning bite is absolutely phenomenal, especially during peak season from April through November when the fish are actively feeding. If you're not a morning person, no worries - the 12:00 PM session runs a full 6 hours and gets you into those deeper waters up to 50 feet where the big boys hang out. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from downriggers to planer boards, and the captain provides all tackle and bait. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and get ready to fill the cooler. At $740 for the morning trip and $840 for the afternoon session, you're splitting world-class charter fishing four ways - that's a steal for this caliber of fishing.
This isn't your typical pier fishing - we're talking serious trolling operations here. The captain runs a spread of downriggers, dipsy divers, and lead core setups to cover the entire water column where these fish cruise. You'll be pulling spoons, dodger-and-fly combinations, and various plugs at different depths to match what the fish are hitting. The key is covering water and staying on the thermocline where baitfish concentrate. Don't worry if you've never run downriggers before - the crew handles all the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish. When that rod tip starts bouncing and the drag starts screaming, you'll know you're hooked into something special. The boat's fish finder and GPS keep us on productive water, and the captain's not afraid to move around until we find active fish.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Michigan, and Waukegan consistently produces some monsters. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 30+ during peak runs in spring and fall. They fight like freight trains, making blistering runs and testing your drag system. What makes chinooks so special is their power - they'll take you into your backing and keep you guessing right until the net. Best action happens early morning and late evening when they're actively feeding on alewives in 40-80 feet of water.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their chinook cousins, but pound-for-pound they're the best fighters in the lake. These silver rockets average 8-15 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic jumps and lightning-fast runs. Cohos are perfect for newer anglers since they fight hard but won't spool you like a big king might. They're also fantastic table fare - some say even better eating than chinooks. Peak coho action runs from June through September when they're staging near shore.
Rainbow Trout, or "steelhead" as we call the lake-run fish, are absolute blast to catch on lighter tackle. These chrome-bright beauties average 5-12 pounds and fight with surprising strength for their size. They're incredibly acrobatic, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. Rainbows are also the most consistent biters, so when salmon fishing gets tough, you can usually count on steelhead to keep the action going. Spring and fall see the biggest runs, but they're catchable year-round.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in the lake and arguably the prettiest with their golden flanks and distinctive spots. These wary fighters average 8-18 pounds and are notorious for their head-shaking fights and sudden direction changes. Browns often feed deeper than other trout, making them perfect targets for our deeper trolling passes. They're also excellent eating and many veteran anglers consider them the ultimate prize. Prime brown trout action peaks in spring and late fall when water temperatures drop.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, living in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake. These native char can reach impressive sizes - 20+ pounders aren't uncommon. While they don't jump like other species, lake trout make powerful, sustained runs that'll test your endurance. They're incredibly long-lived fish, with some specimens over 40 years old. Lakers are most active in spring and fall when they move into shallower water, but summer deep-trolling can produce some real giants.
Waukegan's salmon and trout fishing is some of the best you'll find anywhere on the Great Lakes, and Long Gone 3 Charters has the local knowledge to put you on fish consistently. With only four spots available per trip, these popular charters fill up fast during peak season. The combination of professional equipment, experienced captainship, and world-class fishery makes this a customer favorite that anglers return to year after year. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your personal best or a newcomer wanting to experience Great Lakes fishing at its finest, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait - prime dates book months in advance, especially during the hot spring and fall runs when the fishing is absolutely on fire.
This beautifully restored 36-foot Trojan cruiser is your ticket to serious salmon and trout action on Lake Michigan. Built for fishing with twin 385HP Crusader engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast, this boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target those deep water kings and cohos. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the smooth ride means you can focus on your lines instead of hanging onto the rails. Whether you're after that early morning bite at sunrise or settling in for a full afternoon of trolling, this cruiser has the power and stability to put you on fish in waters up to 50 feet deep. Perfect setup for both seasoned anglers and newcomers looking to experience some of the best salmon and trout fishing Waukegan has to offer.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of the trout family, averaging 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds. They're known for being cautious and preferring cover - fallen trees, rock piles, and deeper holes where they can ambush prey. These fish love cooler water around 54-65°F and become more active during low-light conditions. What makes them exciting is their wariness; they're a thinking angler's fish that rewards patience and skill. Fall brings aggressive feeding before spawn, while spring offers great action as water temps rise. The golden-brown coloring with black spots makes them beautiful, and they're excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. Here's my go-to tip: browns often hold in surprisingly shallow water at dawn and dusk. Work your lures slowly near structure during these magic hours when they're hunting.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the salmon world, averaging 15-30 pounds with some pushing 40+ pounds. These bruisers prefer deeper water - you'll typically find them 30-50 feet down, especially during bright conditions since they're light-sensitive. Early morning and evening offer the best bite when they move up to feed. What makes kings special is their raw power and that rich, orange-red meat that's prized by anglers and chefs alike. Spring through early fall provides consistent action, with peak times during cooler water periods. They're structure-oriented and often relate to drop-offs and temperature breaks. Here's something most folks don't know: kings are surprisingly finicky about lure speed. Run your gear slower than you think - about 2.5-3 mph is the sweet spot for triggering strikes from these giants.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds. These acrobatic fish are famous for their aerial shows - they can jump up to 6 feet when hooked. Early season finds them in 15-30 feet of water, but they'll move deeper as summer progresses. What really gets anglers excited is their aggressive strikes and that bright orange-pink meat that's hard to beat on the table. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're actively feeding on baitfish. They prefer cooler water and often suspend near thermoclines. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Cohos love erratic movement, and that speed change often triggers strikes from followers. Bright spoons and plugs work great, especially chartreuse and pink patterns.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants, commonly running 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These char prefer the coldest, deepest water you can find - typically 40-80 feet down in summer. They're built for the deep with that gray-green coloring and cream-colored spots. Spring right after ice-out offers the best shallow water opportunities when they move up to feed. What draws anglers is their size potential and that unique deep-water challenge. They're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Fall also provides good action as they prepare for winter. These fish are light-shy and feed best on overcast days or during low-light periods. My secret: use a heavy jig with a paddle-tail swimbait and work it right off the bottom. Lakers often hit as the lure falls, so stay ready on the drop.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 12-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds, with that signature pink stripe down their silver sides. They're scrappy fighters that love clean, cool water between 55-64°F. You'll find them cruising mid-depths during spring and fall, but they drop deeper in summer heat. What makes them special is their acrobatic jumps when hooked - they'll dance on the surface trying to shake your lure. The meat has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that's perfect on the grill. Best fishing is early morning or evening when they're actively feeding. Here's a local trick: when the water warms up in summer, look for them around structure at 25-35 feet where it stays cooler. They can't resist a well-presented spoon or spinner worked slowly through their zone.
Chicago