5-HR Salmon & Trout Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target salmon, steelhead, brown and lake trout on Lake MichiganSix-hour charter accommodates up to four guests with experienced captainPeak fishing season runs June through November for optimal catches
Ready to test your skills against some of Lake Michigan's most prized fish? Captain James and Long Gone 3 Charters have dialed in the perfect recipe for a productive day on Waukegan waters. This top-rated 5-hour adventure gives you serious time to work the hotspots where salmon and trout cruise the thermal layers. Whether you're after a screaming Coho run or the bulldogging fight of a big Lake Trout, these waters deliver the goods from June through November. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
Captain James knows these Waukegan waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the spots that consistently produce fish. Your 5-hour window gives you flexibility to hit both the early morning bite and stick around for the afternoon action when the fish move up in the water column. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels, though seasoned anglers often bring their favorite setups. You'll be working depths anywhere from 40 to 200 feet, depending on where the fish are holding and what the sonar is showing. The captain adjusts tactics based on conditions – some days call for tight-line trolling, others require spreading lines wide to cover water. Don't worry about bringing a cooler; there's plenty of ice on board to keep your catch fresh for the ride home.
This isn't your typical weekend warrior operation. Captain James runs a serious fishing program with downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups that put baits exactly where they need to be. You'll be pulling spoons, plugs, and cut bait through the strike zone while monitoring water temps and bait schools on the electronics. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with braided line – essential when you're fighting fish in 100+ feet of water. Downriggers let you precisely target the thermocline where trout and salmon stack up, while planer boards spread your presentation wide to cover maximum water. When a rod starts bouncing, it's all hands on deck. The captain will coach you through the fight, helping you work fish away from other lines and boat traffic.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of Waukegan fishing, with most fish running 3 to 8 pounds and putting up classic aerial displays when hooked. These chrome-bright fighters love spoons and small plugs worked through 50 to 80 feet of water. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations, but summer fishing stays consistent if you adjust your depth. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – pure energy from hookset to net.
Coho Salmon earn their nickname "silver bullets" with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag settings. These 5 to 12-pound rockets prefer cooler water and often suspend in the thermocline during summer months. They're suckers for bright spoons and won't hesitate to slam a properly presented bait. Captain James targets them heavily from July through September when they're feeding aggressively before their spawning run.
Chinook Salmon are the bruisers of Lake Michigan, with mature fish pushing 20+ pounds and testing both your tackle and technique. These kings prefer deeper, colder water and typically hug the bottom structure during daylight hours. They're notorious for their bulldogging fights – less jumping, more raw power. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often caught on cut bait or large spoons worked deep.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish swimming these waters, requiring finesse and the right presentation to fool. These golden-sided fighters average 4 to 10 pounds but can grow much larger in Lake Michigan's fertile waters. They're most active during low-light periods and prefer natural baits or subtle lures. Browns are notorious for their head-shaking fights and tendency to sound deep when hooked.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, often found in 80 to 200 feet of water where they cruise the bottom for alewives and round gobies. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes – 10 to 20-pound fish are common, with occasional giants exceeding 30 pounds. They prefer slow presentations and will often follow a lure for long distances before committing. Once hooked, they use their size and the deep water to their advantage, making long, powerful runs toward the bottom.
Captain James has built Long Gone 3 Charters' reputation by putting customers on fish consistently, season after season. This 5-hour format hits the sweet spot – enough time to adjust tactics if the first spots aren't producing, but not so long that you're exhausted by the end of the day. The June through November window covers prime fishing across all target species, from spring-run salmon to fall browns staging for their spawning run. With only 4 spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention that bigger operations simply can't match. Book now and get ready to experience why Waukegan's waters have earned their reputation as one of Lake Michigan's premier fishing destinations.
Meet the Long Gone 3, your ticket to some serious salmon and trout action on Lake Michigan! This beautifully restored 36-foot Trojan cruiser cuts through Waukegan waters with twin 385HP Crusader engines that'll get you to the hot fishing spots fast. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. The boat's solid build handles Lake Michigan's moods like a champ, keeping you comfortable whether you're battling a feisty Coho or waiting for that Steelhead to hit. Captain James knows these waters inside and out, and this cruiser gives him the speed and stability to put you on the fish. From the spacious deck to the smooth ride, everything about this boat is built for serious fishing adventures.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they average 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, but they're notoriously wary and prefer structure like rocks, weed edges, and drop-offs. These golden-brown beauties with black spots are most active during low-light conditions, making dawn, dusk, and overcast days prime time. They tolerate warmer water better than other trout, so they stay catchable even in summer heat. What anglers love is the challenge - browns are picky and fight hard once hooked. The firm, mild meat is excellent table fare. Fall is peak season when they feed aggressively before spawning. Here's my go-to tip: when targeting browns near structure, let your lure sink deeper than you think. They often hold tight to bottom near cover, and most folks fish too shallow.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, averaging 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, with some monsters pushing 30+ pounds. These silver-sided giants have black spots covering their backs, heads, and all fins, plus distinctive black mouths. They're light-sensitive fish that stay deep during bright days, so we target them in 60-120 feet of water. Early morning and evening produce the best action when they move up to feed. What makes them special is the sustained power - no jumping like coho, just pure bulldogging strength that'll test your gear. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. My local trick: use weighted lines and fish right on bottom early morning. Kings often feed deeper than you think, and that extra weight gets you into the strike zone faster.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds in Lake Michigan. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their aerial shows - they can jump up to 6 feet when hooked. You'll recognize them by their bright silver sides, dark blue-green backs, and black spots on the upper tail. They cruise open water but move into shallower areas during feeding times. Peak season is July through September when they're fattening up before their spawning run. What guests love most is the fight and the bright orange meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when they're finicky, try changing your lure color to something bright like chartreuse or hot pink. Coho respond well to flashy presentations that trigger their aggressive feeding instincts.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Michigan, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These grey-green fish with cream-colored markings live in the coldest, deepest water year-round - usually 80-200 feet down. They're slow-growing and can live decades, making every big one special. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they move shallower. What guests love is the size potential and steady, powerful fight. The firm, flaky meat is outstanding eating. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days often produce better fishing than sunny ones. My secret weapon: use a jigging spoon and work it slowly near bottom. Lakers won't chase fast-moving baits - they prefer an easy meal that looks wounded or dying.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds, though Lake Michigan holds some real bruisers. These beauties have that signature pink stripe along silver sides with black spots scattered across their backs. They prefer cooler water temps between 55-64°F, so you'll find them deeper during hot summer days and closer to the surface in spring and fall. What makes them special is their fight - they're acrobatic jumpers that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Best fishing is dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Here's a local tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Rainbow trout often strike when the lure changes pace, mimicking a wounded baitfish trying to escape.
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