Whole Day Salmon & Trout Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing adventureEight hours with Captain James targeting prime fishing spotsUp to four guests for $1,100 seasonal trip
Picture this: you're out on Lake Michigan at the crack of dawn, lines in the water before the sun fully breaks the horizon, and Captain James is already sharing stories about the massive king salmon that patrol these waters. This 8-hour fishing adventure with Long Gone 3 Charters isn't your typical half-day trip – it's a serious commitment to finding the best bite Lake Michigan has to offer. Running from April through November, this seasonal charter gives you and up to three buddies the chance to target some of the most sought-after freshwater game fish in North America. At $1,100 for your group, you're getting access to Captain James's decades of local knowledge and the kind of all-day fishing that lets you really dial in on where the fish are holding.
When you step aboard at 5:00 AM, you'll quickly realize why the early start matters. Lake Michigan's salmon and trout are most active during those cooler morning hours, and by getting out before the recreational boat traffic picks up, you're positioning yourself for the best fishing of the day. Captain James has been working these waters long enough to know exactly where to find the thermoclines and structure that hold fish throughout the seasons. The boat is rigged with quality downriggers and all the terminal tackle you'll need, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of fussing with gear. This isn't a rushed trip where you're constantly watching the clock – with eight full hours, you have time to work different depths, try various presentations, and really get a feel for what the fish want on any given day.
Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing is all about trolling, and Captain James runs a tight ship when it comes to technique. You'll be working downriggers set at different depths, typically anywhere from 20 to 120 feet down, depending on where the fish are suspended. The boat carries a selection of proven spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations that have accounted for countless trophy fish over the years. Don't worry if you're new to downrigger fishing – the captain will walk you through the setup and make sure you understand how to work the gear. When a rod tip starts dancing and that downrigger ball pops free, you'll know you're connected to something special. The key is staying patient and letting the fish make their runs while keeping steady pressure. These aren't pond bass – Lake Michigan's salmon and trout have room to run, and they'll use every bit of it.
Rainbow Trout are absolute rockets when they hit your line, known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that'll test your drag system. These chrome-bright fighters typically run 3 to 8 pounds in Lake Michigan, with the occasional double-digit steelhead showing up to make your day. Spring and fall are prime time for rainbows, when they're staging near river mouths and feeding heavily on alewives. What makes them special is their unpredictability – one minute they're hugging bottom in 80 feet of water, the next they're suspended mid-column chasing baitfish.
Coho Salmon, or silver salmon as many locals call them, are the aerial artists of Lake Michigan. These fish average 3 to 6 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, with a habit of launching themselves clear out of the water when hooked. Peak coho action typically runs from late spring through early fall, and they're suckers for small spoons and flies fished behind flashers. Captain James knows the specific depths and temperatures where cohoes concentrate, and when you find a school, the action can be absolutely lights-out.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Michigan, with mature fish pushing 20 to 30 pounds and the occasional monster exceeding 35. These bruisers are built for power, not aerial displays, and they'll take you on long, grinding fights that test both your endurance and your equipment. Summer is prime time for kings, when they're feeding heavily in deeper water before their fall spawning run. Landing a mature chinook is a bucket-list experience that'll have you talking for years.
Brown Trout are the wily veterans of Lake Michigan's salmonid population, known for their caution and their impressive size potential. These fish can live longer than other trout species, with some specimens reaching 15 to 20 pounds. They're most active during low-light periods and can be incredibly selective about what they'll eat. When you do connect with a big brown, expect a methodical, powerful fight from one of the lake's most intelligent predators.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, often found in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Michigan where they feed on cisco, whitefish, and sculpins. These native fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with 10 to 20-pound lake trout being relatively common. They're not the fastest fighters, but their sheer size and determination make them a worthy opponent. Lake trout fishing often requires getting down to 100+ feet, where the water stays cold year-round.
This whole-day adventure represents serious value for groups who want to maximize their time on Lake Michigan's world-class fishery. With Captain James's local expertise, quality gear, and eight full hours to work the water, you're setting yourself up for the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. The seasonal window from April through November covers everything from spring steelhead runs to summer king salmon action to fall brown trout fishing. At $275 per person for a group of four, you're getting access to some of the best freshwater fishing in North America. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the salmon are staging and the bite is hot.
Your fishing platform for this Lake Michigan salmon and trout adventure is a beautifully restored 36-foot Trojan cruiser that's been completely updated as of 2020. Twin 385HP Crusader engines give you the power to reach those productive fishing grounds quickly, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when conditions call for it. The spacious deck layout comfortably handles your group of four anglers with plenty of room to work multiple lines and battle those hard-fighting Lake Michigan fish. Captain James knows exactly where to position this cruiser for the best salmon and trout action, whether you're trolling deep water structures or working nearshore breaks. The boat's stable design keeps you fishing comfortably even when the lake kicks up, so you can focus on what matters – getting lines in the water and landing fish.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wary veterans of Lake Michigan, typically running 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds. They're golden-brown with black spots and can live 12-20 years, making them smart and selective feeders. These fish love structure - rocks, drop-offs, and areas with good cover where they can ambush prey. Fall brings the most aggressive feeding as they prepare for spawning, though they bite year-round in the right conditions. What makes browns special is their cautious nature and strong fight once hooked. They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The challenge of outsmarting these educated fish keeps guests coming back. Here's something I've learned over the years: browns often feed heavily at night and early morning, so our dawn trips can be money. Also, they're spookier than other trout, so keeping noise down and using longer leaders really helps.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason - these bruisers average 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon. They've got silver sides with black spots covering their back, tail, and fins, plus that distinctive black mouth. Kings are light-sensitive, so they hang deep during the day, making downriggers and heavy tackle essential. Early morning and evening produce the best bites, with spring through fall offering consistent action. What draws anglers is the raw power - these fish make long runs and can fight for 20 minutes or more. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Pro tip: since kings stay deep and hug bottom structure, don't be afraid to fish right near the thermocline or even deeper. They'll come up to feed, but patience pays off when targeting these trophy fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These fish typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds in Lake Michigan, with their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs making them easy to identify. They're known for jumping up to 6 feet when hooked - absolutely wild to watch. Cohos patrol various depths but often cruise mid-water following bait schools. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight and that beautiful orange-pink meat that tastes outstanding on the table. Here's a local trick: when trolling for cohos, watch your downrigger rods carefully because these fish often hit so hard they'll pull the release immediately, and you might miss the strike if you're not paying attention.
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 are the largest of the char family and can live decades in the cold depths. You'll find them suspended in deep water, often 60+ feet down where it stays cold year-round. Spring right after ice-out and fall offer the best shallow water opportunities, but summer means going deep with downriggers. Lakers are prized for their size and the long, steady fight they put up - no jumping, just pure bulldogging power. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. What guests love is the trophy potential and the technical challenge of fishing deep water. My go-to tip: use jigging spoons or swimbaits that imitate dying baitfish, and don't be afraid to fish 100+ feet deep in summer. Patience is key with these fish.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout average 8-24 inches and 2-8 pounds in Lake Michigan, though bigger ones are out there. They're beautiful fish with that signature pink stripe and silvery sides covered in black spots. These trout prefer cooler waters around 55-64°F, so you'll find them at varying depths depending on the season. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during overcast conditions or early morning when they're actively feeding. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run hard when hooked. The meat is excellent eating too, with that classic trout flavor. One tip I always share: when the water warms up in summer, look for them deeper where it stays cool, and don't be afraid to change your depth until you find where they're holding.
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