Charter Fishing in Lake Michigan | Morning Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Charter fishing adventure on Lake Michigan watersExpert captain provides guidance and fish cleaning servicesFamilyfriendly vessel accommodates up to six guests
Lake Michigan's waters off South Haven hold some of the best fishing opportunities you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes. When you book with Lured Inn Charters, you're stepping aboard a vessel that's been designed from the ground up for serious fishing. Our morning charter trips max out at 6 anglers, which means you get personalized attention from our captain and mate while having plenty of room to work the water without bumping into other lines. The boat's layout gives everyone access to prime fishing spots along the rails, and we've got all the tackle and gear you need to target the big ones cruising these productive waters.
Your morning starts early – we're talking 6 AM departure when the fish are most active and the lake is calm. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the temperature breaks, current lines, and structure that hold fish throughout the seasons. You'll cruise out to depths ranging from 60 to 200 feet, depending on where the fish are staging that day. The Lured Inn is equipped with top-tier electronics, so we can mark fish, track bait schools, and adjust our approach in real-time. Expect to spend 6 solid hours working the water, with the captain constantly moving to stay on active fish. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – perfect for both seasoned anglers and families looking to get kids hooked on fishing. When someone hooks up, everyone gets excited, and our mate is right there to help land your fish and keep the action going.
We run a serious trolling operation here, typically pulling 6 to 8 lines at various depths to cover the water column where different species are feeding. Our downriggers get spoons and plugs down to where the big lake trout and kings are cruising, while our planer boards spread lines out to the sides to cover more water and target fish that might be spooked by the boat. We're constantly adjusting speed – usually between 2.5 and 3.5 mph – based on water temperature and fish activity. The tackle box is stocked with proven producers: flasher-fly combos, spoons in hot colors like orange, chartreuse, and blue, plus diving plugs that mimic the alewives and smelt these fish hammer. Our rods are medium-heavy action with line counter reels, so you know exactly how much line is out when you hook into something good. The captain handles all the technical stuff – setting lines, adjusting depth, reading the fish finder – while you focus on fighting fish and soaking up the Lake Michigan experience.
Rainbow Trout are absolute rockets when they hit your line, often launching themselves clear out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart pumping. These silver bullets typically run 3 to 8 pounds in Lake Michigan, with the occasional trophy pushing double digits. Spring and fall are prime time for rainbows, when they move shallow to feed aggressively on baitfish. They hit hard and fight clean, making long runs that test your drag and reflexes. What makes rainbows special is their unpredictability – they might slam a spoon at 40 feet down, or cruise the surface chasing flies.
Coho Salmon bring serious attitude to every fight, combining the jumping ability of rainbows with more sustained power runs. These fish average 5 to 12 pounds and are absolutely beautiful with their bright silver sides and dark backs. Coho season peaks in late summer and early fall when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. They love flasher-fly combinations and will often follow lures for quite a distance before committing. When a coho hits, you know it immediately – they typically hook themselves with aggressive strikes and immediately head for deep water or launch into aerial displays.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason, with mature fish reaching 20 to 30 pounds and the occasional monster topping 35. These are fish that can literally drag you around the boat, peeling line off reels in powerful, sustained runs toward the bottom. King season runs from late spring through fall, with the biggest fish showing up in late summer. They prefer deeper water and bigger baits – large spoons, plugs, and meat rigs that match the size of their preferred forage. Landing a big king is a team effort that often takes 15 to 20 minutes of steady pressure.
Brown Trout are the wary veterans of Lake Michigan, often requiring finesse presentations and lighter lines to fool. These fish can reach impressive sizes – 10 to 20 pounds isn't uncommon – and they fight with a dogged determination that's different from the flashy runs of other species. Browns are most active during low-light periods and cooler water temperatures, making morning trips ideal for targeting them. They're infamous for following lures without striking, testing an angler's patience, but when they do commit, they typically hook up solid and fight all the way to the net.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, often caught in 100+ feet of water where they cruise along thermal layers hunting for food. These fish can live for decades and reach massive sizes – 15 to 25-pound lakers are caught regularly, with the occasional 30+ pound behemoth. They don't jump like salmon, but they pull with incredible power, using the deep water to their advantage in long, powerful runs toward the bottom. Lake trout season runs year-round, but they're most cooperative in spring and fall when they move to more reasonable depths to feed.
Morning charters fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout season from May through October. Our 6-angler limit means you get quality time on productive water without the crowds you'll find on bigger boats. The captain and mate will clean your entire catch, so you head home with coolers full of some of the best eating fish you'll find anywhere. Whether
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our 33-foot Trojan, perfectly rigged for Lake Michigan's waters. This spacious motorboat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you chase salmon, trout, and steelhead in South Haven's prime fishing grounds. The boat features everything serious anglers need: advanced fish finder technology to locate schools, GPS navigation for pinpoint positioning over productive reefs, and a large icebox to keep your catch fresh and beverages cold during those hot summer mornings on the lake. When nature calls or you need a snack break, the onboard toilet and kitchen ensure you can stay out longer chasing that trophy fish. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, putting you on fish while sharing local knowledge about Lake Michigan's best spots. At day's end, we'll clean and fillet your entire catch so you can head home with coolers full of fresh fish ready for the dinner table.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they've earned their reputation as the most cautious fish in the lake. Running 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds on average, they're golden-brown with black spots and a small orange fin near the tail. These fish love structure and cooler water, often hanging around drop-offs, rocky areas, and weed lines. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though they bite year-round if you know where to look. Browns are prized for their wariness and strong fights - they'll test your skills more than any other trout. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Local secret: night fishing produces the biggest browns. They get bold in darkness and move into shallower water to hunt. Switch to darker lures and fish slow.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan - literally. These bruisers can hit 20-30 pounds and provide the fight of a lifetime. They're silver-sided with blue-green backs and black spots covering their head, back, and all fins. Being light-sensitive, they hang deep during daylight hours, so we're talking 60-120 feet down most of the time. Early morning and evening bites are your best bet. Summer months bring the biggest fish as they fatten up before their spawn runs. What sets kings apart is their raw power - long, bulldogging runs that'll test your gear and patience. The rich, pink meat is restaurant-quality. My go-to strategy: use heavy tackle and don't rush the fight. These fish have stamina, so let them tire themselves out before trying to net them.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump clean out of the water when hooked. You'll recognize them by their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs with black spots on the upper tail. We target them in open water, usually 20-60 feet down depending on thermocline. Late spring through early fall gives us the best chances, especially during their pre-spawn runs. Guests love cohos because they put on a real show - expect multiple jumps and strong runs. The orange-red meat is fantastic on the table too. Pro tip: when trolling for silvers, don't set the drag too tight. Their aggressive strikes and aerial antics will snap your line if you don't give them room to work.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the deep - the largest char species in Lake Michigan. These grey-green fish with cream-colored markings can reach 15-40 pounds and live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake. We're talking 80-200 feet down most of the year, suspended over deep basins where they cruise for food. Spring right after ice-out offers the best shallow water chances, but summer means going deep with downriggers. Lakers are prized for their size and the challenge of finding them in the vast depths. Their firm, flaky meat is excellent eating. The key to success: use heavy jigs and work them vertically. These fish prefer a slow presentation, so patience pays off. When you hook one deep, take your time bringing it up to avoid barotrauma.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are one of our most reliable targets, running 12-24 inches and averaging 2-8 pounds. These beauties have that distinctive pink stripe along their silver sides with black spots scattered across their backs. They prefer cooler water around 55-64°F, so we find them in deeper sections during summer months. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move into shallower areas to feed. What makes them special is their scrappy fight - they'll jump and make solid runs that keep things exciting. The meat is excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local trick: when the water warms up, look for them near temperature breaks where cooler currents meet warmer surface water. They stack up in these spots and become much easier to target.
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