Half Day Family Salmon & Trout Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour private charter targeting salmon, lake trout, and steelheadFamily-friendly crew provides all gear for up to six guestsPerfect introduction to Lake Michigan fishing for beginners
Looking for a way to get the whole family hooked on Lake Michigan fishing? This 6-hour private charter with Maykin Baykin Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a laid-back day on the big lake where kids and adults alike can experience the rush of landing some serious fish. Captain and crew know how to work with families - they've got the patience to teach your little ones how to hold a rod properly and the skills to put you on fish that'll have everyone screaming with excitement. No need to stress about gear or experience levels - we've got you covered from start to finish.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. You're getting a private charter that accommodates up to 6 people, which means your family gets personalized attention from an experienced crew who actually cares about your success. The vibe is relaxed but focused - we're here to have fun, but we're also serious about putting fish in the boat. Lake Michigan can be a big, intimidating body of water, but our captains know exactly where to find the salmon and trout that make this fishery world-class. The boat is set up with comfortable seating and all the safety gear you need, plus there's plenty of room for kids to move around when they need a break from fishing. Weather permitting, you'll get to see some beautiful shoreline views while we work the productive waters where these fish like to cruise.
We run a trolling operation here, which is perfect for families because it keeps the action steady without requiring advanced casting skills. The boat's equipped with downriggers and planer boards that let us cover multiple depths and spread our lines wide to find where the fish are hanging out. Your crew will handle all the technical stuff - setting the right depth, choosing lures that match what the fish are eating, and adjusting boat speed to trigger strikes. All the rods, reels, tackle, and lures are included, and they're quality gear that can handle the fight these Lake Michigan salmon and trout are famous for. When a fish hits, you'll know it - the rod tip will bounce and the drag will start singing. The crew will coach you through the fight, helping younger anglers when needed and making sure everyone gets a chance to experience that heart-pounding moment when a big fish makes its run.
Coho Salmon: These silver rockets are absolutely perfect for family fishing trips. Coho typically run 3-8 pounds in Lake Michigan, which is big enough to be exciting but not so massive that kids can't handle them. They're most active during spring and fall, and they put on an acrobatic show when hooked - expect jumps, runs, and plenty of line-peeling action. What makes coho special is their willingness to bite throughout the day and their habit of traveling in schools, so when you find one, you'll often find more. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flaky meat that even picky kids tend to enjoy.
Steelhead Trout: If you want to see what all the fuss is about, you need to tangle with a Lake Michigan steelhead. These fish are built for speed and endurance, often reaching 8-15 pounds with some true giants pushing even bigger. Steelhead are most cooperative during cooler months, especially spring when they're staging near river mouths. They're notorious for long, blistering runs that will test your drag system and your patience. The fight can last 10-15 minutes with a good fish, giving everyone on the boat time to get excited and offer encouragement. Landing a steelhead is a milestone for any angler, young or old.
Chinook Salmon: The kings of Lake Michigan, Chinook salmon represent the ultimate prize for family fishing adventures. These bruisers commonly reach 15-25 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 30+ pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when they're feeding heavily in the deeper, cooler waters. A big Chinook will test everyone's resolve - they make powerful runs toward the bottom and have the stamina to keep fighting long after you think they should be done. It's not uncommon for the whole family to take turns fighting a large king salmon, creating those shared memories that last a lifetime.
Lake Trout: Don't sleep on the lake trout - they're the steady producers that keep your cooler full when the salmon are being finicky. Lakers typically range from 5-15 pounds and prefer the deeper, colder sections of Lake Michigan. They're most active during spring and fall when the water temperatures are more uniform throughout the water column. Lake trout fight differently than salmon - they're more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle than a speed demon, but they're incredibly strong and stubborn. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake, with sweet, mild meat that works great on the grill or in the smoker.
This top-rated family fishing experience fills up fast, especially during prime salmon and trout season. You're getting a customer favorite trip that combines world-class fishing with a relaxed, educational atmosphere that works for all skill levels. The fact that all gear is included means you can show up ready to fish without the hassle and expense of buying equipment you might only use once. Remember, this is a private charter, so you're not sharing the boat with strangers - it's just your family and a crew dedicated to making sure everyone has a great time on the water. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Lake Michigan's salmon and trout fishing is trending upward, and there's never been a better time to introduce your family to this amazing fishery.
Step aboard our reliable 32-foot Blackfin Cruiser for your Lake Michigan salmon and trout adventure! This well-equipped fishing machine, powered by twin 330HP Crusader engines, cuts through the waves at speeds up to 27 knots to get you to the prime fishing spots quickly. Built for serious angling with a fish finder to locate schools and GPS navigation to mark productive waters, she's perfect for families wanting to land some impressive catches. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to move around when fighting fish. Between trolling runs, relax in the cabin equipped with a kitchen, refrigerator for keeping your catch fresh, comfortable seating, and even a bed for anyone needing a break from the action. The onboard toilet means no cutting the fishing short, and radar keeps you safe when Lake Michigan's weather shifts. This 1991 cruiser has proven herself countless times in these waters, providing a stable platform whether you're reeling in feisty salmon or battling lake trout in deeper waters. Perfect for introducing kids to freshwater fishing while giving experienced anglers the tools they need for success.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of Lake Michigan - these bruisers commonly hit 15-20 pounds and can go much bigger. They're built like torpedoes with that distinctive black mouth and scattered spots covering their silver bodies. What sets them apart is their preference for deeper, darker water, usually 60-150 feet down where the big baitfish hang out. Early morning and evening are prime time when they move up to feed. Guests love the raw power - no fancy jumps, just sustained bulldogging runs that'll test your tackle. The payoff is incredible: bright red-orange meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Spring through early fall gives us consistent action. Here's the key with kings - they're light-sensitive, so we run our gear deep and heavy. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't rush them.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called "silvers," are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll hook in Lake Michigan. These beauties typically run 8-12 pounds with that classic silver body and dark spotted back. What makes them special is their jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet out of the water when hooked, putting on quite a show for the family. We find them cruising mid-depths, usually 30-80 feet down, following baitfish schools. Spring through early fall gives us the best action, especially on overcast days. The fight is what keeps people coming back - pure energy from start to finish. Plus, that bright orange meat makes for some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: when one starts jumping, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - let them tire themselves out with those aerial displays.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Michigan - these grey-green bruisers with cream-colored spots live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake. They're hefty fish, typically 15-25 pounds, and they fight with steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps. We find them suspended in 80-200 feet of water, often right over the deepest holes. Spring and fall are best when they move shallower, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is their size and that unique taste - firmer than other trout with a mild flavor. They're also the longest-lived fish we target, some over 20 years old. The secret is jigging right near bottom with heavy spoons or jigs that mimic dying baitfish. When you feel that subtle tap, set the hook hard - they have tough mouths.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to get serious about life - they're stronger, more streamlined, and absolutely relentless fighters. These silver rockets average 24 inches but can push much larger, and they'll use every inch to test your drag. In Lake Michigan, we target them in 40-100 feet of water where they cruise for baitfish. The cooler months from fall through spring are prime time when they're most active. What guests love is the sustained runs - no jumping show like salmon, just pure bulldogging power that'll make your arms ache. They're excellent table fare too, with that firm pink meat. The trick with steelhead is patience - they'll make multiple runs, so keep steady pressure and don't rush them to the boat. Let them wear themselves out on that first big run.
Lake Michigan