5-Hour Weekday Fishing Trip for Your Crew
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour fishing trip available Monday through ThursdayAccommodates groups of five to six anglers maximumTargets trout, salmon, and various lake species
Looking to get your group out on the water for some serious fishing action? This 5-hour weekday charter with Merganzer Fishing Charters is built for crews of 5-6 anglers who want to target some of the lake's most prized species without the weekend crowds. Running Monday through Thursday, this trip gives you the perfect opportunity to chase Chinook salmon, lake trout, and Coho salmon while enjoying the quieter weekday waters that often produce the best fishing.
You'll spend five solid hours working the productive zones where these trophy fish feed and roam. The weekday schedule means you're fishing when the lake is less pressured – that's when the big salmon and trout are more likely to bite. Captain and crew know exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. Your group will have plenty of space to fish comfortably with rods spread out and everyone getting their shots at the action. The trip covers different depths and structures depending on what's biting best that day. Whether the fish are holding deep in the thermocline or cruising shallower waters, you'll be in the right spots at the right times. Don't worry about experience level – this charter works great for seasoned anglers and newcomers alike, with hands-on guidance when you need it.
This charter runs primarily on trolling methods that are proven effective for salmon and lake trout in these waters. You'll be using downriggers to get your lures down to the precise depths where these fish are feeding, along with planer boards to spread your spread wide and cover more water. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle specifically chosen for these target species. Expect to run a variety of spoons, flasher-and-fly combinations, and plugs in colors and sizes that match current conditions. The crew handles all the technical aspects – setting depths, adjusting speeds, and reading the fish finder – while you focus on fighting the fish when they hit. Lines typically run between 15 and 80 feet down, depending on the season and where the fish are marking. Speed control is critical for success, usually trolling between 2.2 and 3.5 mph to trigger strikes from these predatory species.
Chinook salmon are the true kings of these waters and the most sought-after species on this charter. These powerful fish average 15-25 pounds but can push well into the 30-pound range during peak seasons. Spring and early summer offer the best Chinook action as they stage in deeper water before their spawning runs. When a big king hits your line, you'll know it immediately – they make long, powerful runs and dig deep, testing both your drag system and your fighting skills. The fight can last 15-20 minutes with a good-sized fish, and landing one is always a highlight that gets the whole boat excited.
Lake trout provide consistent action throughout most of the season and are excellent table fare when prepared properly. These native fish typically run 3-8 pounds but can reach impressive sizes of 15-20 pounds in these waters. They tend to hold in deeper, colder water year-round, making them reliable targets when salmon fishing slows down. Lakers are aggressive feeders and often hit hard, though their fight is different from salmon – more of a steady, heavy pull than explosive runs. They're also one of the best eating fish you'll find in the lake when kept on ice and prepared fresh.
Coho salmon bring incredible aerial displays and aggressive strikes that make them a favorite among anglers of all skill levels. These silver bullets typically weigh 5-12 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Coho fishing peaks during late summer and early fall when they move into shallower waters and become more active feeders. They're often the most cooperative species for newer anglers since they fight hard but are generally easier to land than their larger Chinook cousins. The bonus with Coho is their excellent eating quality – firm, flavorful fillets that work great on the grill or smoker.
This weekday charter offers your group the chance to fish some of the most productive waters without fighting weekend crowds and boat traffic. Five hours gives you plenty of time to work different areas, adjust tactics as conditions change, and give everyone in your party multiple opportunities at these top-rated game fish. The 5-6 angler capacity means your crew gets personalized attention and room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded. Merganzer Fishing Charters has built a solid reputation for putting clients on fish and providing the kind of hands-on service that turns good trips into great fishing stories. Book your weekday adventure now and experience why serious anglers choose these waters for their salmon and trout fishing.
Your floating fishing headquarters comes fully loaded for serious anglers who want comfort while chasing their next big catch. This well-equipped motorboat handles 5-6 fishermen with room to move around and cast without bumping elbows. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on productive spots. When you need stealth mode, the wireless trolling motor lets you slip up on wary fish without spooking them. Between bites, grab cold drinks from the fridge or stretch out on the onboard bed. The kitchen means fresh-cooked fish for lunch, and the head keeps everyone comfortable during those long 5-hour sessions. Air conditioning beats the midday heat, and the multimedia system adds entertainment during slow periods. Perfect for Monday-Thursday trips when the lakes are less crowded and fish are more cooperative.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the salmon family, averaging 12-20 pounds but can push 30+ in the right waters. These silver-sided bruisers with blue-green backs love deeper, cooler water and tend to hug the bottom during daylight hours. Early morning and evening are prime time when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard, live up to 7 years, and that rich orange meat is top-shelf eating. Kings are light-shy, so I always tell folks to fish weighted baits deep and use bright colors like chartreuse or pink on sunny days, darker combos when it's overcast. Trolling with spoons or plugs works great, but don't overlook a well-presented herring in the depths.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite - acrobatic fighters that'll jump 6 feet out of the water and never quit. Running 8-12 pounds on average, these sleek fish with dark backs and bright silver sides move between rivers and ocean throughout their lives. They love calmer water near structure like fallen trees or deeper pools. Best fishing happens during their spawning runs when they're aggressive and concentrated. What guests love most is the aerial show - cohos are famous for their jumping ability and never-give-up attitude. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. Pro tip: swing bright spinners in faster water, but switch to twitching jigs with long tails in holding pools. Bright patterns like pink, chartreuse work well.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the char family, commonly hitting 15-40 pounds in deep, cold northern lakes. These grey-green fish with cream markings spend most of their time suspended in deep water, especially during summer when they retreat to stay cool. Right after ice-out in spring is golden time - they'll come up shallow before diving deep again. What draws anglers? The size potential is massive, plus they're native to these pristine northern waters. They're slow growers and can live decades, making each one special. My go-to trick is jigging with spoons or paddle-tail swimbaits in 60+ feet of water. Fish overcast days when they feed more actively, and don't be afraid to work those deep basin areas.
Lake Michigan