Lake Michigan Weeknight Fishing Special
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Weeknight fishing charters target salmon and trout on Lake MichiganDiscounted rates available Monday through Thursday during prime seasonCaptain Terence guides groups up to four guests maximum
If you're tired of waiting for weekends to wet your line, Captain Terence's weeknight charter is exactly what you've been looking for. This top-rated Lake Michigan fishing experience runs Monday through Thursday from May through early September, giving you the perfect excuse to skip the crowds and hit the water when the fish are biting best. With just four spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with fish.
Your day starts early – and trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed for. Lake Michigan in the morning is something special, with glassy water stretching to the horizon and that crisp air that tells you the fish are active. Captain Terence knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the reputation to prove it. You'll be targeting the big four: Coho and Chinook salmon, plus steelhead and lake trout that'll test your arms and your drag system. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from downriggers to planer boards, so all you have to worry about is being ready when that rod tip starts dancing. Don't expect to just sit there either – this is active fishing where you'll learn to read the fish finder, work the gear, and feel that electric moment when a 20-pound king decides your lure looks like breakfast.
We're talking serious trolling here, not the lazy kind where you throw a line out and hope for the best. Captain Terence runs a tight ship with multiple lines in the water, using downriggers to get your bait down to where the big fish cruise. You'll learn why certain spoons work better in the morning light, how water temperature affects where we set the riggers, and why that subtle rod action makes all the difference. The boat's equipped with quality gear – Penn and Shimano reels that can handle whatever Lake Michigan throws at you, plus a selection of proven lures that have been putting fish in the cooler for years. Expect to cover water efficiently, running patterns that follow the thermal breaks where salmon and trout stack up. When we mark fish on the sonar, that's when things get interesting – and you'll quickly understand why weeknight fishing often outproduces weekend trips.
Coho salmon are the crowd favorites for good reason – these silver bullets average 8-12 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They show up consistently from June through August, and when you hook one near the surface, get ready for some serious acrobatics. Cohos love to jump, and that first leap out of the water will get your heart racing every single time. What makes them special on Lake Michigan is how they school up along temperature breaks, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Steelhead trout bring a different kind of fight – these chrome-sided beauties are built for long, powerful runs that'll test your patience and your reel's drag system. Spring and fall are prime time for steelhead, with fish ranging from 6-15 pounds that know how to use Lake Michigan's currents to their advantage. They're nicknamed "freshwater rockets" for good reason. Chinook salmon are the kings of the lake, literally and figuratively. These bruisers can push 30 pounds and will take you on a tour of the lake if you're not careful with your drag. Peak season runs July through September, and landing a mature king is something you'll talk about for years. They're not just big – they're smart, often following your lure for what feels like miles before deciding to strike. Lake trout round out the crew as the deep-water specialists. These spotted fighters prefer the cooler water down low and can live for decades, meaning that 20-pounder you're battling might be older than your fishing rod. They're available year-round but really shine in spring and late fall when they move shallow.
Here's the thing about weeknight fishing – it's Lake Michigan's best-kept secret. While everyone else is stuck in traffic on Friday afternoon, you could be landing salmon on a Tuesday evening with nobody else in sight. Captain Terence's weeknight special offers the same world-class fishing experience at a fraction of the weekend cost, plus you'll have more room to move around with just four anglers aboard. The season books up fast, especially those prime July and August dates when the salmon fishing is absolutely on fire. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to Great Lakes fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to escape the weekend circus, this charter delivers exactly what you're after. Don't let another week go by watching the weather and wishing you were on the water – grab your crew and book a spot on what locals consider the best fishing deal on Lake Michigan.
Step aboard the 31-foot "Fish Story" and get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Michigan's productive waters. This well-equipped sportfisher runs on twin 454 HP Crusader engines that'll get you to the hot spots quickly, while the modern Raymarine electronics package – including chirp sonar, downscan imaging, and Fishhawk temperature probe – helps locate fish holding at different depths. Captain Terence knows these waters inside and out, and with GPS navigation plus radar for those foggy mornings, you'll fish safely in any conditions. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space for fighting fish, plus air conditioning to beat the summer heat. There's a galley, head, and refrigerator onboard for longer trips. The Week Night Special runs Monday through Thursday from May to September, giving weekday warriors a chance to hit prime fishing season at discounted rates. Whether you're targeting kings in deep water or working the thermocline for cohos, this charter puts you on fish when others are stuck at the office.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, regularly hitting 15-20 pounds with some pushing 30 or more. These dark-backed bruisers with black-spotted fins prefer deeper, colder water and are light-sensitive, so they stay down during bright days. Peak season runs May through August, with early morning and evening being prime time. What makes kings special is their raw power - when you hook a mature chinook, you know it immediately. They make bulldogging runs that can strip line fast. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating too. Since they hug the bottom, downrigging or weighted presentations work best. Here's my go-to trick: when trolling, watch your fishfinder for bait schools and run your gear just below them. Kings often suspend under forage, and positioning your lures in that strike zone makes all the difference.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll find in Lake Michigan. These beauties typically run 8-12 pounds with silver sides and distinctive black spots on their backs and tails. We usually find them cruising mid-depths during our May through September season, especially on overcast days when they're more active. What makes cohos special is their willingness to jump - they can leap 6 feet out of the water when hooked, giving you a show you won't forget. The orange-red meat tastes fantastic too. My tip: when trolling spoons, keep your speed around 2.5 mph. Cohos prefer a slower presentation than kings, and that subtle difference can make all the difference between a quiet day and filling the cooler.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of the char family, often reaching 15-40 pounds in Lake Michigan's cold depths. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots prefer the deepest, coldest water available, usually hanging 80-150 feet down during summer. They're slow-growing and can live decades, making big fish relatively rare. Best fishing happens right after ice-out in spring when they move shallower, or during overcast conditions year-round when they're more active. Lakers are prized for their size potential and unique habitat - they're the only native gamefish that truly lives in the deep basin. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Since they live so deep, jigging is your best bet. My secret: use a heavy spoon or jig tipped with smelt, and work it right on bottom. Lakers are curious and will often follow your lure up, so don't be afraid to lift it 10-20 feet off bottom occasionally.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in big water, making them stronger and more chrome-colored than their stream cousins. In Lake Michigan, they average 24 inches but can push 10-15 pounds or more. These fish love cold, well-oxygenated water and tend to stay deeper during summer months, moving shallower in spring and fall. What sets steelhead apart is their stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system. The fight is legendary among anglers, plus they're excellent eating with firm, pink meat. Best fishing happens during cooler periods, especially early morning or late evening. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let your drag do the work - steelhead have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you get too aggressive.
Lake Michigan