2-Day Cedar Grove Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Two-day Lake Michigan fishing adventure with evening and morning sessionsProfessional crew targets diverse fish species in scenic Cedar Grove watersSmall group experience accommodates up to six guests with hotel arrangements
Picture this: you're casting your line into Lake Michigan's crystal-clear waters as the sun dips below the horizon, then waking up the next morning to do it all over again. That's exactly what you get with Ninja Charters' top-rated 2-day fishing package out of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about 10 solid hours of prime fishing time spread across an evening and morning session, giving you the best shot at landing some seriously impressive Great Lakes fish.
Your adventure kicks off with a 5-hour evening trip that puts you right in the sweet spot when fish are most active. There's something magical about fishing Lake Michigan as daylight fades – the water calms down, temperatures drop, and predator fish start their feeding frenzy. You'll head out with up to 5 other anglers (6 total capacity), which creates a perfect balance between having fishing buddies and maintaining plenty of elbow room at the rails. The next morning, you're back at it for another 5-hour session, targeting the dawn bite when salmon and trout are cruising the shallows looking for an easy meal. Between trips, Ninja Charters can hook you up with local hotel accommodations for an additional fee – no need to drive home exhausted just to turn around and come back before sunrise.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about covering water and presenting baits at the right depth, which means we're primarily trolling with downriggers and planer boards. The captain will have multiple lines in the water at various depths, using everything from spoons and plugs to cut bait and flies depending on what's working that day. You don't need to bring anything except your enthusiasm – all rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided. The boat runs top-quality equipment including GPS fish finders and temperature gauges that help locate thermoclines where fish congregate. During the evening session, we often start in deeper water and work our way toward structure as light fades. Morning trips typically focus on the near-shore zone where salmon stage before making spawning runs up tributary streams.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, known for their spectacular aerial displays once hooked. These silver rockets typically run 3-8 pounds and are most active during summer and early fall evenings. What makes coho so exciting is their unpredictability – they'll hit everything from bright spoons to subtle flies, and once they feel the hook, they'll jump, run, and dive like their life depends on it. The meat is excellent table fare with a mild, flaky texture that's perfect for grilling.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon runners of the Great Lakes, capable of blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your nerves. Spring and fall are prime time for these chrome-bright fighters, with fish ranging from 5-15 pounds. Steelhead have incredible stamina and will use every trick in the book to throw your hook – diving under the boat, jumping clear of the water, or simply bulldogging toward bottom structure. They're also among the best eating fish in the lake, with firm, pink flesh that rivals any ocean salmon.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason – these bruiser fish can exceed 20 pounds and will absolutely test your fishing skills. Peak season runs from late summer through early fall, when mature chinooks stage near river mouths preparing to spawn. What makes chinooks so prized isn't just their size, but their raw power. They don't jump much, but they'll make long, sustained runs that can strip line off your reel faster than you thought possible. The fight often lasts 10-15 minutes, leaving anglers exhausted but grinning ear to ear.
Brown Trout are the most finicky and arguably most beautiful fish you'll encounter on Lake Michigan. These golden-sided predators are primarily active during low-light conditions, making them perfect targets for evening charters. Browns are ambush predators that often hold near structure, and they have a reputation for following lures without committing. When you do hook one, expect a smart, calculated fight – they won't waste energy on flashy jumps, but they'll use their intelligence to find every piece of cover available.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, typically found in 60+ feet of water where temperatures stay cool year-round. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – 10-20 pound lakers are common, with some fish pushing 30+ pounds. Lakers fight differently than salmon, using their broad tail and stocky build for powerful, steady pressure rather than blistering runs. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for smoking or baking.
This 2-day fishing package offers something you just can't get on a single charter – the chance to experience Lake Michigan's diverse fishing opportunities across different times and conditions. Evening bites can be completely different from morning action, and having two separate 5-hour windows gives you the best odds of connecting with multiple species. The fact that Ninja Charters can arrange overnight accommodations means you can focus entirely on fishing without worrying about logistics. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with table fare or hoping to land a personal best, this extended format gives you the time and flexibility to make it happen. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons.
Meet your fishing platform for this Cedar Grove adventure - a restored 36-foot Tiara sportfisher that's been given new life after a complete 2021 rebuild. Twin 350HP Mercury engines provide the muscle to get you to the productive waters of Lake Michigan quickly and efficiently. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, with a flybridge that gives you elevated views when scouting for fish or simply taking in the lake scenery. Below deck, you'll find genuine comfort with air conditioning, a full kitchen, refrigerator, and even sleeping quarters plus a head - perfect for your 2-day fishing experience. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots regardless of conditions. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long hours chasing salmon and trout. This isn't just transportation to the fishing grounds - it's your floating base camp designed specifically for serious anglers who want both performance on the water and comfort between fishing sessions.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones in the trout family - they're cautious, fight hard, and can live over a decade in Lake Michigan's cold waters. These golden-brown fish with black spots typically run 1-9 pounds, though bigger ones cruise the depths. They love structure like drop-offs, rocky areas, and anywhere they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at night or during overcast days. What makes them special is their wariness - they're educated fish that make you work for them. The reward is a strong fight and excellent eating with firm, flavorful meat. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temperatures hit that sweet spot around 55-65 degrees. Pro tip: fish near piers and rocky structure at dawn or dusk with streamers or crawfish patterns - browns are opportunistic and won't pass up an easy meal.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason - these bruisers regularly hit 20-30 pounds and fight with serious power. They've got dark backs, silver sides, and black spots everywhere, including inside their mouths. Being light-sensitive, they spend most of their time in deeper water, which means we're often fishing 60-100 feet down using downriggers and weighted tackle. Spring and fall are your best shots, particularly early morning or evening when they move up to feed. What keeps people coming back is that combination of size and fight, plus the rich, orange meat that's hard to beat on the grill. The key to success is getting your bait down to where they live. I always tell guests to be patient - when a big king hits, you'll know it, but the fight might last 20 minutes.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, are pure fighters that'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. These acrobatic fish typically run 8-12 pounds and 12-30 inches, with their distinctive silver sides and dark blue-green backs spotted with black. They're drawn to structure and feed actively in the early morning and evening hours when the light gets soft. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when they're staging near river mouths. What makes coho special is that hard fight combined with their bright orange meat - they're as good on the plate as they are fun to catch. Here's a tip that works well on Lake Michigan: when trolling, run your spoons about 15-20 feet behind the boat at dawn. They tend to follow before striking, so don't set the hook too early.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights of the deep, hanging out in 60-150+ feet of water where it stays cold year-round. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots can reach 15-40 pounds and grow slowly, making big ones real trophies. They prefer the deep, cold waters of Lake Michigan and rarely come shallow except right after ice-out in spring. What draws anglers is their size potential and that deep-water battle - plus they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Best fishing happens during low-light conditions or overcast days when they're more active. Vertical jigging is the go-to method since they're usually deep. I recommend heavy jigs with paddle-tail swimbaits worked right off bottom. Here's what works: find the thermocline on your fish finder, then work 10-20 feet below it. Lakers often suspend just under that temperature break.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to get serious - these lake-run fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and fight like nothing else in fresh water. Unlike their stream cousins, steelhead develop a sleek, silvery body with black spots from their time in big water. They cruise the deeper parts of Lake Michigan most of the year, then move shallow during spring and fall transitions. What draws people back is that bulldogging fight - they'll make long runs and leap repeatedly. The meat is firm and tasty too. Best fishing happens in low light or overcast days when they're more active. Early morning and late evening are prime time. My go-to trick is running streamers or spoons with some flash in 40-80 feet of water during spring turnover when they're hunting aggressively.
Sturgeon Bay