Expert Guided Lake Michigan Salmon & Trout Trips
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target salmon and trout on Lake Michigan watersChoose between 6hour or 8hour fishing tripsFish from restored 2021 Tiara sportfishing boat
Captain Luke Chatfield and his Ninja Charters operation out of Cedar Grove has been putting serious anglers on trophy salmon and trout for years. Whether you choose the 6-hour or 8-hour trip, you're getting access to some of the hottest fishing waters on Lake Michigan's western shore. Luke's restored 2021 Tiara sportfishing boat handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work a rod without bumping elbows. These aren't your typical weekend warrior trips – Luke knows where the fish stack up and when to find them feeding.
You'll meet at Cedar Grove's harbor before sunrise, coffee in hand, ready to chase whatever's biting that day. Luke's got the boat prepped and tackle rigged before you arrive, so we're usually clearing the harbor while other charters are still tying knots. The Tiara cuts through Lake Michigan's chop like butter, getting us to the productive water fast. Depending on conditions and what's showing on the electronics, we might start shallow near shore or head to deeper structure where the big kings hang out. Luke reads the water like a book – watching for temperature breaks, bait schools, and those telltale signs that separate the pros from the weekend crowd. The 6-hour trip gives you solid fishing time, while the 8-hour option lets us chase multiple species or relocate if the bite moves.
We run a spread of downriggers, leadcore, and planer boards to cover different depths and water columns. Luke's got all the gear dialed in – from the latest spoons and plugs to proven patterns that have been producing for decades. You'll learn to work the rods properly, feel the difference between a fish strike and weeds, and understand why we change colors or depths based on what the fish are telling us. The boat's equipped with quality reels that can handle screaming salmon runs without seizing up. We're not using bargain-bin tackle here – this is serious fishing gear for serious fish. Luke will adjust the spread throughout the day based on what's working, and he's always happy to explain why we're making changes so you can apply it to your own fishing.
Coho Salmon are absolute rockets when they hit your line, often launching themselves clear out of the water in spectacular jumps. These silver bullets typically run 8-15 pounds and are most active from late spring through early fall. They feed aggressively on alewives and smelt, making them prime targets for spoons and small plugs. What makes cohos special is their acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and test every knot you've tied. Local anglers love them because they're excellent table fare and put on one hell of a show.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason – these bruisers can push 30 pounds and fight like freight trains. Peak season runs from July through September when mature fish stage near river mouths. Kings prefer deeper, cooler water and will absolutely smoke your drag on their initial runs. They're less likely to jump than cohos but make up for it with raw power that'll leave your arms burning. The bigger fish often lurk in 80-120 feet of water, following temperature breaks and bait schools.
Steelhead Trout are Lake Michigan's most prized fighters, combining the speed of salmon with the endurance of their river-running cousins. These chrome-bright fish average 6-12 pounds but punch way above their weight class. Fall and early spring produce the hottest steelhead action when they're feeding heavily before spawning runs. They'll take everything from spoons to meat rigs, and their runs are legendary among Great Lakes anglers. Many consider steelhead the ultimate light-tackle challenge.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in these waters, often requiring finesse presentations and perfect conditions to consistently catch. Fall brings the best brown trout fishing when big lake-run fish move shallow to spawn. These golden-sided beauties can exceed 20 pounds and are notoriously selective feeders. They prefer low-light conditions and subtle presentations, making them a favorite target for experienced anglers who appreciate a technical challenge.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, living in the coldest parts of Lake Michigan year-round. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes. Summer finds them in 100+ feet of water where temperatures stay consistently cold. Lakers fight differently than salmon and steelhead – less flashy but incredibly strong and determined. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Luke's calendar fills up fast during prime season, especially for weekend slots. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and proven track record makes Ninja Charters a top choice for serious anglers visiting Cedar Grove. Whether you're after a freezer full of fillets or hoping to land the fish of a lifetime, this charter delivers consistently. The restored Tiara provides a stable platform for fishing in all but the roughest conditions, and Luke's commitment to putting clients on fish shows in his repeat customer base. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing dates book weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss out on some of Lake Michigan's finest salmon and trout action.
Meet our beautifully restored 1987 Tiara sportfishing boat – your ticket to Lake Michigan's best salmon and trout action. This 36-footer packs serious punch with twin 350HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast and keep you comfortable all day long. Captain Luke runs a tight ship with room for up to 6 anglers, complete with fish finder and GPS to put you right on top of the fish. When you need a break from reeling in the big ones, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, fridge, and even a bed for those who want to catch some rest between catches. The flybridge gives you commanding views of Cedar Grove's waters, while the onboard facilities including toilet and icebox mean you'll stay comfortable during those long 6 or 8-hour trips chasing trophy fish.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of the trout family - golden-brown with black spots and a reputation for being tough to fool. They typically run 1-9 pounds in our waters, with the occasional bruiser pushing double digits. These fish love structure like drop-offs, weed edges, and rocky areas in 20-60 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at night or low light conditions. What makes them special is their wariness - they'll humble any angler who gets careless. The taste is mild and sweet, perfect for the dinner table. Here's something most don't know: browns often cruise shallow water after dark, so if you're willing to fish late evening near shore with small spoons, you might be surprised what shows up.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-20 pounds but capable of hitting 30-plus. These are the fish that make grown anglers smile like kids. They have dark gums and spots on their tail - easy way to tell them apart from other salmon. Kings stay deep most of the time, usually 60-120 feet down, following temperature breaks and bait schools. Early morning and evening are prime times since they avoid bright light. The fight is more of a bulldogging battle than acrobatic, but the size makes up for it. Their orange-pink meat is premium eating. Local secret: when kings are being finicky, try running your downrigger balls right along the thermocline - that temperature change is where they like to hunt.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, 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 blue-green back. What makes them special is their fighting spirit - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. We find them most active in spring and fall when water temps are cooler, usually suspended in 30-80 feet of water over deeper basins. The meat is bright orange-red and tastes outstanding. Here's a local trick: when you see coho rolling on the surface early morning, downrig with spoons in bright colors like chartreuse or hot pink about 10 feet down from where you spotted them.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants, the largest of the char family, typically running 15-40 pounds in our area. These grey-green fish with cream-colored markings live way down deep - often 80-200 feet or more during summer months where it stays cold. They're slow growers and can live decades, making each one special. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they come up shallower. The fight isn't flashy but it's steady and strong - like pulling up a truck tire that fights back. They're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Jigging is the name of the game for these fish. My go-to trick: use a heavy jigging spoon and work it right off the bottom in short, sharp jerks - lakers love that wounded baitfish action.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate challenge fish - think of them as rainbow trout that spent time in big water and got serious muscle. These chrome rockets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches, and they'll test every knot you tied. They prefer the cooler months from fall through spring when they're actively feeding in 40-100 feet of water. What sets them apart is their stamina - long, powerful runs that'll make your drag sing. The meat is pink and delicious, but honestly, most folks just love the fight. They're spooky fish, so we often target them in low light conditions. Pro tip: when steelhead fishing, keep your drag loose - these fish will snap you off on their initial run if you're locked down tight.
Sturgeon Bay