Wisconsin Fishing Charters | Cedar Grove Adventures
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target salmon and trout on Lake Michigan watersChoose between 6-hour or 8-hour fishing tripsNavigate aboard restored 2021 Tiara sportfishing boat
Captain Luke Chatfield knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his restored 2021 Tiara sportfishing boat, you're getting more than just a fishing trip - you're getting decades of Lake Michigan expertise packed into every cast. Whether you choose the 6-hour or 8-hour charter, you'll be targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized gamefish in waters that consistently produce trophy salmon and trout. With room for up to 6 anglers, this Cedar Grove operation has become a customer favorite for good reason.
Your day starts early at Cedar Grove's harbor, where Luke will have the Tiara prepped and ready to hit prime fishing grounds. The boat's recent restoration means you'll fish from a world-class platform equipped with top-rated electronics, downriggers, and all the tackle you need for Lake Michigan's big fish. The 6-hour trip gives you solid fishing time during peak feeding windows, while the 8-hour charter lets you cover more water and chase schools as they move throughout the day. Luke reads the lake conditions like a book - water temperature, current breaks, and baitfish movement all factor into where you'll set lines. Don't worry about bringing gear; everything from rods to net is provided, though seasoned anglers are welcome to bring their favorites.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling, and Luke's got the setup dialed in perfectly. You'll run downriggers at various depths, typically anywhere from 40 to 150 feet down, depending on where the fish are holding. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos make up the arsenal, with colors and presentations adjusted based on water clarity and fish activity. The Tiara's fish-finding electronics help locate schools and structure, but Luke's local knowledge really shines when it comes to reading subtle signs - temperature breaks, debris lines, and bird activity that signal feeding fish below. Expect to cover several miles of water, working different depths and speeds until you find what the fish want. When a rod fires off, everyone gets involved - these fish fight hard and teamwork makes the difference between landed fish and stories about the ones that got away.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, and Cedar Grove's waters hold some beauties. These silver rockets typically run 8-15 pounds and put on aerial shows that'll have you hollering. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with Cohos often found in the top 60 feet of water chasing alewives. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and the way they jump repeatedly when hooked - pure fishing excitement.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon runners of the lake, built for long, powerful runs that'll test your drag settings. These chrome-bright fighters average 8-12 pounds but can push into the teens. They're available year-round but really shine during cooler months. Steelhead have this uncanny ability to use current and structure to their advantage, making every fight a chess match between angler and fish.
Chinook Salmon are the kings for a reason - these bruisers can exceed 20 pounds and provide the kind of arm-burning battles that create lifelong fishing memories. Peak season typically runs from late summer into fall when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. Kings fight deep and strong, using their weight and power to test every knot in your terminal tackle. Landing a big Chinook on Lake Michigan is a rite of passage for Great Lakes anglers.
Brown Trout are the tricksters of the bunch, often the most selective feeders but incredibly rewarding when you figure them out. These spotted beauties average 6-12 pounds and are known for their wariness and fighting spirit. Browns can be active year-round but really turn on during low-light periods. Their golden flanks and spotted patterns make them one of the most beautiful fish swimming in Lake Michigan.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, often found in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake. These native char can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes - 15-20 pounders aren't uncommon. Lakers have a unique fighting style, more bulldogging than jumping, but their size and strength make every hookup memorable. They're available throughout the season but really shine during cooler water periods.
Lake Michigan fishing doesn't get much better than what Captain Luke delivers from Cedar Grove. The combination of his local expertise, top-rated equipment, and these productive waters creates the kind of fishing adventure that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're a seasoned salmon hunter or new to Great Lakes fishing, the 6-hour and 8-hour options give you flexibility to match your schedule and fishing goals. The Tiara's comfortable layout and Luke's patient teaching style make this trip perfect for families, corporate groups, or serious anglers looking to put fish in the box. Book early - the best fishing dates fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance at hooking into Lake Michigan's finest gamefish.
Get ready to fish Lake Michigan's productive waters aboard our restored 1987 36-foot Tiara sportfishing boat. This beauty packs twin 350HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the salmon and trout grounds fast, while the flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting feeding fish. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets in Cedar Grove's waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows. The onboard kitchen lets you fuel up between fishing sessions, while the refrigerator and icebox keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin or use the onboard facilities including a bed and toilet for longer trips. GPS and radar systems ensure safe navigation even when lake conditions change. Whether you're chasing kings in deep water or targeting cohos closer to shore, this well-equipped vessel handles Lake Michigan's moods with confidence. Captain Luke knows these waters inside and out, positioning you over the most productive fishing spots for both 6 and 8-hour trips.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the thinking angler's fish - they're smart, spooky, and absolutely gorgeous with their golden-brown sides covered in black and orange spots. In Lake Michigan, they average 3-8 pounds but grow much larger, with 15+ pound fish caught regularly. These fish love structure like rocky reefs, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish congregate, usually in 40-80 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though we catch them year-round. Browns fight differently than other trout - they're strong but calculated, using current and structure to their advantage. The meat is excellent, mild and flaky. What I've learned about browns: they're creatures of habit. Once you find a productive spot, mark it well because they'll use the same areas repeatedly, especially during low-light periods.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan - these bruisers commonly hit 15-20 pounds, with 30+ pounders always possible. They're built like silver torpedoes with black-spotted fins and that telltale black mouth. Unlike other salmon, kings are light-sensitive and stay deep, often 80-150 feet down, following baitfish schools along drop-offs and thermal layers. Early morning and late evening fishing produces best, though we catch them all day in deeper water. What makes kings special is their bulldogging fight - no fancy jumps, just pure power trying to sound to the bottom. The reddish-pink meat is rich and perfect for smoking. Here's a key tip: kings often hit light, so watch your rods carefully. Many guys think it's just weed, but it's actually a 20-pound fish swimming toward the boat.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called "silvers," are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll find in Lake Michigan. These beauties average 8-12 pounds with their distinctive silver sides and dark blue-green backs dotted with black spots. They're absolute jumpers - can leap 6 feet out of the water when hooked. We usually find them in the top 30-60 feet of water, especially near temperature breaks where cooler and warmer waters meet. Spring through early fall gives us the best action, with prime time being dawn and dusk. What makes cohos special is their aggressive strikes and that bright orange-red meat that tastes fantastic on the grill. Pro tip: when trolling spoons, add a slight flutter to your presentation - cohos love that erratic action that mimics a wounded baitfish.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of the char family, and in Lake Michigan they can reach impressive sizes - 15-25 pounders are common, with fish over 30 pounds caught every season. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots prefer the coldest, deepest water, typically 100+ feet down in summer. They relate to bottom structure and suspended baitfish schools. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they move shallower, but we catch them year-round by going deep. Lakers are steady fighters - not flashy jumpers, but they use their weight and the deep water to test your gear. The light, flaky meat is excellent eating. My go-to technique: vertical jigging with paddle-tail swimbaits in a lift-drop motion. Lakers often hit on the drop, so keep that line tight and watch for subtle ticks.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to live large - they're the same species but these guys spend time in the big water, making them silver, strong, and mean. Out here on Lake Michigan, they average 24 inches but we regularly see fish pushing 8-10 pounds. These chrome rockets love cooler water and structure like drop-offs, thermal bars, and current breaks. Best fishing runs from fall through spring when water temps drop below 60 degrees. What sets steelhead apart is their raw fighting power - they'll make blistering runs and jump repeatedly, testing every knot you tied. The meat is excellent too, firm and pink. One thing I've learned over the years: steelhead have incredible eyesight, so on bright days, run your lures deeper and consider downsizing your line.
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