Lake Michigan Fishing With Ninja Charters
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour Lake Michigan fishing trip with expert guide Luke ChatfieldTarget salmon and trout in pristine waters near Cedar GroveSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximum
If you're looking for a top-rated fishing charter experience on Lake Michigan, Captain Luke Chatfield has got you covered. This 5-hour weekday trip out of Cedar Grove puts you right in the heart of some of Wisconsin's best salmon and trout fishing waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Luke's got the local knowledge and patience to make sure you have a blast on the big lake. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, buddies' trips, or anyone wanting to experience what Lake Michigan fishing is really about.
You'll meet Luke at the Cedar Grove marina bright and early, ready to hit the water for five solid hours of fishing. The boat heads out into Lake Michigan's deeper waters where the real action happens. Don't worry about bringing tackle or bait – Luke's got all the gear you need, plus he knows exactly where the fish are holding based on water temperature, current conditions, and his years of experience fishing these waters. The weekday timing is perfect because you'll avoid the weekend crowds and often find the fish more cooperative. Cedar Grove's location gives you quick access to productive fishing zones, so you're not spending half your trip just getting to where the fish are. Luke keeps things relaxed but focused, sharing local fishing tips and stories while making sure everyone on board gets their shot at landing something worth bragging about.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling, and Luke's got this technique dialed in perfectly. You'll be running downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to cover different depths and water columns where salmon and trout cruise. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and electronics that help locate fish and present your lures at just the right depth. Luke uses a mix of spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations depending on what the fish are hitting that day. Water temperature is everything out here – salmon and trout are cold-water species that follow the thermocline, and Luke's fish finder shows exactly where that sweet spot is. You might be fishing 50 feet down in 150 feet of water, or working the top 20 feet when fish are feeding shallow. The constant movement keeps lines in the strike zone, and when that rod tip starts bouncing, you know you've got a Lake Michigan fighter on the other end.
Coho Salmon: These silver rockets are customer favorites for good reason. Coho typically run 5-12 pounds and fight like they're twice that size, making incredible jumps and long runs that'll test your skills. They're most active from late spring through early fall, feeding heavily on alewives in the upper water column. What makes them so fun is their aggressive nature – they'll hit lures hard and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat excited.
Chinook Salmon: The kings of Lake Michigan, these monsters can push 20-30 pounds or more. Chinook are the ultimate trophy fish here, known for their bulldogging fights and incredible stamina. They prefer deeper, cooler water and are most cooperative during early morning and late afternoon. Landing a big king is a bucket-list experience that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Steelhead Trout: These chrome-bright fighters are like freshwater missiles. Steelhead average 8-15 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic fights and never-give-up attitude. They're incredibly strong for their size and will make multiple runs, testing every knot and connection. Spring and fall are prime times, when they're staging near river mouths or cruising the thermal bar.
Brown Trout: The smartest fish in the lake, browns are prized by serious anglers for their wariness and fighting ability. They can grow huge in Lake Michigan – 10-20 pounders aren't uncommon. Browns often feed at night or in low-light conditions, making early morning trips particularly productive. They're notorious for making one last desperate run right at the net.
Lake Trout: These deep-water natives are the lake's true residents, and catching one connects you to the original fishery. Lakers typically run 10-25 pounds and fight with a steady, powerful pull that'll wear out your arms. They're most active in spring and fall when they move into shallower water, but can be caught year-round in the depths. Their spotted pattern and forked tail make them easy to identify, and their firm, flaky meat is outstanding on the table.
This weekday special with Ninja Charters offers incredible value for a world-class Lake Michigan fishing experience. Captain Luke's local expertise, quality equipment, and genuine passion for helping anglers succeed makes this trip a standout choice. The 5-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to get into fish without feeling rushed, and the smaller group size means personalized attention and more chances to get on the rods. Cedar Grove's prime location puts you right in the heart of Wisconsin's renowned salmon and trout fishery, with quick access to productive water. Whether you're after your first Lake Michigan salmon or chasing a personal best, Luke knows how to put you on fish and make sure you have an awesome day on the water. Don't wait – these weekday spots fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot.
Meet your fishing platform for the day - a solid 36-foot Tiara sportfisher that's been completely restored and ready to chase Lake Michigan's finest. This classic 1987 boat runs on twin 350HP Mercury engines, giving you the power to reach the best fishing spots quickly and get back to port when the weather changes. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out while working the waters for salmon and trout. The boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from the action, there's air conditioning, a full kitchen, and even a bed if someone wants to rest. The flybridge gives you elevated views of the water, perfect for spotting birds working over feeding fish. Captain Luke knows these Lake Michigan waters inside and out, and this boat gives him the tools to put you on fish while keeping everyone comfortable during your 5-hour fishing adventure.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart guys of the trout world, typically running 12-20 inches with golden-brown backs covered in dark spots. They're homebodies that stick close to structure - rocky areas, drop-offs, and near tributary mouths. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, though spring can be hot too. What makes browns special is their wariness - they've survived by being careful, so hooking one feels like outwitting a worthy opponent. The meat is mild and delicious when they come from clean, cold water. They prefer cooler temps and often feed at night or in low light. Local tip: browns love crawfish, so anything that mimics that orange-brown color and scuttles along bottom will get their attention. Work it slow and steady near rocky structure.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of our waters, averaging 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer the deep, cold water during summer months, often hanging 60-100 feet down. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening produce the best action. What draws folks back is the sheer power - kings make long, screaming runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Spring and fall offer the most consistent fishing when they move shallower. Here's something most don't know: kings often follow the thermocline religiously. Find that temperature break on your fish finder, and you'll find the fish. It's like fishing a highway.
Oncorhynchus KisutchAlso called silvers, these acrobatic fighters typically run 12-30 inches and pack serious attitude. They love the cooler waters of Lake Michigan, often found suspended mid-water or near structure. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding and closer to shore. What makes cohos special is their jump-crazy nature - they'll leap clean out of the water multiple times during a fight, making for some wild action. The meat has that bright orange color and tastes fantastic. Here's a local trick: when you see them rolling on the surface, downsize your presentation. They can get finicky when actively feeding, so a smaller spoon or lighter tackle often seals the deal when the big flashy stuff isn't working.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants, often running 20-35 inches and living in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Michigan. These gray-green fish with cream-colored spots are built for the abyss - we're talking 80-150+ feet deep most of the year. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they come up shallower. Lakers are prized for their size and the challenge of fishing deep water. They're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. These fish avoid bright light and prefer overcast conditions. The key is jigging - they live on bottom structure in deep basins. My go-to trick: use a heavy jig with a soft plastic tail and work it right on bottom. Lakers are curious but cautious, so give them time to inspect your offering.
Oncorhynchus mykissThese chrome-bright fighters are basically rainbow trout that've spent time in the big lake, coming back beefed up and ready to battle. Most run 24-30 inches, but we see some pushing 35+ inches out here. They cruise the deeper, cooler water during summer but move shallower in spring and fall. Steelhead are prized for their bulldogging runs and stubborn fights - they don't give up easy. The meat is excellent eating too. Best fishing happens in low-light conditions or overcast days when they're more active. Pro tip: when targeting steelhead in Lake Michigan, focus on areas where tributaries meet the main lake. They stage near these spots during their spawning runs, and fresh water flow draws them in like magnets.
Sturgeon Bay