Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Early morning 5hour salmon charter on Lake MichiganProfessional captain adjusts locations based on seasonal fishing patternsAll equipment and tackle provided for up to 4 guests
There's something magical about being on Lake Michigan when the sun starts painting the horizon orange and the salmon are actively feeding. This 5-hour charter kicks off at 4:00 AM because that's when the big fish are moving and the bite is hottest. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after salmon species in the Great Lakes while learning proven techniques that'll make you a better angler. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of serious fishing or you're a seasoned pro looking to add some Lake Michigan kings to your logbook, this trip delivers the goods. We keep groups small at 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from your captain.
Your day starts early, but trust me, you'll be glad you rolled out of bed when you feel that first salmon slam your line. We'll be running a spread of downriggers and planer boards, covering different depths and zones to find where the fish are holding. The captain reads the water like a book – watching for bait schools on the fish finder, checking water temperatures, and adjusting our trolling pattern based on what the salmon are telling us. Lake Michigan can be moody, but that's part of what makes it such a phenomenal fishery. One day the kings are hugging the thermocline at 80 feet, the next they're cruising the surface chasing alewives. Your guide knows these seasonal patterns inside and out and will put you on the most productive water. The boat is equipped with everything you need – quality rods and reels spooled with fresh line, a tackle box full of proven spoons and plugs, and all the downrigger gear to get your baits where they need to be.
We fish Lake Michigan the way it's meant to be fished – trolling with purpose and precision. You'll be running a mix of spoons, flasher-fly combos, and diving plugs at different speeds and depths until we dial in what the salmon want. The downriggers let us get baits down to where the fish are staging, usually anywhere from 30 to 120 feet depending on conditions. Planer boards spread our lines out wide, covering more water and keeping baits away from the boat's wake. When a fish hits, you'll know it – that downrigger rod will bounce like crazy before releasing the line, and then it's game on. The captain will coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish properly so you don't lose it at the boat. We're using 20-30 pound test line because these salmon don't mess around, especially the big kings that can push 25 pounds or more. The boat stays in constant motion, following fish and bait schools, so you're always fishing the most productive zones.
The Chinook salmon, or kings as we call them, are the crown jewel of Lake Michigan fishing. These powerful fish average 12-18 pounds but can push well into the twenties during peak season. Kings are most active from late spring through early fall, with the best action happening during the pre-dawn hours when they're actively feeding on alewives and other baitfish. What makes them so special is their incredible fight – they'll make screaming runs, jump clear out of the water, and test every bit of your drag system. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill or smoker. Coho salmon, the silver bullets of the lake, are smaller but pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish you'll ever hook. They typically run 5-12 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked, often jumping repeatedly and making long runs. Cohos are most abundant from late spring through summer, and they love chasing spoons and flasher-fly combinations in the upper water column. Now, Greater Amberjack might seem like an unusual target for Lake Michigan, but these occasional visitors from warmer waters sometimes show up during late summer when water temperatures rise. They're rare catches that make for great conversation starters back at the dock.
Lake Michigan salmon fishing is world-class, and trips like this fill up fast during peak season. You're getting 5 solid hours of fishing time with a captain who knows exactly where to find salmon when they're biting. All the gear is included, the boat is fully equipped, and you'll learn techniques that'll serve you well on future fishing adventures. Just grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and show up ready to catch fish. The early start time means you'll be back at the dock by mid-morning with plenty of day left to clean your catch and start planning your next trip. This isn't just another charter – it's your chance to experience some of the best salmon fishing in the Great Lakes with a guide who lives and breathes these waters. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially if you're targeting peak salmon season.
Step aboard this 22' Triton motorboat, specifically rigged for Lake Michigan salmon trolling. Built to handle the big water, this boat cuts through waves smoothly while you focus on landing fish. The downriggers keep your lines at the right depth where salmon cruise, and the fish finder helps locate schools hiding below. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight fish without getting tangled up. The GPS keeps you on productive fishing grounds, whether you're working structure or following temperature breaks. This setup gives you everything needed for serious salmon fishing - from quality rod holders to a stable platform that lets you land fish safely. Perfect for small groups who want to target salmon and trout without dealing with crowded party boats.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of Lake Michigan, averaging 12-20 pounds with some pushing 30+. These silver-sided bruisers with dark spots stay deep during daylight, making our early morning trolling runs perfect timing. They hit hard and fight even harder, peeling drag on long runs that'll test your arms. The meat is rich and orange-red, making them table favorites. Spring through early summer offers the best action as they cruise the thermocline 40-80 feet down. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - their soft mouths tear easily. Let them run and work them up slowly for the best chance at boating these Lake Michigan legends.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure acrobats, jumping clear out of the water when hooked. These scrappy fighters run 8-12 pounds on average and love our early morning trolling spread. You'll find them suspended 20-60 feet down, often mixed with kings but more aggressive on the bite. Their bright orange meat tastes fantastic, and they're famous for that aerial show once hooked - some can jump 6 feet straight up. Late spring through summer produces the most consistent action. The trick with cohos is keeping your drag smooth during their jumps - too tight and they'll throw the hook on their way down. Their acrobatic nature makes every hookup a thrill, especially for first-timers and kids.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks don't naturally occur in Lake Michigan - they're saltwater fish found in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. These powerful fighters average 39 pounds and can stretch over 6 feet long. They're known for their brutal fights, diving deep and making long runs that test heavy tackle. You'll typically find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring spawning season offers peak action when they're most aggressive. Their firm white meat is prized, though larger fish may carry ciguatera. The key to landing big AJs is using heavy gear - 50+ pound test - and being patient during their initial power runs.
Sheboygan, WI