Lake Michigan Salmon & Trout Fishing Charters
Lake Michigan's crystal-clear waters hold some of the Midwest's best salmon and trout fishing, and Captain Josh at Pro Fish'n Sea Charters knows exactly where to find them. Whether you're planning a peaceful morning charter or an action-packed afternoon trip, these private fishing excursions are designed for groups of up to 4 anglers. You'll cruise the legendary waters off Michigan's coast, targeting five different species that make Lake Michigan a world-class fishery. From first-time anglers to seasoned pros, everyone walks away with stories to tell and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Your Lake Michigan fishing adventure starts with meeting Captain Josh, who's been working these waters since he was a kid. The boat is well-maintained and equipped with everything you need for a successful day of fishing. Most trips launch early to take advantage of prime feeding times, though afternoon charters can be just as productive when conditions are right. You'll head out to proven fishing grounds where salmon and trout are actively feeding, often several miles offshore where the water structure and temperature create perfect hunting zones. The captain handles all the navigation and fish-finding while you focus on the fun part – fighting fish. Don't worry about bringing gear; everything from rods and reels to tackle and bait is provided. The crew takes time to explain techniques and help novice anglers get the hang of it, making sure everyone on board has a chance at landing fish.
Trolling Tactics & Lake Structure
Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling – a technique where lines are pulled behind the moving boat at specific speeds and depths. Captain Josh uses downriggers and planer boards to spread lines at different levels in the water column, maximizing your chances of finding active fish. The key is reading the lake's structure and understanding where salmon and trout like to hang out. During spring and fall, fish often cruise closer to shore following baitfish migrations. Summer fishing typically means heading to deeper waters where fish seek cooler temperatures. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools of alewives and other baitfish that attract the predators you're after. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations are the go-to lures, with colors and presentations adjusted based on water clarity and fish behavior. The crew monitors multiple rods simultaneously, watching for the telltale bend that signals a fish has taken the bait.
Customer Stories
"Great boat the captain and mates are very knowledgeable and friendly!" - David. "Josh took the time to explain things to my grandsons and let us help them catch their fish , and we all caught fish , when other boat's weren't catching any. great day on the lake." - Randal. "Outstanding service from Pro Fish 'n Sea Charter! From booking to catching fish, everything was smooth and enjoyable. Will definitely be back!" - Tom.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These powerful fish can grow over 30 pounds and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience on the Great Lakes. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish staging near river mouths during their spawning runs. When a big king hits your line, you'll know it immediately – the drag screams and the rod doubles over as these silver bullets make blistering runs toward deeper water. The combination of size, strength, and acrobatic jumps makes chinook the most sought-after species on the lake.
Coho Salmon offer non-stop action and spectacular aerial displays that keep anglers coming back for more. Smaller than their chinook cousins but twice as acrobatic, coho average 5-10 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They're active from spring through fall, with summer months providing consistent action in 60-120 feet of water. When coho are feeding, you might hook multiple fish in a single pass through a school. Their silver sides and aggressive nature make every hookup an event worth celebrating.
Rainbow Trout provide steady action throughout the fishing season and are perfect for anglers looking to bend rods consistently. Also called steelhead, these fish typically range from 3-8 pounds and are known for their beautiful colors and strong runs. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities, especially near river mouths where trout feed heavily before spawning runs. Rainbows are often the first fish in the boat and help build confidence for newer anglers while providing plenty of excitement for experienced fishermen.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in Lake Michigan and present a fun challenge for anglers who appreciate technical fishing. These wary predators often feed during low-light conditions and can grow quite large, with fish over 15 pounds caught regularly. Browns are most active in spring and fall, often hugging bottom structure or cruising near shore during dawn and dusk periods. Their golden-bronze coloration and fighting ability make them a prized catch, and veteran anglers know that hooking a big brown often requires patience and skill.
Lake Trout represent the deep-water specialists of Lake Michigan's fishery, inhabiting the coldest, deepest parts of the lake year-round. These native fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with 20-pound lakers not uncommon. Summer fishing often targets lake trout in 100+ feet of water where they remain active while other species seek shallower, cooler areas. Their mottled green coloration and broad tail make them easy to identify, and their steady, powerful runs provide a different but equally satisfying fight compared to the acrobatic salmon species.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Michigan's fishing season offers something special from ice-out through late fall, and Captain Josh's local knowledge puts you on fish when other boats are struggling. The intimate 4-person capacity means personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without crowding. Whether you're planning a family trip, corporate outing, or just a
5.0(5 Reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Top Rated
Manistee, MI
Private salmon charter for up to 4 guests on Lake Michigan
