2 Day Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Twoday private charter targets salmon and trout speciesCaptain provides equipment and instruction for six guestsPeak season fishing from midJuly through August
Two full days of salmon fishing on Lake Michigan doesn't just double your chances – it transforms your whole approach to big water angling. Captain Sean's private charter takes up to 6 anglers into the prime salmon waters during peak season, when King Salmon, Coho, Steelhead, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout are stacked up and feeding hard. At $1500 for your group, you get dedicated time to dial in presentations, work different zones, and really understand how these fish behave in Michigan's big water. This isn't a quick hit – it's a proper salmon camp that lets you develop your trolling game while targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized gamefish.
Your two-day adventure starts early, when the best salmon action typically fires off in the pre-dawn hours. Captain Sean knows these waters like his own backyard, reading temperature breaks, current edges, and baitfish schools that hold feeding salmon throughout July and August. The extended format means you're not rushing – there's time to set multiple rod patterns, experiment with different depths, and really work an area when fish are marking on the electronics. Day one often focuses on learning the trolling spread and understanding how different lures perform at various speeds and depths. By day two, you're part of the crew, making adjustments and reading the signs that lead to consistent hookups. The private charter setup keeps your group tight and focused, with plenty of deck space for six anglers to fish comfortably without the crowded feel of larger boats.
Lake Michigan salmon fishing is all about precision trolling, and Captain Sean provides the full arsenal – quality rods, reliable reels, and a tackle box that's been refined through years of guiding these waters. Downriggers are your primary weapon, getting spoons and plugs down to where salmon cruise in the cooler water column. Planer boards spread your presentation wide, covering more water and triggering fish that might spook from the boat's wake. Lead core and copper lines add different action profiles that can make all the difference when fish are finicky. The captain walks you through reading the fishfinder, understanding temperature layering, and recognizing the subtle signs that separate good fishing days from great ones. Color rotation, speed changes, and lure selection become second nature as you spend more time working the rods. Michigan fishing licenses are required for all anglers, so grab yours before heading out.
Chinook Salmon rule Lake Michigan's summer waters, with mature Kings pushing 20-30 pounds during peak season. These silver bullets hit hard and fight harder, stripping line on blistering runs that test your drag and endurance. They're structure-oriented fish, relating to temperature breaks and thermoclines where they ambush schools of alewives. Mid-July through August finds them in prime condition, staging for their fall spawning runs with maximum weight and aggression.
Coho Salmon bring acrobatic fights that keep everyone on deck entertained. Smaller than Kings but pound-for-pound fighters that leap clear of the water multiple times during a battle. These silver rockets school up tight and when you find them, multiple hookups are common. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to flashy spoons and bright colors, especially during overcast conditions or early morning sessions.
Steelhead Trout are the wild cards that can show up anywhere in the water column. Lake-run steelhead average 8-15 pounds and fight with the determination that made them famous in rivers. They're moody fish that might ignore your spread for hours, then suddenly decide to crush everything you put in front of them. Their chrome-bright sides and pink stripes make them some of the most beautiful fish in the Great Lakes.
Lake Trout represent the deep water specialists, often coming from 80-120 feet down where the water stays consistently cool. These native char can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. They're steady fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage, making for arm-burning battles on lighter tackle. Lake trout often bite when salmon fishing slows, providing backup action throughout the day.
Brown Trout are the educated predators that challenge even experienced anglers. These wary fish often feed during low-light periods and can be incredibly selective about presentations. When you hook a big lake-run brown, expect a smart fight with sudden direction changes and head shakes designed to throw the hook. Their golden flanks spotted with red and black make them prize catches that many consider the most beautiful trout in the lakes.
Two days on Lake Michigan with Captain Sean gives you the complete salmon fishing experience that day trips just can't match. You'll learn trolling techniques that work across the Great Lakes, develop an understanding of big water fishing that takes most anglers years to figure out, and have legitimate shots at multiple species that represent some of freshwater's finest gamefish. Peak season books fast, especially for multi-day private charters that deliver this level of focused fishing time. Your group gets personalized instruction, premium tackle, and access to productive waters during the best salmon fishing Lake Michigan offers. Ready to step up your salmon game and experience world-class fishing with one of the lake's top-rated captains? Captain Sean's 2-day charter is waiting for your crew.
Fish Lake Michigan's productive salmon waters aboard this well-equipped 33' Tiara 3300 Open, designed specifically for the big lake's conditions. The Crusader 454 engine setup delivers reliable power to reach prime fishing spots quickly, cruising smoothly at speeds up to 32 knots even when the lake shows its attitude. The spacious open deck gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work multiple trolling rods without getting tangled up, plus space for all your gear and coolers. Modern fish finder technology helps locate salmon holding in the thermocline, while GPS keeps you on productive structure and the radar cuts through morning fog banks. The onboard refrigerator keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days chasing kings and cohos. With a proper head aboard, you can stay on the water longer targeting those deeper trolling lanes where the big lake trout cruise.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the spookiest fish we target, with golden-brown backs covered in black spots and a reputation for being tough to fool. They average 8-24 inches in Lake Michigan but the big ones - 5+ pounds - are real trophies. These fish love structure like drop-offs, points, and current breaks, often holding in 30-60 feet of water during summer. Browns feed most aggressively at night and during low-light conditions, making dawn and dusk prime times. Anglers love them for their wariness and strong fights, plus their mild, sweet meat is outstanding table fare. Unlike salmon, browns are year-round residents, so they know the lake intimately. My go-to trick: downsize your presentation when browns are being finicky - smaller spoons and lighter lines often trigger reluctant biters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-20 pounds but reaching 30+ pounds. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs and mouths prefer deeper, cooler water, typically found 60-150 feet down during summer. Their light-sensitive nature keeps them deep during midday, making early morning and evening our most productive times. Kings are prized for their raw power and bulldogging fights - no fancy jumps, just pure strength that tests your tackle and technique. Their rich, red meat is top-shelf eating. Since they're bottom-oriented, we run heavy spoons and plugs near the thermocline. Key tip: when you hook a big king, resist the urge to crank down your drag - let the fish wear itself out on long, steady runs.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, nicknamed "silver salmon," are known for their acrobatic fights and jumps up to 6 feet high. These 8-12 pound fish have dark blue-green backs with silver sides and distinctive black spots on their tails. In Lake Michigan, we typically find them in the upper water column during our peak July-August season. What makes cohos special is their aggressive nature and willingness to hit lures, plus their bright orange-red meat makes excellent table fare. They're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action since they school up and feed actively during daylight hours. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but give them room to jump - trying to muscle them in too fast usually means a lost fish.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Michigan, spending most of their time in 80-200+ feet of water where it stays cold year-round. These grey-green char with cream-colored spots grow slowly but get big - 15-40 pounders aren't uncommon. Summer finds them suspended over deep basins or relating to underwater humps and drop-offs. Lakers are methodical fighters, preferring to use their weight and stamina rather than flashy runs. Their firm, white meat has a unique flavor that many consider the best of the trout family. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days and low-light periods produce best. The trick with lake trout is finding the right depth - they'll often be stacked in a narrow temperature band, so once you mark fish, stay in that zone and work it thoroughly.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have developed a more streamlined, silvery appearance from living in the big water. These fish average 24 inches but can stretch to 45 inches, making them serious tackle-testers. In Lake Michigan, they roam open water but often relate to temperature breaks and structure. Mid-summer finds them following baitfish in the thermocline, usually 40-80 feet down. Steelhead are prized for their long, powerful runs and aerial displays - they're arguably the strongest fighters we target. Their clean, pink flesh rivals any salmon for eating quality. The key with steelhead is patience during the fight; they'll make multiple runs and test your drag system, so keep steady pressure and let the rod do the work.
Lake Michigan