Half Day Morning Salmon and Trout Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday morning charter targets salmon and trout speciesExpert Captain Kyle provides trolling guidance and light tackleAll fishing gear included, accommodates up to four guests
Lake Huron's pristine waters offer some of the most consistent salmon and trout fishing in the Great Lakes, and Captain Kyle knows exactly where to find them. This top-rated morning charter puts you right in the sweet spot where these prized gamefish cruise, feeding and putting up the kind of fights that make for great fishing stories. With all gear provided and expert guidance every step of the way, you'll be working the water like a pro within minutes of leaving the dock. The morning bite is legendary here, and there's nothing quite like watching your rod tip bounce as a fresh salmon takes your lure in the early light.
Your morning starts early when the fish are most active and the lake shows its best temperament. Captain Kyle runs a tight ship with room for up to four anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room and personal attention as you work the productive waters off Lake Huron's shoreline. The boat's equipped with quality downriggers and all the tackle you need to get into fish right away. You'll be trolling the thermocline where the cold, oxygen-rich water holds baitfish, and that's exactly where the salmon and trout set up to ambush their next meal. The captain reads the water, adjusts depths based on what the fish finder shows, and puts you on the most promising structure and temperature breaks. Don't worry about bringing rods or reels - everything's handled so you can focus on the fishing.
Trolling is the name of the game on Lake Huron, and Captain Kyle has dialed in the precise speeds, depths, and lure presentations that consistently produce strikes. You'll be running spoons, plugs, and flies behind downriggers, covering water at the optimal 2.5 to 3.5 mph that triggers aggressive strikes from feeding salmon and trout. The downriggers let you pinpoint exact depths where fish are marking on the sonar, usually anywhere from 40 to 120 feet down depending on water temperature and season. Light tackle adds to the excitement - when a 15-pound king salmon hits your lure, you'll feel every head shake and run on the responsive gear. The captain adjusts lure colors and sizes based on current conditions, water clarity, and what the fish showed preference for in recent trips. You'll learn to read the rods, recognize different types of strikes, and master the smooth, steady retrieve that keeps big fish buttoned up.
Atlantic Salmon bring serious strength and acrobatics to every fight, often launching clear of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart pumping. These silver rockets typically run 8 to 15 pounds in Lake Huron and show up best during cooler months when they're actively feeding in the upper water column. They're particular about lure presentation and water temperature, making them a rewarding challenge for anglers who appreciate technical fishing. When you hook one, expect multiple runs toward deep water and aerial displays that showcase why they're considered premier gamefish.
Rainbow Trout are the acrobats of Lake Huron, known for their brilliant colors and tendency to jump repeatedly when hooked. Spring through early summer offers the best action as these fish cruise shallow waters looking for emerging insects and baitfish. Most rainbows here run 3 to 8 pounds, with occasional trophy specimens pushing double digits. Their unpredictable fighting style keeps you guessing - one minute they're bulldogging toward the bottom, the next they're dancing on their tails at the surface. The pink stripe along their sides and spotted backs make them one of the most beautiful fish you'll pull from these waters.
Coho Salmon are pure energy from the moment they grab your lure until they hit the net. These silver bullets typically weigh 5 to 12 pounds and stage in Lake Huron's cooler waters during late spring and summer months. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to bright spoons and plugs, often hitting lures with authority that nearly rips the rod from your hands. Cohos are jumpers too, but their runs are shorter and more explosive than their Atlantic cousins. The dark spots on their backs and silver sides make them easy to identify, and their firm, flaky meat makes them excellent table fare.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Huron, with mature fish commonly exceeding 20 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30-plus. These powerful fish prefer deeper, colder water and are most active during early morning hours when they move up in the water column to feed. Kings fight with brute strength rather than acrobatics, making long, determined runs that test your drag system and endurance. Late spring through early fall provides the most consistent action, especially when they're feeding heavily on alewives and other baitfish. Landing a trophy king salmon is a bucket-list experience that requires patience, proper technique, and a little luck.
Lake Trout inhabit the deepest, coldest sections of Lake Huron and represent one of the lake's most sought-after native species. These fish grow slowly and live long, with trophy specimens often exceeding 20 pounds and 30 inches. They're typically found in 80 to 200 feet of water near rocky structure and drop-offs, requiring precise boat positioning and depth control to target effectively. Lake trout fight with steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps, and their mottled green and gray coloration reflects their deep-water lifestyle. Fall fishing often produces the largest specimens as they prepare for their spawning season.
Morning trips on Lake Huron fill up fast, especially during peak season when the salmon and trout fishing hits its stride. Captain Kyle's reputation for putting clients on fish consistently means return customers book their next trip before leaving the dock. All you need to bring is your Michigan fishing license, some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up, and sun protection for those bright mornings on the water. The rest
Jump aboard the Pursuit 3000 Express, a solid 30-foot fishing machine built to handle Lake Huron's waters with twin 300HP MerCruiser engines that'll get you to the salmon and trout grounds fast. This boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need - a top-notch fish finder to locate schools, GPS for precise navigation, and a bait tank to keep your tackle fresh. Between runs, cool off with AC, grab cold drinks from the onboard fridge, or take a break with the multimedia system. With space for up to 6 guests, comfortable seating, and even a toilet for those longer fishing sessions, you'll have everything covered. Captain Kyle knows these waters inside and out, so you'll be trolling the best spots where salmon and trout are biting. Just bring your license, snacks, and sun gear - the Pursuit handles the rest.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are sleek, silver fish averaging 8-12 pounds with distinctive small heads and forked tails. In Lake Huron, they roam open waters and can be caught year-round, though spring and fall offer the best action when water temps are cooler. These fish are closely related to brown trout and put up a solid fight once hooked. What makes them special is their ability to survive in both fresh and saltwater - they're naturally anadromous. While wild Atlantic salmon are protected, the stocked fish in the Great Lakes still provide great sport. They respond well to trolling with spoons and plugs in deeper water. Pro tip: when the water's cold, slow your trolling speed down - these fish don't like to chase fast-moving baits in chilly conditions.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of the Great Lakes, running 12-39 inches and averaging 15-20 pounds, with some pushing 30-plus. They're light-sensitive fish that stay deep most of the day, preferring the bottom structure and cooler water layers. Spring through fall offers the best shots, with early morning and evening being prime time. These are serious fighters with incredible strength - they'll test your gear and your patience. The reddish-pink meat is outstanding table fare, making them a favorite for both sport and dinner. In Lake Huron, they cruise deep water following baitfish schools. Trolling with downriggers works best since they rarely come shallow except in low light. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and don't be afraid to go deep - 60-100 feet down is where the big kings live during summer. Fresh cut bait often outperforms lures.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are acrobatic fighters that'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. They typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with bright silver sides and dark backs. In Lake Huron, find them in mid-depth waters during spring and fall migrations. These fish are pure energy - they can jump 6 feet vertically and make blazing runs. The orange-red meat is top-shelf eating, rich in flavor and perfect for the table. Cohos prefer calmer areas near structure and debris, making them easier to target than some salmon species. Best fishing happens during low-light conditions at dawn and dusk. They respond well to bright lures in chartreuse, pink, and orange. Local tip: when a coho hits, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work - their aggressive jumps can snap light line if you horse them.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights of the char family, commonly hitting 15-40 pounds and 24-36 inches in Lake Huron's deep, cold waters. They live in the deepest parts of the lake year-round, suspended in mid-water or hugging bottom structure. These fish grow slowly and live long, making every big one a trophy. Spring right after ice-out and fall are peak seasons when they move shallower. Lakers are powerful, steady fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage. The firm, flaky meat has excellent flavor. They prefer low-light conditions and overcast days for feeding. Jigging is king for lake trout - vertical presentations with spoons, jigs, and swimbaits work best in 60-150 feet of water. Local secret: tip your jigs with a piece of cisco or smelt - the scent drives them crazy and often triggers strikes from fish that just follow artificials.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are beautifully colored fish with that signature pink stripe along their sides, typically running 8-24 inches and 2-8 pounds. In Lake Huron, look for them near structure and drop-offs in cooler water, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. Summer pushes them deeper where it's cold. These fish are fantastic fighters - they'll jump and make runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or baked. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, so timing matters. Early morning and evening are prime times when they're feeding actively. Here's a local trick: when trolling, try running your lures just above the thermocline where the water temperature drops - that's where they hang out during warmer months.
Port Austin, MI