King Salmon Fishing with Don Lockhart
Private Trip
River Fishing
Half-day and full-day King Salmon fishing options availableExpert guide provides all tackle and advanced electronicsAccommodates up to three guests on Michigan rivers
Michigan's rivers come alive with King Salmon from July through November, and there's no better way to experience this legendary fishery than with guide Don Lockhart. Whether you've got four hours or want to make it a full eight-hour adventure, Don's got the local knowledge and gear to put you on fish. He's been working these waters long enough to know where the kings stage up, and his boat setup with advanced electronics means you're not just casting blind. Perfect for first-timers who want to learn the ropes or seasoned anglers looking to dial in their salmon game on Michigan's top-rated river systems.
Don runs a tight ship that accommodates up to three anglers, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention. You'll meet up at a designated spot along the river - details come with your booking confirmation - and he'll have everything rigged and ready to go. The half-day trips give you a solid taste of what Michigan salmon fishing is all about, while the full-day option lets you really settle into the rhythm and work different stretches of water as conditions change throughout the day. Don brings all the bait and tackle, so you're not stuck guessing what's working or burning through your own gear. His approach combines old-school river reading with modern fish-finding technology, which is exactly the combo you want when you're chasing these chrome-bright fish through their spawning runs.
Don's arsenal includes everything from drift fishing with spawn bags to pulling plugs in the deeper holes where kings like to rest up during their upstream push. He'll adjust tactics based on water conditions, time of season, and what the fish are telling him through his electronics. Early in the season, you might find yourself working the river mouths where fresh chrome kings are just starting their runs, while later in the fall, it's all about finding the staging areas in the mid-river sections. Don's got the boat positioned with GPS and fish finders that help locate schools and structure, but he's old-school enough to read the water and spot the subtle signs that most anglers miss. You'll learn why certain bends hold fish, how to read the current seams, and what it takes to present your bait naturally in moving water. The gear is all top-shelf stuff - rods with enough backbone to handle a 20-pound king but sensitive enough to detect those subtle takes when they're just mouthing the bait.
Coho Salmon are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These silver rockets typically run anywhere from 8 to 15 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 20. They're most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, which is when Don times his trips to maximize your chances. What makes cohos so special is their fighting style - they're absolute acrobats that will jump, run, and test every knot in your setup. Unlike their King Salmon cousins that tend to bulldoze deep, cohos love to clear the water and put on a show. They start showing up in Michigan's rivers around late July, but the prime window runs from August through October when they're fresh from the lake and full of fight. The best part about targeting cohos is they're willing biters when you put the right presentation in front of them. They'll hit everything from cured salmon eggs to small spoons and plugs, and Don knows exactly which baits are producing on any given day. These fish are also fantastic table fare when caught fresh from their lake run, with firm pink meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Michigan's salmon season is short but sweet, and the best fishing windows fill up fast with both locals and visiting anglers. Don's combination of river expertise, quality gear, and fish-finding technology gives you the edge you need to make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce someone to salmon fishing, or just want to focus on fishing instead of rigging and navigating, this is your chance to fish with someone who knows these rivers inside and out. The half-day option is perfect for testing the waters, while the full-day adventure gives you the time to really dial in your technique and work multiple spots as conditions change. With only three spots available per trip, you're guaranteed the personal attention that makes the difference between just getting on the water and actually putting fish in the net.
This rugged 20-foot Riverman jet sled cuts through Michigan's shallow rivers like a hot knife through butter, getting you to those prime King Salmon spots other boats can't reach. The 115 HP jet motor delivers serious power while staying quiet enough not to spook the fish. Built specifically for river fishing, this baby handles fast currents and rocky bottoms with ease. The spacious deck gives you and two other anglers plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Don's equipped it with all the electronics you need to locate schools of salmon, plus rod holders and tackle storage. Whether you're chasing chrome-bright kings in the deep pools or working the tailouts, this jet sled puts you right where the action is. Perfect for navigating Michigan's varied river systems during the salmon run from July through November.
Michigan