Private Lake Michigan Charter - 4 to 6 Hours
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private charter fishing on Lake Michigan and White LakeTarget walleye, salmon, pike using light tackle techniquesFlexible 46 hour trips accommodate all skill levels
Looking for a fishing charter that puts you right where the action is? ReelMaster Charters runs private trips on Lake Michigan and White Lake that'll have you fighting fish from the moment we drop lines. Whether you're after the hard pull of a Chinook or the steady bite of Yellow Perch, these waters deliver year-round. We keep it simple - just you and one buddy on a boat with a captain who knows exactly where the fish are holding. No crowds, no waiting your turn, just quality time on the water with rods bent and drag screaming.
Your day starts when you want it to - we launch as early as 6 AM for those dawn bite sessions or as late as 5 PM if you prefer afternoon fishing. The beauty of booking private means we work around your schedule, not the other way around. Choose your adventure: 4 hours gets you solid fishing time without the full-day commitment, 5 hours hits that sweet spot for most anglers, and 6 hours gives us time to chase multiple species and really dial in the bite. Both Lake Michigan and White Lake offer completely different fishing experiences - Michigan's deep, cold waters hold massive salmon and trout, while White Lake's protected waters are perfect for walleye and pike. Your captain reads the conditions and puts you where the fish are most active that day.
We fish three proven methods that consistently put fish in the boat. Light tackle jigging gets you connected to every headshake and run - there's nothing quite like feeling a big walleye thump your jig on the bottom or watching a pike slam your presentation in shallow water. Trolling covers serious water and triggers aggressive strikes from salmon and trout cruising the thermocline. When we're working structure or specific depth zones, we'll switch between techniques based on what the fish are telling us. All gear is provided, but if you've got lucky rods or favorite tackle, bring them along. We run quality equipment that can handle anything these lakes throw at us, from 2-pound perch to 20-pound salmon making long runs toward deep water.
Walleye remain the bread-and-butter fish that keep anglers coming back season after season. These golden fighters typically run 2-4 pounds with occasional giants pushing 8-10 pounds. Spring and fall offer the hottest walleye action when they're feeding heavily in 15-25 feet of water. Their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes make every hookup exciting, plus they're fantastic table fare. You'll find yourself getting addicted to that distinctive walleye thump on your line.
Northern Pike bring explosive action that'll test your reflexes and drag system. These toothy predators ambush prey in shallow bays and weed edges, often striking with such violence they'll nearly rip the rod from your hands. Pike in these waters commonly reach 30-40 inches with thick shoulders that make them serious fighters. Summer months find them in cooler, deeper water, while spring and fall bring them shallow where they're most aggressive. Every pike fight includes multiple jumps, direction changes, and that heart-stopping moment when they surge toward the boat.
Chinook Salmon represent the ultimate prize - king salmon that can exceed 30 pounds and fight harder than anything else swimming in freshwater. These chrome bullets make screaming runs that can peel 100 yards of line before you know what hit you. Late spring through early fall brings the best Chinook fishing as they patrol temperature breaks and follow baitfish schools. Landing a big king requires patience, technique, and a little luck, but the memory lasts forever. Their silver sides and massive shoulders make every photo worth framing.
American Yellow Perch might be smaller than the glamour species, but they school up in incredible numbers and provide steady action when other fish aren't cooperating. These striped fighters rarely exceed a pound but make up for size with sheer numbers and excellent eating quality. Late summer and fall bring the best perch fishing as they gather in large schools over structure. Kids and beginning anglers love perch fishing because the action stays consistent, and experienced anglers appreciate having a backup plan when bigger fish are finicky.
White Perch round out the target species list with their scrappy attitude and willingness to bite when nothing else will. These silver fighters school in both lakes but really shine in White Lake's protected waters. They hit small jigs, live bait, and even tiny spinners with surprising aggression for their size. White perch provide excellent action during temperature transitions and low-pressure days when other species shut down. Many anglers discover their new favorite fish after their first white perch session.
Private charters book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot. ReelMaster Charters has built a reputation putting clients on fish consistently, which means return customers snag the prime dates early. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, celebrating an anniversary, or just need to get away from the daily grind, these private trips deliver exactly what serious anglers want - quality time on productive water without distractions. The 2-person limit ensures you get personal attention and the best possible fishing experience. Don't wait until the weekend before you want to fish - book now and secure your date for what could be your best day on the water this year.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch might be smaller fish, but they're pure fun and make up most of our Lake Michigan action. These golden beauties with dark vertical bars usually run 7-10 inches, though we get some nice 12-inchers. They school up in huge numbers around weed beds, docks, and structure in 15-40 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you find them. Kids and beginners love perch because they're eager biters and great eating - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're also perfect for learning fish-handling skills. Pro tip: when you catch one perch, stay put and work that exact spot. They travel in schools of 50-200 fish, so where there's one, there's usually a pile more waiting below.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30-plus. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs stay deep most of the time, following thermoclines and baitfish in 60-120 feet of water. Spring through early fall are peak seasons, but they're light-sensitive so early morning and evening produce best. What makes them special? The pure power - these fish will peel line and jump like crazy. Plus, that rich, orange-pink meat is restaurant quality. We troll with downriggers and spoons, but here's what most don't know: on bright days, drop your lures an extra 10-20 feet deeper than you think. Kings will move down to avoid sunlight, and that small adjustment often makes the difference between a slow day and limit out.
Esox LuciusNorthern Pike are the lake's apex predators and they show it. These green missiles average 24-30 inches but can stretch past 40, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They ambush from weed beds, fallen timber, and shallow bays, especially in spring when water temps hit 50-60°F. Summer pushes them deeper to cooler water. What draws anglers? The explosive strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. They're territorial loners, so when you find one spot, work it thoroughly. Pike aren't picky eaters - spoons, spinners, and big soft plastics all work. Local trick: after that first hit, don't horse them in. Pike like to play with their food, so keep steady pressure and let them come back for the real bite. Just mind those teeth when landing them.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most sought-after fish in these waters, and for good reason. These golden, olive-colored fish with their distinctive silvery eyes typically run 12-20 inches, though we see some pushing 30 inches. They love structure - rock piles, weed edges, and drop-offs in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times, but evening and early morning hours are when they really turn on. That's when their special eyeshine helps them hunt in low light. What makes them special? They fight smart, not just hard, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Walleye like to mouth their food first, so give them a second to really grab it before you set.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch are scrappy little fighters that surprise a lot of anglers. Despite the name, they're actually bass family and act like it - averaging 7-10 inches with silver sides and a dark, humped back. They love brackish areas where rivers meet the lake, especially around structure in 10-25 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn in warming shallows. What makes them fun? They hit hard for their size and often come in doubles or triples. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. These fish are chasers, so keep your bait moving. Here's the trick: use a small hair jig and let it settle, then pop it up quick to trigger their chase instinct. They can't resist something trying to escape, and you'll often hook two at once.
Detroit