Salmon And Trout Morning Fishing Trip - Montague
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour morning fishing trip targets salmon and trout speciesSpacious tritoon boat accommodates families with mixed experience levelsAll fishing equipment and expert guidance included with trip
There's something special about being on the water at first light, watching the sunrise paint White or Muskegon Lake in golden hues while you wait for that first bite. Captain Glenn Spaulding's morning fishing trips out of Montague offer exactly that kind of magic, plus the real chance to land some seriously impressive salmon and trout. This isn't your typical crowded charter – we're talking about a spacious 826 Angler Qwest Tritoon that gives everyone room to fish comfortably, whether you're bringing the grandkids or mixing seasoned anglers with complete beginners. The 6:30 AM launch means you'll beat the boat traffic and hit prime feeding times when these fish are most active.
Captain Glenn knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that experience shows from the moment you step aboard. The tritoon setup is perfect for families – stable, roomy, and safe enough that parents can actually relax while kids learn to fish. You'll cruise the productive areas of White and Muskegon Lakes, where the captain reads the water conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the morning. The peaceful scenery is a bonus, but make no mistake – this is serious fishing. Glenn provides all the gear you'll need, from rods rigged for different species to tackle boxes stocked with the lures that are producing. He'll coach you through techniques, help kids with their first casts, and make sure everyone gets shots at fish. The calm lake environment means less motion sickness and more time focusing on what's important – putting fish in the boat.
Lake fishing for salmon and trout requires a different approach than river fishing, and Captain Glenn has it dialed in. You'll primarily be trolling with downriggers and planer boards to cover water efficiently and present lures at the right depths where fish are holding. The captain switches between spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations depending on what the fish want that day. He'll show you how to read the fish finder, watch for baitfish schools, and recognize the subtle signs that indicate feeding activity. The tritoon's layout allows multiple lines in the water without tangles, so everyone stays involved. Temperature breaks and structure are key on these lakes – Glenn knows where the thermoclines set up and how fish relate to bottom contours throughout the season. He'll explain why certain colors work better in different light conditions and how to adjust your presentation as conditions change.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of these waters, averaging 3-5 pounds with plenty of larger fish mixed in. They're aggressive feeders in the morning hours and put up fantastic fights on lighter tackle. Rainbows in these lakes are chrome-bright and incredibly strong – they'll make multiple runs and jump repeatedly when hooked. Peak action runs from late July through September when they're actively feeding on alewives and other baitfish near the surface.
Coho Salmon, also called silvers, are absolute rockets when they hit your lure. These fish typically range from 5-12 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays once hooked. Cohos are most active from August through September, and they'll often hit lures aggressively in shallow water during morning feeding periods. Their fighting ability is legendary among local anglers – they're fast, acrobatic, and never give up easily.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweights of the group, with fish ranging from 10-25 pounds or larger. Kings are typically deeper during summer months but move up in the water column during fall transition periods. When you hook a mature Chinook, you'll know it immediately – these fish make long, powerful runs and test your tackle to its limits. September and October offer the best chances at trophy-sized kings as they become more active.
Lake Trout prefer deeper, cooler water but can be caught consistently by anglers who know where to find them. These native fish are slower growing but reach impressive sizes, with catches ranging from 5-15 pounds common. Lakers fight differently than other trout – they're bulldogs that stay deep and use their weight against you. Early and late season periods offer the best lake trout action when they move into shallower water.
At $575 for up to six people plus the standard 20% mate's fee, this trip delivers serious value for families and groups. Captain Glenn's reputation for putting clients on fish while maintaining a relaxed, educational atmosphere makes this a top-rated choice among Montague charters. The seasonal window from July 20th through October 30th covers prime fishing periods when multiple species are active and feeding aggressively. Remember that Michigan fishing licenses are required for anyone 17 and older – you can purchase these online or at local tackle shops. Early morning trips book quickly during peak season, especially weekends, so don't wait to secure your dates. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to the sport or add some variety to your regular fishing routine, this guided lake trip offers the perfect blend of action, scenery, and professional instruction that keeps groups coming back season after season.
Cast off aboard Captain Glenn's spacious 2019 26ft Angler Qwest pontoon, your floating command center for chasing salmon and trout across White and Muskegon Lakes. This Mercury 225HP-powered tritoon cuts through Michigan waters at 33 knots, getting your crew of up to 6 anglers to the hot spots fast. The fish finder pinpoints schools below while the wireless trolling motor keeps you positioned perfectly without spooking fish. Between bites, grab cold drinks from the icebox or let the kids enjoy tunes on the multimedia system. The onboard GPS ensures you never miss productive fishing grounds, and the toilet means no cutting trips short. Built for family fishing adventures, this stable platform handles everything from first-time anglers to seasoned pros targeting those prized Great Lakes game fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of our lakes, commonly hitting 15-30 pounds with some monsters going even bigger. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer the deeper, darker water since they're sensitive to bright light. Early morning starts work perfectly for targeting them, which fits our 6:30 AM departure time. Chinooks stay deep most of the day, hugging the bottom where it's cooler and darker. What guests love is the sheer power - when a big king takes your line, everyone on the boat knows it. The meat quality is outstanding too, with that rich, firm texture perfect for grilling. Since they're bottom-oriented fish, we run weighted presentations and work them slow. The key is patience - kings don't rush their decisions like other salmon, so give them time to commit to the bait.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon, as we call them locally, are pure excitement on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters typically weigh 8-12 pounds and can jump up to 6 feet out of the water - always a crowd-pleaser with families. During our season, they cruise the deeper, cooler parts of White and Muskegon Lakes, often suspended in mid-water. Cohos have that bright orange-red meat that makes for fantastic eating, and their strong fighting ability keeps everyone engaged from kids to experienced anglers. They feed heavily on smaller fish and can be found around baitfish schools. The trick with cohos is to watch for surface activity - when you see them breaking water or birds diving, get your lures down to about 15-20 feet and work the edges of those schools. Their aggressive nature means they'll often hit moving presentations hard.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of our area, averaging 24-36 inches and often hitting 15-40 pounds. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lakes year-round, making them a unique target. They're slow-growing and long-lived, so catching one feels special. What sets them apart is their preference for staying deep - we're often fishing 40+ feet down where the water stays consistently cold. The fight is different from salmon - more of a strong, steady pull than flashy jumps. Lake trout have excellent table quality with firm, flaky meat. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days during our season are ideal. Here's the trick: use jigging motions with your presentation. Unlike other species that chase moving baits, lakers respond better to vertical jigging that mimics wounded baitfish falling through the water column.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 8-24 inches and 2-8 pounds in our local waters, with their signature pink stripe making them easy to spot. They prefer cooler depths during summer but move shallow in spring and fall when water temps hit that sweet 55-64°F range. These fish love clean, well-oxygenated water around structure like fallen trees or rocky areas. Early morning and evening are prime times, especially during our July-October season. What makes rainbows special is their scrappy fight - they'll jump and make runs that get everyone excited, plus they're excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom rather than letting it sit static. They're curious fish and that subtle action often triggers strikes when nothing else works.
Lake Michigan