Full Day Salmon Trolling Trip – Ludington (8hrs)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
8hour fullday salmon trolling adventure in Ludington watersTarget Coho, Chinook salmon and steelhead from July through SeptemberPremium 26foot cabin cruiser accommodates up to 3 guests
When you want to get serious about salmon fishing on Lake Michigan, this 8-hour charter out of Ludington is where you make it happen. Captain Jay knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's putting you right where the big Coho and Chinook are feeding from July through mid-September. We're talking about a proper fishing trip here – none of this half-day stuff where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives you the real deal: time to cover serious water, adjust tactics when the fish move, and fill that cooler with some genuine Lake Michigan salmon.
You'll meet Captain Jay at the Ludington harbor at 5:00 AM sharp – yeah, it's early, but that's when these salmon are most active. His 26' Trophy walkaround is the perfect setup for this kind of fishing: spacious enough for three anglers to work comfortably, but nimble enough to chase schools when they're on the move. That 250HP Mercury gets you to the fish fast and keeps you there all day. The cabin's a nice touch too when the morning gets a bit chilly or you need a break from the sun later on. Captain Jay's got all the gear dialed in – premium rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy Coho to those tank Chinook that'll test your drag system. He's running top-shelf tackle and knows exactly what colors and presentations are working each week of the season.
This is pure trolling fishing at its finest. We're pulling multiple lines at different depths, covering water methodically until we find where the salmon are stacked up. Captain Jay runs downriggers to get baits down to the thermocline where these fish cruise, plus some boards to spread the spread out wide. You'll be working with everything from spoons and plugs to meat rigs, depending on what the fish are telling us they want that day. The beauty of trolling is you're always fishing – no waiting around for bites or wondering if there's fish in the area. When that rod tip starts bouncing and the drag starts screaming, you know you've connected with something good. The boat's equipped with fish finders and GPS so Captain Jay can put you back on productive water or find new schools when they move. It's methodical fishing that produces results, especially during these prime summer months when the salmon are feeding heavy.
The Chinook salmon you'll be targeting are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push well over 30 when you connect with a mature fish. They're at their peak condition during this July to September window, having fed heavily all summer and putting on serious weight. Chinook fight deep and hard – they'll take line on that initial run, then dig down and try to use their weight against you. It's a chess match that can last 10-15 minutes with a good fish. What makes them special here in Ludington waters is how clean and bright they are, fresh from the deep, cold water of the lake. Coho salmon bring a completely different game to the table. They're typically smaller – think 8-15 pounds – but pound for pound, they're some of the best fighting fish in the Great Lakes. Coho go airborne when hooked, putting on acrobatic displays that'll get your heart pumping. They're aggressive feeders during this season, often hitting lures hard and fast. Both species are excellent table fare when kept fresh, and Captain Jay knows how to handle your catch properly so you're taking home premium fillets.
This full-day salmon charter represents serious value for anglers who want the complete Lake Michigan experience. Eight hours with an experienced captain, premium gear, and access to some of the best salmon fishing in the Great Lakes – that's what you're getting here. The season runs from July 1st through September 15th, but the prime dates fill up fast, especially weekends and peak summer weeks. Captain Jay limits it to three guests so everyone has room to fish properly and gets personalized attention. All you need to bring is your Michigan fishing license, some snacks and drinks for the day, and maybe a cooler if you want to take your catch home fresh. The Fish Fly Charters has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish and providing the kind of day on the water that keeps you coming back season after season. Don't wait until the last minute – these summer salmon runs are legendary, and the boats that know how to fish them book up quick.
This 26' Trophy walkaround is built for serious salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. The 250HP Mercury gets you to the productive waters fast, hitting cruising speeds of 42 knots so you can cover serious ground during your 8-hour hunt for Coho and Chinook. The cabin keeps you comfortable during early morning starts and provides shelter when the lake kicks up. With a fish finder to locate schools and GPS to mark hot spots, you'll spend more time with lines in the water. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold through the long day. There's even a bed for quick breaks and a head for convenience. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want to get after trophy salmon without feeling cramped. This boat handles both nearshore and offshore conditions, so whether the fish are holding shallow or you need to run deep water, you're covered. Built in 1997 but well-maintained for reliable performance when the salmon are running.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the biggest fish we target out here, and they'll test your gear. These bruisers run 15-30 pounds in our waters, with silver sides and that telltale black mouth. They like to stay deep where it's cool, so we troll with downriggers in 60-120 feet of water. Early morning starts work best since they're light-sensitive and more active at dawn. What makes chinooks special is that bone-jarring strike and the long, hard fight they put up. The meat is rich and oily - perfect for grilling. My tip: when you feel that fish shake its head, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. Let the drag do the work and you'll boat more kings.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and love to jump - sometimes clearing the water by 6 feet when hooked. We find them in 40-80 feet of water, often suspended and chasing baitfish near thermoclines. They're more aggressive than kings and will hit a variety of lures. The bright orange-red meat makes fantastic eating, and their spirited fight keeps things exciting all day long. Cohos can turn on fast, so when we mark fish on the sonar, we'll often run multiple lines at different depths. Pro tip: use slightly smaller spoons than you would for kings - cohos prefer that erratic flutter action.
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