5 Hour Salmon & Steelhead Shore/Ice Fishing
Shared Trip
Shore Fishing
Extended 5hour fishing adventure targeting salmon and steelheadShore and ice fishing options available seven days weeklySingle guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Looking for a serious fishing adventure that gives you real time to work the water? This 5-hour shore and ice fishing trip in Southeast Michigan is exactly what you need. Fisher Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best salmon and steelhead action Michigan has to offer. Whether you're casting from shore during the fall run or drilling holes through the ice come winter, this extended trip gives you plenty of time to dial in your technique and land some quality fish. We're booking seven days a week from mid-September through mid-May, so you can hit the water when the fish are most active.
This isn't your typical quick fishing trip – five hours gives you the real deal. You'll start by reading the water conditions and figuring out where the fish are holding. During the fall months, we're working the shorelines where salmon and steelhead are staging before their spawning runs. The Great Lakes tributaries in Southeast Michigan come alive during this time, and knowing which spots produce consistently makes all the difference. When winter sets in and the ice forms solid, we transition to ice fishing tactics, cutting through to reach fish that most anglers never see. Brad keeps this trip to just one angler, so you get his full attention and can really focus on improving your skills while maximizing your chances at landing something memorable.
Shore fishing for salmon and steelhead requires a completely different approach than what most people are used to. We're talking about reading current breaks, understanding how these fish move through the system, and presenting baits that trigger strikes from fish that have seen every lure in the tackle box. Brad will walk you through proper drift techniques, how to feel the difference between a snag and a fish, and when to set the hook on these powerful fighters. During ice season, we're using sonar to locate suspended fish and adjusting our presentations based on what we're seeing below. The gear setup changes throughout the day depending on conditions – sometimes we're fishing tight to structure, other times we're covering water with casting spoons or working spawn sacs through deeper holes.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Great Lakes fishing, and Southeast Michigan gets some fantastic runs. These fish average 8-12 pounds but can push into the teens, and they fight like nothing else in freshwater. Fall is prime time when they're fresh from the big water, silver-bright and full of energy. What makes Atlantic salmon special is their jumping ability – hook one and you're in for aerial displays that'll get your heart pounding. They're also incredibly smart, so you need to stay sharp with your presentation.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their Atlantic cousins, but pound-for-pound they're some of the scrappiest fish you'll encounter. These chrome rockets typically run 5-8 pounds and they absolutely love to jump when hooked. Cohos are aggressive feeders, especially during their fall spawning migration, making them perfect targets for anglers looking for consistent action. They respond well to both natural baits and artificial lures, and their fight will test your drag system every time.
Steelhead Trout are the ultimate prize for many Great Lakes anglers, and for good reason. These fish are basically oceangoing rainbow trout that have adapted to the Great Lakes system. They can reach 15+ pounds, fight harder than almost any freshwater fish, and they're available through multiple seasons. Winter steelhead fishing through the ice is particularly exciting because these fish are often suspended and require precise presentations. Their runs are legendary – one minute you think you've got control, the next they're stripping line like a freight train.
Smallmouth Bass in Southeast Michigan waters grow fat and healthy, with fish in the 3-5 pound range being common catches. While they're more of a warm-water target during the open season, these bronze-backs provide fantastic sport on lighter tackle. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding and will hit everything from tubes to crankbaits. What makes smallmouth special here is their fighting ability in the current – they use the water flow to their advantage and can surprise you with their strength.
Northern Pike add an element of surprise to any Great Lakes fishing trip. These toothy predators can show up anywhere and they grow big in Michigan waters, with fish over 40 inches being caught regularly. Pike are ambush predators that love structure and weed edges, making them perfect targets during both open water and ice fishing seasons. When a northern hits, you know it immediately – they're explosive strikers that will test your tackle and your nerves. Their razor-sharp teeth mean you need proper leaders, but the payoff is worth the extra preparation.
This 5-hour fishing adventure gives you everything you need for a world-class Great Lakes fishing experience. Brad's expertise combined with Southeast Michigan's top-rated fishing opportunities means you're getting access to some of the best salmon and steelhead action in the region. The extended time on the water lets you really get dialed in, whether you're learning new techniques or just want to maximize your catch rates. With availability seven days a week from mid-September through mid-May, you can plan your trip around peak fishing conditions. Don't wait on this one – quality guide trips with this much personal attention book up fast, especially during the prime fall and winter seasons when these fish are most active.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are beautiful fish averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with silver bodies that turn bronze when spawning. Unlike Pacific salmon, they can spawn multiple times and live 4-6 years. They're anadromous, meaning they return from the ocean to freshwater to reproduce. In Michigan waters, you'll find them in cooler areas near tributary mouths and deeper pools. Fall through early spring offers the best action when they're staging for spawning runs. Anglers love these fish for their acrobatic jumps and strong fights - they're truly the king of gamefish. The swing technique works well here - cast downstream at 45 degrees and let your lure drift naturally. Note that Atlantic salmon populations are protected, so check current regulations before targeting them specifically.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are prime targets averaging 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. These acrobatic fighters can jump up to 6 feet and put on quite a show once hooked. You'll find them in deeper, cooler water during summer, moving shallower during fall runs. They prefer areas with current breaks and structure near river mouths. Fall through early spring gives you the best shot at these chrome-bright beauties. What makes coho special is their incredible fight combined with that bright orange meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're aggressive feeders, hitting everything from spoons to jigs. Here's a local tip: when they're holding in deeper water, try vertical jigging with a long-tailed jig - that extra movement triggers strikes when they're being finicky.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are aggressive predators averaging 2 feet long and built like freshwater torpedoes. These toothy critters lurk in shallow, weedy areas and along drop-offs, ambushing anything that swims by. You'll find them in cooler, shallow water most of the year, but they move deeper when summer temperatures rise. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. Pike are exciting because they hit hard and fight dirty - expect explosive strikes and head-shaking runs. They're also great for kids since they're not too picky about presentations. While bony, the meat is tasty when prepared right. Use heavy line and a steel leader to handle those razor teeth. My local trick: work spoons or large spinners slowly through weed edges - when you feel that tap, don't set the hook immediately. Pike often grab prey sideways first.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a workout on light tackle. These bronze-backed beauties average 18-20 inches and prefer rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and structure in clear water. You'll find them in shallower areas during spring and fall, but they head deep when summer heat hits. Early morning and late evening produce the best bites. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest freshwater fish you'll hook. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild fillets. In our Michigan waters, try casting weightless soft plastics around rocky points and ledges. My go-to trick is working a tube jig slowly along the bottom near structure - these bass can't resist that crayfish imitation bouncing through their territory.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate freshwater gamefish, averaging 24 inches but capable of reaching 45 inches and 55 pounds. These chrome rockets spend time in the big water before returning to rivers, making them incredibly strong fighters. Look for them around tributary mouths, deeper pools, and current breaks where they stage during spawning runs. Mid-fall through spring offers prime fishing when they're moving into spawning mode. What sets steelhead apart is their incredible stamina - they'll make multiple long runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag system. The meat is outstanding too, similar to salmon. For success in our waters, try drifting spawn or swinging flies through likely holding spots. Pro tip: when drift fishing, use just enough weight to tick bottom occasionally - steelhead are line-shy and prefer natural presentations.
Port Huron, MI