5 Hour Salmon & Steelhead Shore/Ice Fishing
Shared Trip
Shore Fishing
Extended 5-hour fishing adventure targeting salmon and steelhead speciesShore and ice fishing options available seven days weeklySingle guest capacity ensures personalized fishing guidance and attention
Picture this: you're standing on the shores of southeast Michigan's legendary waters, rod in hand, with five solid hours to chase some of the Great Lakes' most prized species. This isn't your average quick fishing trip – we're talking about a proper adventure that gives you real time to dial in your technique and land the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're casting into open water during fall and spring or drilling holes through thick ice in the dead of winter, this top-rated fishing experience puts you right where the action happens. The Fisher Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with availability seven days a week from mid-September through mid-May, you've got plenty of chances to get out there when conditions are prime.
This five-hour shore and ice fishing adventure is all about maximizing your time on Michigan's world-class fisheries. During the warmer months, you'll be working the shorelines where salmon and steelhead cruise looking for baitfish, while winter trips mean setting up on solid ice with tip-ups and jigging rods. The extended timeframe is a game-changer – instead of rushing through spots, you get to really work an area, read the water, and adjust your approach based on what the fish are telling you. One-on-one guidance means you're getting personalized instruction tailored to your skill level, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fine-tune your presentation or someone who's still figuring out how to tie a proper knot. The Fisher Brad keeps things relaxed but focused, sharing local knowledge that only comes from years of fishing these specific waters.
Shore fishing here means working everything from spawning creek mouths to deep drop-offs where predators ambush baitfish. You'll learn how to read current seams, identify productive structure, and present your bait or lures in the strike zone. During open water season, expect to use medium to heavy spinning gear with everything from spawn bags and skein to plugs and spoons, depending on what's working that day. Ice fishing completely changes the game – you're working vertically through holes, using electronics to mark fish, and learning the subtle art of jigging techniques that trigger strikes from lethargic cold-water fish. The Fisher Brad provides guidance on everything from hole placement to bait presentation, teaching you how to stay mobile and find active fish instead of waiting for them to come to you. Winter gear includes proper ice augers, tip-ups for passive fishing, and jigging rods for active presentations.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of these waters, and when they're running, there's nothing quite like the fight they put up. These silver bullets typically range from 8 to 15 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 20 plus. They're most active during the fall spawn run and again in spring when they're feeding heavily after winter. What makes them so special is their acrobatic fighting style – expect multiple jumps and long, screaming runs that'll test your drag settings and your nerves. Coho Salmon, while smaller than their Atlantic cousins, make up for size with pure aggression. These 5 to 10-pound chrome rockets hit lures like they're angry, and their aerial displays are legendary among Great Lakes anglers. Peak Coho action happens during late summer and early fall when they're staging near river mouths. Steelhead Trout are the ultimate challenge for any angler – these lake-run rainbow trout can exceed 10 pounds and fight harder than fish twice their size. They're available almost year-round but peak during spring spawning runs and late fall. Their unpredictable nature keeps you guessing, and when you finally connect, the fight is absolutely electric. Smallmouth Bass bring a different kind of excitement to the mix, especially during summer months when they're defending beds or chasing schools of baitfish. These bronze fighters might not be as big as the salmon, but pound for pound, they're some of the scrappiest fish in the lake. Northern Pike add an element of surprise to any fishing trip – these toothy predators lurk in weedy bays and can explode on your presentation when you least expect it. Spring and early summer offer the best pike action, and their aggressive strikes and head-shaking fights make them a customer favorite.
Five hours of focused fishing time with personalized guidance is exactly what serious anglers need to step up their game. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in knowledge that'll make you a better angler for years to come. The Fisher Brad's seven-day-a-week availability from mid-September through mid-May means you can plan around weather windows and peak fishing times instead of being stuck with whatever dates happen to be open. Whether you're chasing chrome-bright salmon during the fall run, jigging for steelhead through the ice, or casting for aggressive spring pike, this extended adventure gives you the time and expertise to make it happen. Don't wait until prime dates fill up – southeast Michigan's fishing seasons move fast, and the best action happens when conditions align perfectly.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are impressive fish averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with that classic streamlined body and forked tail. They're anadromous, meaning they return from the ocean to freshwater to spawn, turning from silver to bronze as they enter rivers. What makes them special is they can survive spawning and do it multiple times, unlike their Pacific cousins. They prefer cooler waters and gravelly bottoms for spawning from November to January. Unfortunately, Atlantic salmon fishing is currently prohibited in the US due to endangered status - they're mainly found in Maine waters now. Their orange-pink meat is considered a delicacy, and they're known for amazing leaping ability when hooked. Best fishing was always with swing techniques using flies that match water color.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds in our waters. They're absolute acrobats - can jump 6 feet straight up and put on a show once hooked. You'll recognize them by that dark blue-green back with silver sides and black spots on the tail. They hang around calm areas under debris and structure in rivers connected to the lakes. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're moving between deep and shallow water. What guests love most is their fighting spirit and that bright orange meat - makes for great table fare. These fish respond well to bright lures like chartreuse and pink. Here's a local trick: in faster current, swing spinners work great, but in holding water, try twitching jigs with long tails for better action.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the freshwater sharks of our lakes - ambush predators with razor teeth and serious attitude. They average around 2 feet and can hit 30+ pounds, with that classic elongated body and greenish color with yellow spots. Look for them in shallow, weedy areas near structure during cooler months, but they'll head deep when water heats up in summer. Spring and fall are prime time, especially around spawning in March-April. What guests love is the explosive strike and bulldogging fight - plus they're solitary hunters so each fish is a trophy. Use heavy gear with 15-20 pound braid minimum since those teeth will cut lighter line. Pro tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately - pike like to play with their food, so let them take it and come back for the real strike.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that run 18-20 inches on average, with females hitting 3-6 pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and clear water - they love structure like fallen trees and boulders where they can ambush prey. During spring and fall they're in open water, but come summer they head deep for cooler temps. Early morning and late evening are prime time. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - pound for pound, few fish match their tenacity. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild fillets. I always tell folks to use light to medium spinning gear with 6-10 pound test since these fish will test your drag. My go-to tip: try weightless spinning baits that hang on the surface during warmer months, but switch to weighted vertical rigs when they're deep in summer.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spend time in the big water, making them larger and more silver than their freshwater cousins. They average around 24 inches but can push 45 inches and serious weight. These fish are built for current - streamlined with black spots and that classic pink stripe. They use cover like wood, boulders, and vegetation in rivers and tributaries. Mid-fall through spring is your best window when they're moving to spawn. What makes steelhead fishing addictive is the challenge and reward - they're incredibly strong fighters with up to 11 years of life experience. The meat is top-notch too. They'll hit everything from nymphs to swung flies. My best advice: focus on gravel runs and use a 13.5-foot spey rod if you're fly fishing - gives you better line control in current.
Port Huron, MI