7.5 Hour Salmon And Steelhead Shore/Ice Fishing
Shared Trip
Shore Fishing
Extended 7.5-hour salmon and steelhead fishing adventureShore and ice fishing available September through MaySingle guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Looking for a serious fishing adventure that gives you time to really work the water? This 7.5-hour shore and ice fishing trip with The Fisher Brad puts you right where Southeast Michigan's best action happens. We're talking about extended time on prime waters where salmon and steelhead make their runs, plus northern pike and lake trout that'll test your gear. This isn't a quick morning outing – it's a full commitment to fishing the way it should be done, with enough time to adjust tactics, move spots, and really dial in on what's working. Available seven days a week from mid-September through mid-May, this trip covers both the fall salmon runs and winter ice fishing when things get really interesting.
This is a one-on-one fishing experience designed for anglers who want to maximize their time and learn from someone who knows these waters inside out. Depending on the season, we'll either be working the shoreline during the salmon and steelhead runs or setting up on solid ice when winter locks things down. The 7.5-hour format gives us flexibility – we can start early to catch the dawn bite, move locations if the fish aren't cooperating, or stick with a hot bite when things are going right. You'll get personal instruction on reading water conditions, understanding fish behavior in Southeast Michigan's unique environment, and techniques that work specifically for our local species. The extended timeframe means we're not rushed, so whether you're learning new methods or perfecting your approach, there's time to do it right.
Shore fishing here means understanding how salmon and steelhead move through the system, especially during their spawning runs when they're most aggressive. We'll be using spinning gear matched to the conditions – medium to heavy action rods that can handle both the fight and the casting distance needed to reach productive water. Techniques vary based on what we're targeting and conditions, from drift fishing with spawn bags and beads to casting spoons and plugs that trigger reaction strikes. When we transition to ice fishing, it's a completely different game with tip-ups, jigging rods, and electronics to locate fish under the ice. I provide guidance on all gear setup and techniques, but if you have your own equipment and want to use it, that works too. The key is matching your approach to what the fish are doing that day, and with 7.5 hours, we have time to try multiple methods until we find what clicks.
Atlantic salmon are the newcomers that have been making waves in Southeast Michigan waters. These fish are aggressive feeders with incredible stamina, averaging 15-25 pounds when mature. They hit hard and make long runs that'll test your drag system. What makes them special here is they're still building their population, so when you hook into one, you're part of an ongoing success story. Best action typically happens during their fall runs when water temperatures drop and they become more active in the shallows.
Coho salmon are the classic Great Lakes fighter that every angler should experience. Running 8-15 pounds on average, they're known for their acrobatic jumps and screaming runs. These fish show up in good numbers during late summer and fall, and they're not picky about baits when they're feeding. What's exciting about coho is their unpredictability – they might be deep one day and cruising shallow water the next, keeping you on your toes.
Steelhead trout are the prize many anglers come back for year after year. These chrome-bright fish can run anywhere from 6 to 20+ pounds and fight like nothing else in freshwater. They're available almost year-round in Southeast Michigan, with peak action during their spring and fall migrations. Steelhead are smart fish that require finesse, but when everything comes together, they provide some of the most memorable fights you'll have.
Northern pike bring a different kind of excitement with their explosive strikes and razor-sharp teeth. Common in our area waters, they range from smaller "hammer handles" up to true trophies over 40 inches. Pike are ambush predators that can turn a quiet day into chaos in seconds. They're especially active during ice fishing season when they move into shallower areas, making them perfect targets for our winter trips.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists that can reach impressive sizes in Southeast Michigan waters. These fish prefer colder water and can be found year-round, with ice fishing being particularly productive. Lakers are steady fighters that use their weight and the water column to their advantage. Catching one through the ice is especially rewarding since you're working in their preferred environment.
With seven-day-a-week availability from mid-September through mid-May, this top-rated fishing experience covers the best action Southeast Michigan has to offer. The 7.5-hour format gives you serious time on the water without the rush of shorter trips, and the one-on-one setup means you get personalized instruction and the flexibility to fish at your own pace. Whether you're after the fall salmon runs, winter ice fishing action, or spring steelhead, this trip puts you in the right place at the right time with someone who knows how to make it happen. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what Southeast Michigan fishing is really about – book your spot and get ready for a day of fishing that'll remind you why you love being on the water.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are impressive fish averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with their distinctive silver bodies that turn bronze when spawning. Unlike Pacific salmon, these fighters can spawn multiple times in their lives. They're anadromous, moving between fresh and saltwater, which makes them incredibly strong. In our Great Lakes waters, you'll find them in deeper, cooler areas during summer, moving to tributaries in fall. The best fishing happens from late fall through early spring when they're most active. What makes them special is their legendary fight - they'll leap and run like nothing else. The meat is top-quality with that rich, orange color everyone loves. My tip: when swinging flies or lures, work that 45-degree downstream angle and let the current do the work. These fish hit hard when they commit.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are pure adrenaline on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and can jump straight up 6 feet when hooked. You'll recognize them by their dark blue-green backs, silver sides, and black spots on the tail. They love calm water under cover - logs, boulders, vegetation near river mouths and tributaries. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're staging for their spawning runs. What guests love most is that explosive fight and those aerial shows. The bright orange meat tastes fantastic too. In our waters, they'll move between deeper lake areas and shallow spawning tributaries. Here's a local trick: when they're holding in deeper pockets, try twitching a long-tailed jig slowly through the zone. Coho often follow before striking, so be patient and keep that jig moving naturally.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep, cold waters - the biggest char species you can catch. These bruisers average 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds, with grey-green bodies and cream-colored markings. They live in the deepest, coldest parts of our lakes year-round, suspended in mid-water or hugging bottom structure in 60+ feet. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they move shallower. What draws anglers is the sheer size potential and that deep-water battle on heavy tackle. They're slow growers that can live decades, so the big ones are truly special. The meat is rich and oily - perfect for smoking. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days or low-light periods fish best. Here's the secret: vertical jigging with paddle-tail swimbaits or jigging spoons works great. Drop it down, work it slowly, and be ready for that subtle bite. These fish don't always slam it.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the freshwater sharks of our lakes - aggressive ambush predators that'll hit just about anything. These toothy torpedoes average 2 feet but can stretch over 4 feet, with that classic elongated body and yellowish spots on green-grey sides. They love shallow, weedy areas where they can hide and ambush prey, but move deeper when it gets hot. Spring and fall are best when they're actively hunting in the shallows. What makes pike fishing addictive is their explosive strike and bulldog fight. They're not the fastest swimmers, but that sudden burst when they hit is pure adrenaline. Fair warning - those razor-sharp teeth mean business, so bring pliers. The meat's actually pretty good if you know how to deal with the Y-bones. My go-to trick: reel slow and steady like an injured fish, and when they hit, don't rush it. Pike often play with their food before committing.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate prize for serious anglers - basically rainbow trout that hit the gym. These chrome-sided rockets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and fight like fish twice their size. They're the same species as rainbows but spend time in big water, making them incredibly strong. You'll find them in tributaries and deeper lake structure, especially around current breaks and gravel areas. Mid-fall through spring is peak season when they're running to spawn. What makes steelhead special is their raw power and stamina - they'll make multiple runs and test every knot. Unlike salmon, they can spawn multiple times, so they're built to survive. The streamlined, silvery body with black spots tells you this isn't your average trout. Pro tip: in cold water, slow down your presentation and use bigger offerings. These fish can live 11 years, so the big ones are smart.
Port Huron, MI