7.5 Hour Salmon And Steelhead Shore/Ice Fishing
Shared Trip
Shore Fishing
Extended 7.5hour salmon and steelhead fishing adventureShore and ice fishing available seven days weeklySingle guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
When the Great Lakes come alive with salmon and steelhead runs, there's nothing quite like having 7.5 hours to really dial in on these legendary fish. This extended shore and ice fishing adventure gives you the time you need to work different spots, adjust your techniques, and maximize your chances at landing some of Michigan's most prized gamefish. From mid-September through mid-May, these waters offer some of the best fishing action in the Midwest, and with The Fisher Brad as your guide, you'll learn the ins and outs of targeting these powerful fish from the shoreline.
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip where you're just getting started when it's time to pack up. With 7.5 hours at your disposal, you'll have the luxury of really settling into the rhythm of shore fishing and adapting to what the fish are telling you. During the fall months, you'll be casting from rocky shorelines and creek mouths where salmon stage before their spawning runs. Come winter, when the ice sets up solid, you'll be working holes and targeting deeper water where lake trout and steelhead hold through the cold months. The beauty of this extended format is that you can move between spots, try different presentations, and really fine-tune your approach based on conditions and fish behavior.
Shore fishing for salmon and steelhead requires a completely different mindset than boat fishing, and that's where this trip really shines. You'll be using medium to heavy spinning gear that can handle the power of these fish while still giving you the sensitivity to detect subtle bites. During open water season, we'll focus on techniques like bottom bouncing with spawn bags, swinging spoons through the current, and working spinners in the deeper holes. When ice fishing takes over, you'll learn vertical jigging techniques with Swedish pimples, jigging spoons, and how to work spawn under tip-ups. The key is reading the water and understanding how these fish move and feed in the shallow, nearshore environments where we'll be targeting them.
Atlantic Salmon in southeast Michigan waters are the stuff of legend for shore anglers. These fish typically run 15-25 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and blistering runs. They're most active during the fall months when they're staging near river mouths, and they'll hit everything from spoons to spawn bags. What makes them special is their willingness to feed in relatively shallow water where shore anglers can reach them, and their fights are absolutely electric.
Coho Salmon, or silver salmon, are the acrobats of the salmon family and a favorite target for shore fishermen. Running 8-15 pounds on average, these fish are known for their spectacular jumps and aggressive feeding behavior. They move into the shallows during their fall runs and will aggressively chase spoons and spinners. The best part about cohos is they're not as moody as their chinook cousins - when they're in, they're usually biting.
Steelhead Trout are the holy grail for many Great Lakes anglers, and for good reason. These chrome-bright fish are available year-round but peak during spring and fall runs. They're incredibly strong for their size, typically running 5-12 pounds, and they'll test every knot and connection you've got. Steelhead can be finicky, requiring light lines and natural presentations, but when you hook into one from shore, the fight in shallow water is something you'll never forget.
Northern Pike might not be the target species most salmon anglers expect, but they're a welcome bonus in these waters. These toothy predators lurk in the weedy bays and can provide fast action when the salmon fishing slows down. They're particularly active during ice season and will crush large spoons and jigs. Pike in the 20-30 inch range are common, and they provide a completely different style of fishing that keeps things interesting.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that become accessible to shore anglers primarily during ice season. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds possible. They prefer cold, deep water and are most active during low-light periods. Lakers are known for their steady, powerful fights and excellent table fare, making them a prized catch for shore anglers willing to work the deeper holes.
This 7.5-hour shore and ice fishing experience represents some of the best value fishing you'll find in the Great Lakes region. With The Fisher Brad's local knowledge and the extended time frame, you'll get a complete education in targeting salmon and steelhead from shore while having legitimate shots at trophy fish. The season runs from mid-September through mid-May, covering both the fall salmon runs and the winter ice fishing opportunities. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, target specific species, or just want to spend a full day on some of Michigan's most productive waters, this trip delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to experience why shore fishing for salmon and steelhead keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the second-largest salmon species, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with their signature silver bodies and forked tails. These fish are incredibly unique - unlike Pacific salmon, they can spawn multiple times and survive the process. Unfortunately, they're endangered in U.S. waters, so what we're actually targeting are stocked fish or close relatives. They prefer cold, well-oxygenated water and are famous for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is prized for its rich, orange-pink color and taste. During our fall through spring season, focus on deeper pools and current breaks. Pro tip: when swinging flies or lures, let them work at a 45-degree angle downstream - these fish often hit on the swing as the lure changes direction.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and can jump up to 6 feet vertically - you'll see why they're so popular with anglers. They've got dark blue-green backs with silver sides and distinctive black spots on their tails. Cohos love hanging around debris, undercuts, and calm water near river mouths and tributaries. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're staging for spawning runs. Their bright orange meat makes excellent table fare too. What really gets people hooked is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial shows. My go-to local trick: in cold conditions, use bigger, darker lures and work them slower. Cohos can be moody, but when they're on, they'll hit bright chartreuse or pink patterns hard.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the char family and the ultimate deep-water challenge. These cold-water fish average 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds, with grey-green coloring and cream-colored spots. They live in the deepest, coldest parts of our lakes year-round, often suspended in mid-water or hugging the bottom in 60+ feet. Spring right after ice-out is your best shot when they move shallower, but they're catchable all season if you're willing to go deep. Lakers are prized for their size, the technical challenge of fishing deep water, and their excellent firm white meat. They prefer low-light conditions, so overcast days are gold. Jigging is your bread and butter - use heavy jigs with paddle-tail swimbaits or jigging spoons. Here's what most people miss: vary your jigging cadence. Sometimes they want aggressive pops, other times just gentle lifts work better.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are our resident freshwater sharks - aggressive ambush predators with razor-sharp teeth and attitudes to match. These elongated fish average around 2 feet and can hit 34 pounds, sporting that classic green-to-yellow pattern with white spots. Pike love shallow, weedy areas where they can hide and ambush prey, but they'll move deeper when water warms up. Ice fishing and early spring are prime times when they're active in shallower water. What draws people to pike fishing is the explosive strikes and strong fights - plus they're not picky eaters. Look for them around drop-offs, weed lines, and marshy bays. They'll hit anything from spoons to swimbaits. Local tip that works every time: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook right away. Pike like to play with their food, so keep reeling slowly and wait for the real strike.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to live large - they're the same species but steelhead spend time in big water, making them stronger, more silver, and way more aggressive. These chrome rockets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and 55 pounds. They're migratory fighters that use wood cover, boulders, and vegetation as ambush points. Mid-fall through spring is our sweet spot when they're moving through the system. What makes steelhead special is their incredible strength and endurance - they'll make long runs and jump repeatedly. The fight alone keeps people coming back, plus they're excellent eating. Look for them in deeper holes and current seams during cold months. Here's a guide secret: when swinging flies or spoons, use a 13-foot rod if you can handle it. The extra length helps you cover more water and control your drift better.
Port Huron, MI