10-Hour Salmon & Steelhead Shore/Ice Fishing
Shared Trip
Shore Fishing
10-hour salmon and steelhead fishing adventure with expert guideShore and ice fishing from September through May seasonsMultiple techniques including casting lures and float fishing methods
When the seasons shift and most anglers pack away their gear, that's when the real fishing begins. This 10-hour guided shore and ice fishing adventure with The Fisher Brad runs from September 15th through May 15th, targeting some of the most prized fish in freshwater. Whether you're casting from rocky shorelines in fall or drilling through ice in the dead of winter, you'll be fishing prime spots where salmon and steelhead congregate during their seasonal movements. This isn't your typical summer charter – it's serious angling for serious fish when they're most aggressive and accessible from shore.
You'll spend a full 10 hours on productive waters, giving you plenty of time to work different techniques and adapt to changing conditions. The Fisher Brad knows where these fish hold during different parts of the season, whether that's deep pools below spawning runs in early fall or under-ice structure when temperatures drop. Early season means working shorelines where salmon are staging before their spawning runs, while late season often involves ice fishing over known holding areas. The extended trip length means you're not rushed – there's time to move spots if the bite slows, try different presentations, and really dial in what's working. You'll be the only angler on this trip, so every moment is focused on putting you on fish and improving your technique.
This trip covers three proven methods that consistently produce salmon and steelhead: casting lures, float fishing, and bottom fishing. When casting lures, you'll be throwing spoons, spinners, and plugs that mimic the baitfish these predators are feeding on. Float fishing lets you present bait or lures at the perfect depth, drifting naturally through the strike zone – deadly effective for steelhead in particular. Bottom fishing targets fish holding in deeper water or under ice, using everything from spawn bags to cut bait depending on the season and species. The Fisher Brad will have the right tackle for conditions, but if you're bringing your own gear, think medium-heavy rods with good backbone for fighting strong fish in current or pulling them up through ice holes. Terminal tackle varies by technique, but you'll be using quality hooks, swivels, and weights that can handle fish pushing 20-plus pounds.
Atlantic Salmon are the powerhouses of this fishery, known for their incredible strength and acrobatic fights. These fish typically run 8-15 pounds but can push much larger, especially during fall runs. They're most active in cooler water temperatures, making the September through November window prime time. What makes Atlantic salmon so exciting is their unpredictability – they might slam a lure on the retrieve or follow it for minutes before striking. Their silver sides and black-spotted backs make them easy to identify, and their fighting ability is legendary among anglers.
Coho Salmon, also called silver salmon, are aggressive biters that provide some of the most consistent action of the trip. Running smaller than Atlantics at 3-8 pounds typically, they make up for size with attitude. Cohos are known for their aerial displays when hooked, often jumping repeatedly and stripping line on powerful runs. They're particularly active during their spawning runs in fall, and their chrome-bright coloration when fresh from deeper water is absolutely beautiful. These fish respond well to both lures and bait presentations.
Steelhead Trout are perhaps the most challenging and rewarding species you'll target. These lake-run rainbows are incredibly strong fighters, known for long runs and spectacular jumps. Steelhead can range from 5-15 pounds and are notoriously finicky, requiring precise presentations and perfect timing. They're most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets for this extended season trip. What sets steelhead apart is their intelligence – they've seen plenty of lures and baits, so success often comes down to subtle presentation changes and persistence.
Chinook Salmon, the kings of the salmon world, are the largest fish you'll encounter on this trip. These bruisers can exceed 20 pounds and provide the kind of arm-burning fights that anglers remember for years. Chinooks are most active during specific temperature windows and often hold in deeper water or near structure. They're notorious for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights, and landing a big king from shore or through the ice is a true trophy achievement. Their size and strength make them the ultimate target species for serious salmon anglers.
This extended season shore and ice fishing trip offers something most charters can't – access to prime salmon and steelhead fishing when these fish are most active and concentrated. The 10-hour format gives you real value, allowing time to work different spots and techniques without the pressure of a short trip. With space for just one angler, you'll get personalized instruction and have The Fisher Brad's full attention on finding and catching fish. Whether you're looking to target a specific species or just want to experience some of the best freshwater fishing available, this trip delivers results when others have hung up their rods for the season. The season runs September 15th through May 15th, covering prime fall runs, winter ice fishing, and early spring action. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious salmon and steelhead action.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the kings of freshwater fishing when available. These silvery fighters average 8-12 pounds and 28-30 inches, with their sleek bodies built for powerful runs and leaps. They spend most of their lives in saltwater but return to rivers to spawn, turning bronze as they enter freshwater. You'll find them in deeper pools and runs with good current, especially around structure like boulders or fallen trees. Our season runs September through May when they're most active in cooler water. What makes them special is their ability to spawn multiple times unlike Pacific salmon, and their incredible fighting spirit once hooked. The meat is premium eating - that rich orange flesh is worth the effort. Pro tip: when the water's cold, slow your presentation way down and fish darker flies or lures near the bottom.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate challenge for any angler - these sea-run rainbows are built like silver bullets and fight twice as hard. They average around 24 inches but can push 45 inches, with that streamlined body designed for ocean living. Unlike their rainbow trout cousins that stay in freshwater, steelhead spend years in the ocean before returning to spawn. Find them in deeper runs with good current, using boulders and woody cover for protection. Our prime season runs mid-fall through spring when they're moving upriver. What makes steelhead legendary is their raw power and endurance - they can strip line for minutes and still have fight left. They also spawn multiple times, unlike salmon. Here's the key: steelhead are spooky, so approach quietly and fish your drift through the entire run. Dark flies like purple and black work magic in low light conditions.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of our waters - these kings can hit 30+ pounds and stretch nearly 40 inches. They're built thick with silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots covering their head and fins. Being light-sensitive, chinooks hug the bottom in deeper water during the day, making weighted presentations essential. Our September to May season targets them when they're staging before spawning runs. What draws anglers is the sheer size and power - landing a big king is a battle you won't forget, plus that rich red meat is restaurant-quality eating. These fish live up to seven years in the ocean, building serious muscle. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move shallow. My go-to trick is keeping your bait or lure moving slowly near bottom structure - chinooks are opportunistic but cautious feeders.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them, are pure acrobats on the line. These fish run 8-12 pounds and can jump six feet straight up when hooked - that's what keeps anglers coming back. They've got dark blue-green backs with silver sides and distinctive black spots on their tail. Cohos like calmer water near debris and structure in rivers connected to the ocean. During our September to May season, they're staging in deeper holes and runs before spawning. The fight is what sets them apart - they're notorious for their aerial displays and stubborn runs. Plus, that bright orange meat makes for outstanding table fare. When you're swinging lures or drifting bait, focus on the tail-outs of pools where current slows down. Bright colors like chartreuse and pink work well, especially on overcast days.
Port Huron, MI