Extended Half Day Trout And Salmon Trip In Muskegon
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
6hour morning charter targeting five species of trout and salmonDeparts 6:00 AM with 30minute ride to prime fishing groundsAccommodates up to 4 guests with all equipment and guidance included
Picture this: it's 6 AM, and you're heading out onto Lake Michigan as the sun starts painting the horizon. This 6-hour morning charter with Too Ez Sportfishing gives you and up to three buddies the perfect opportunity to land some serious fish while the lake's still quiet. At $700 for your group, you're getting guided access to some of Muskegon's most productive waters, complete with a peaceful 30-minute cruise to our fishing grounds. We'll have lines wet just as the sun breaks, when trout and salmon are actively feeding and looking for an easy meal. No need to stress about gear or technique – our experienced crew handles the details so you can focus on the fight.
Your morning starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute of lost sleep. We'll motor out to our proven spots while you sip coffee and watch Muskegon wake up behind us. The lake's different at dawn – calmer, quieter, with that glassy surface that makes you feel like you've got the whole place to yourself. Once we reach the fishing grounds, it's game time. Our crew will get multiple lines deployed while explaining what we're targeting and why. The early morning bite window is legendary around here, and you'll understand why within the first hour. Rainbow trout, browns, lake trout, and both chinook and coho salmon patrol these waters, and they're most aggressive when the light's low and the water's cool.
We fish primarily by trolling, which means we're covering water and presenting lures at the exact speeds and depths where fish are holding. Our downriggers and planer boards spread the lines out, creating a spread that looks like a school of baitfish to hungry predators below. We run everything from spoons and plugs to cut bait, adjusting colors and speeds based on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The great thing about trolling is that it works whether you're a first-timer or have been fishing for decades. When a rod goes off, you'll know it – the drag screams, the rod doubles over, and suddenly you're connected to something that doesn't want to come to the boat. Our crew will coach you through the fight, helping you play the fish properly and get it to the net.
Lake Trout are the deep-water heavyweights around Muskegon, and they'll test your patience and your arms. These guys live in the cold depths and can stretch well over 20 pounds, with their broad shoulders and stubborn fighting style. They're most active during the cooler months and early morning hours, making this trip timing perfect. When you hook a laker, expect a methodical, powerful fight that'll have you working the entire way up from the depths. Rainbow Trout, also called steelhead, are the acrobats of the bunch – they'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw the hook. Spring and fall are prime time for rainbows, and they average 8-12 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 15-plus. Brown Trout are the smart ones, often the hardest to fool but worth the effort when you connect. They're ambush predators that like structure and cover, fighting with a bulldogging style that'll surprise you.
Chinook Salmon are the kings for a reason – these powerful fish can top 20 pounds and will take you on a ride you won't forget. They hit hard, run deep, and have the stamina to keep you busy for 20 minutes or more. Late spring through early fall is peak chinook season, and they're feeding heavily on alewives and other baitfish. Coho Salmon might be smaller than their chinook cousins, but they make up for it with pure athleticism. These silver bullets love to jump and will give you a aerial show that's worth the price of admission alone. They typically run 6-12 pounds and are incredibly fun on lighter tackle.
This extended half-day charter hits the sweet spot for serious fishing without burning your whole day. Six hours gives us time to work different areas, adjust tactics if needed, and really capitalize on the morning bite. The $700 rate covers your group of four, making it a solid value when you break it down per person. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your crew is committed before booking. Early morning departures mean you'll need to arrive ready to fish – we're not waiting around when prime time fishing is happening. Book ahead, especially during peak salmon runs and prime trout seasons, because these morning slots fill up fast with repeat customers who know how good the fishing can be when everything comes together.
This 27-foot Cherokee sportfishing boat cuts through Muskegon's waters with confidence, powered by a reliable 270HP Crusader engine. Built in 1992, she's perfectly sized for your group of 4 anglers heading out for serious trout and salmon action. The GPS keeps you on course to productive fishing spots while the radar handles those early morning fog banks that roll off Lake Michigan. When the fish are holding deep, the onboard fish finder shows exactly where to drop your lines. After hours of working the trolling spread for steelhead, browns, chinook, and coho, you'll appreciate having a private head on board. This boat knows these waters and will get you to where the fish are biting, whether you're marking suspended salmon in 80 feet of water or working the thermocline for lake trout.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they didn't earn their reputation as the "professor" for nothing. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 3-7 pounds but can grow much larger in Lake Michigan's rich waters. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around drop-offs, rocky areas, and temperature breaks. Browns feed most actively at dawn, dusk, and during overcast conditions, making them perfect for our early morning trips. What makes them special is their wariness and strong fighting ability - they'll test your skills. The meat is excellent with a slightly nutty flavor. Fall brings some of the best action as they feed aggressively before spawning. Local secret: browns often follow other fish to the net, so keep a line in the water even when fighting a different species. I've seen plenty of bonus browns grabbed this way.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, commonly weighing 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30-plus. These dark-backed, silver-sided bruisers stay deep most of the time, often 60-100 feet down following thermoclines and baitfish schools. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and overcast days produce the best results. What draws anglers back is the combination of size, strength, and that rich, red meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Chinooks make long, powerful runs rather than jumping like cohos, testing your drag and patience. Summer months are prime time when they're feeding heavily before spawning runs. Local tip: use heavy tackle and don't be afraid to go deep. When we mark fish on the sounder at 80 feet, that's where we set our downriggers.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are pure energy on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump up to 6 feet out of the water - making for some memorable photo opportunities. They cruise the upper water column feeding on alewives and smelt, typically found 15-60 feet down depending on season. Late spring through early fall brings the best action, especially during those low-light morning hours when they feed aggressively. Cohos are known for their bright orange-red meat that tastes fantastic grilled or smoked. Their silver sides with dark spots make them easy to identify. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them in. Let them tire themselves out with those spectacular jumps, then net them when they settle down.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of the Great Lakes, regularly hitting 15-25 pounds with some true monsters lurking in the depths. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots prefer the coldest, deepest water - often 80-150 feet down in summer. They're structure-oriented, relating to drop-offs, humps, and basin areas where they suspend over deep water. Spring after ice-out and late fall offer the best chances when they move shallower. Lakers are steady, powerful fighters that make long runs rather than flashy jumps. The firm, flaky meat is excellent eating, especially smoked. What's unique is their longevity - these fish can live 40+ years and grow huge. Pro tip: use heavy jigs or spoons and work them slowly near bottom. Lakers often follow baits up before striking, so don't be surprised if one hits 20 feet off bottom.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout (also called steelhead in the Great Lakes) are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find on Lake Michigan. These silver beauties typically run 2-8 pounds and 12-24 inches, with that distinctive pink stripe along their sides. They love clean, cold water and you'll find them suspended at various depths depending on temperature and baitfish. Spring through fall are prime seasons, but those early morning trips really shine since they feed actively at dawn. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run hard when hooked. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Rainbows often hit when lures change pace, mimicking injured baitfish.
Muskegon