World Class Salmon Trout Fishing on 40ft Luhrs Tournament
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Premium salmon and trout fishing on 40ft Luhrs Tournament vesselClimatecontrolled cabin with new electronics and Shimano tackle includedProfessional crew targets Sturgeon Bay Bank for limits
Captain Scott Gutschow knows Lake Michigan like the back of his hand, and his 40-foot Luhrs Tournament "Time Flies" is about as close to a floating fish-catching machine as you'll find on these waters. This isn't your buddy's aluminum boat – we're talking about a completely refitted tournament-grade vessel that's built for serious angling. The spacious deck gives your whole crew room to fight fish without getting tangled up, while the climate-controlled cabin means you can warm up between bites or cool off when the summer sun gets cranking. With brand new electronics and top-shelf Shimano gear, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard.
Lake Michigan fishing is all about timing, and Captain Scott has dialed in the patterns that put fish in the boat consistently. You'll head out from Sturgeon Bay with a game plan that's built around current conditions – water temperature, bait schools, and recent reports from other successful trips. The Sturgeon Bay Bank is legendary among Great Lakes anglers for good reason. This underwater structure creates the perfect setup where cold, deep water meets warmer surface temps, and that's where the action happens. The boat's fish finder will show you exactly what's down there, and you'll see why experienced captains target these specific areas. Expect to cover water efficiently with professional-grade downriggers and planer boards that let you present multiple lines at different depths simultaneously.
Trolling is the name of the game here, and Time Flies is rigged to perfection for this style of fishing. The boat runs Shimano reels paired with quality rods that can handle the long, powerful runs these fish are famous for. You'll be using downriggers to get your lures down to where the fish are holding – sometimes that's 20 feet, other days it might be 80 feet or more. The crew sets up planer boards that spread your lines out wide, covering more water and preventing tangles when multiple fish hit at once. Popular lures include spoons in bright colors like chartreuse and orange, especially early in the season, while later in the year more natural patterns tend to produce. Flasher and fly combinations work exceptionally well, particularly the classic green and white setups that have been fooling Lake Michigan fish for decades. The captain adjusts boat speed constantly, typically trolling between 1.8 and 3.2 mph depending on conditions and target species.
Lake Michigan's salmon and trout fishing has been absolutely lights-out lately, with multiple species providing consistent action throughout the season. Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of these waters, with fish regularly pushing 15-20 pounds and occasional monsters hitting 25-30 pounds. These fish hit hard and fight even harder, often making multiple screaming runs that'll test your drag system and your patience. Coho salmon provide non-stop action when you find them, typically running smaller at 5-12 pounds but making up for it with acrobatic jumps and lightning-fast runs. Steelhead are another crowd favorite – these chrome-bright fish fight like they're twice their size and provide some of the most memorable battles you'll experience on the Great Lakes. Brown trout round out the mix with their reputation for being both challenging to hook and absolutely beautiful when you get them to the boat. The variety means you never know what's going to grab your lure next, keeping everyone on their toes and the action fresh all day long.
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These fish typically range from 12-25 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing 30-plus. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August often producing the most consistent action. When a king salmon hits your line, you'll know it immediately – the rod tip dives hard, the drag starts screaming, and you're in for a battle that can last 15-20 minutes with a big fish. What makes them so special is their incredible strength and endurance, often making multiple long runs even when you think you've got them beaten.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. Running smaller at 4-12 pounds on average, they make up for size with pure athleticism. These silver bullets are famous for their aerial displays, often jumping completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. Cohos school up more than kings, so when you find them, you can often boat several in quick succession. They're particularly active in the upper water column during low-light periods, making early morning and evening some of the most productive times to target them.
Steelhead are the Great Lakes' version of ocean-run rainbows, and they fight with the heart of fish twice their size. Most run 6-15 pounds, but their strength is legendary among seasoned anglers. These chrome-bright fighters are known for long, powerful runs followed by sudden direction changes that can snap your line if you're not paying attention. Fall months often provide the best steelhead action as they stage near river mouths, preparing for their spawning runs.
Brown trout are the wild cards of Lake Michigan fishing. These beautiful fish are notoriously finicky, often requiring precise presentation and perfect conditions to consistently catch. They range from 3-15 pounds typically, with their golden flanks covered in distinctive black and red spots. Browns are often most active during overcast conditions and can provide some of the most technical fishing challenges on the lake. When you do connect with a good brown, they're known for powerful, bulldogging fights that test every knot and connection in your setup.
Reel Action Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, and Time Flies represents the top tier of what Lake Michigan fishing has to offer. Captain Scott's local knowledge combined with tournament-
Wisconsin