Ready to chase some big fish on the big water? Our 6-hour private fishing trip on Lake Michigan is your ticket to hooking into some serious Great Lakes action. We're talking trophy-sized salmon and trout that'll make your arms ache and your fishing buddies green with envy. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert crew will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of Great Lakes trolling.
Picture this: You're cruising out on the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, the skyline of Chicago or Milwaukee fading behind you as we head to where the big ones lurk. We'll set up a spread of lines that looks like we're towing a Christmas tree – downriggers, dipsey divers, and planer boards all working in harmony to cover the water column. As we troll along, keep your eyes peeled for the telltale sign of a rod doubling over. That's when the real fun begins! You'll be reeling in hard-fighting salmon and trout that'll test your skills and maybe even set a new personal best.
On this trip, we're not messing around with wimpy tackle. We're armed to the teeth with heavy-duty rods, line-counter reels, and a arsenal of lures that would make any tackle shop jealous. Our setup is dialed in to target the strike zone where those big salmon and trout are hanging out. We'll be running a mix of spoons, plugs, and meat rigs to see what the fish are in the mood for. And don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – our crew will walk you through everything from setting the hook to playing the fish like a pro. By the end of the day, you'll be talking about 'coppers' and 'leadcore' like you've been doing this all your life.
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing. Known for their acrobatic fights and delicious flavor, Cohos typically range from 2-10 pounds. They're most abundant in the spring and fall, but can be caught year-round. When a school of Cohos hits the spread, it's non-stop action that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
King Salmon (Chinook): The heavyweight champs of the Great Lakes, King Salmon can tip the scales at over 30 pounds. These bruisers are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. Late summer and early fall is prime time for Kings, when they start their spawning run. Hooking into one of these monsters is an experience you won't soon forget – it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen!
Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, Lake Trout are built like footballs with fins. They prefer cooler, deeper water and put up a stubborn fight all the way to the net. 'Lakers' can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 20-pounders not uncommon. They're available year-round but really shine in the cooler months when other species are less active.
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These high-flying acrobats are a favorite among anglers for their spectacular fights. Lake Michigan's strain of rainbows, known as "steelhead," can reach sizes of 15 pounds or more. They're most active in the cooler months, with spring and fall being prime time. When a steelhead hits your lure, hold on tight – they're known for tail-walking across the surface and making blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming.
Brown Trout: Often overlooked but never underestimated, Brown Trout are the sneaky giants of Lake Michigan. They tend to hug the shorelines and can grow to massive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not unheard of. Browns are most active in the cooler months and are known for their powerful fights and wary nature. Landing a big Brown Trout is often the highlight of many anglers' trips.
Let's be real – once you've experienced the thrill of battling a chrome-bright salmon or watched a massive Lake Trout come up from the depths, you're hooked for life. Our trips offer more than just a chance to catch fish; they're about making memories on one of the greatest freshwater fisheries in the world. Whether you're out with family, friends, or colleagues, there's something special about being out on the big lake, surrounded by that endless horizon. And let's not forget the bragging rights – nothing beats the feeling of showing off your catch at the cleaning station or sharing photos of your trophy with friends back home.
This year has been on fire for big fish! We've been seeing some monster Kings in the 25-30 pound range, with a few lucky anglers even breaking the 30-pound mark. The Coho action has been steady, with lots of limits being filled and some impressive 12-pounders mixed in. Lake Trout have been showing up in good numbers too, with several fish over 20 pounds hitting the deck. And for those targeting browns, we've had a few absolute tanks in the mid-teens that put up fights worthy of Lake Michigan's reputation.
Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on Lake Michigan and tangle with some world-class salmon and trout, now's the time to lock in your date. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to add some Lake Michigan trophies to your list, or a newcomer eager to experience the thrill of Great Lakes fishing, we've got you covered. Bring your A-game, a good attitude, and maybe a couple of sandwiches – we'll take care of the rest. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call, book your trip, and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be glad you did!
Brown trout in Lake Michigan are wily and challenging, typically running 5-15 pounds. They prefer cooler water and are often found near shore or around structure. Browns are known for their cautious nature and strong fights when hooked. Spring and fall offer the best fishing as they move shallow to feed. Anglers love targeting browns for their elusiveness and tasty, pink flesh. To improve your odds, try trolling near shore with stickbaits or spoons that mimic baitfish. Early mornings and evenings are prime times. Here's a tip from the locals: after a good rain, focus on areas where streams enter the lake. Browns often gather there to ambush baitfish washed in by the current.
Chinook salmon, or "kings," are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. Adults typically run 15-25 pounds, but 30+ pounders aren't uncommon. They're often found in deeper, cooler water, especially as summer progresses. Kings are known for their powerful runs - when one hits, hold on tight! Late summer and early fall offer the best action as they prepare to spawn. Anglers target them for the challenge and their rich, flavorful meat. To up your chances, try large spoons or plugs that mimic alewives, their favorite prey. Downriggers are key for getting to their depth. Here's a local secret: kings often feed heavily right at first light, so getting an early start can pay off big.
Coho salmon are one of our most popular targets, averaging 5-10 pounds but sometimes topping 20. They're aggressive feeders, known for their hard strikes and acrobatic leaps. You'll find them in the top 30 feet of water, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. Spring and early summer are prime times as they feed heavily before spawning. Anglers love cohos for their fight and excellent table fare. To boost your odds, try trolling with dodgers and flies - the flash seems to trigger their predatory instincts. Keep your speed between 2-2.5 mph and vary your lure depths until you find the active fish. Pro tip: when you see gulls diving, there's likely a bait ball below with cohos feeding on it.
Lake trout are the native giants of Lake Michigan, often weighing 10-20 pounds with some topping 30. They're typically found in deeper, colder water, especially as summer heats up. Lakers are known for their steady, powerful fights - no acrobatics, just brute strength. Spring and fall offer the best fishing as they move shallower. Anglers target them for their size and rich, oily meat that's great for smoking. To boost your chances, try jigging or trolling with large spoons or cut bait near the bottom. Watch your sonar for marks near underwater humps or drop-offs. Pro tip: when you find lakers, they're often grouped up. If you catch one, work the area thoroughly - there's likely more nearby.
Rainbow trout are a favorite catch on Lake Michigan, typically running 20-30 inches and 2-12 pounds. You'll find them in cooler water, often suspended in the water column. They put up an acrobatic fight, known for their jumps and runs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's cooler. Rainbows are prized for their pink, flavorful meat. To improve your chances, try trolling with flashy spoons or crankbaits that mimic baitfish. Keep an eye on your sonar - rainbows often school up, so if you hook one, there's likely more nearby. A local tip: on overcast days, bring your lures up shallower. Rainbows will often feed closer to the surface when there's cloud cover.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Marine Power
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 330