Premium 6-Hour Lake Michigan Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$400 - $900 price range
Updated Date: September 15, 2025

Summary

Join Capt. Jake for a full day of salmon and trout fishing on Lake Michigan. Leaving from East Chicago, Indiana, you'll spend 6 hours targeting Coho and King Salmon, Lake Trout, and sometimes Steelhead or Brown Trout. This trip is geared towards experienced anglers looking for a productive day on the water. We'll use a variety of techniques including downriggers, weighted lines, planer boards, and dipsey divers to cover a lot of water and find where the fish are biting. All the gear and tackle is provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're after a trophy catch or want to fill the cooler, this charter gives you a great shot at hooking into some of Lake Michigan's prized game fish. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a perfect trip for a group of fishing buddies or family members who know their way around a rod and reel.

Premium 6-Hour Lake Michigan Fishing Charter

Big Lake, Big Fish

5 people fishing in Indiana on cruises and fishing trip

Lake Michigan fishing memories

Chinook salmon caught while cruising and fishing in IN

Catching Coho Salmon Lake Michigan

Trophy Chinook Salmon landed today

6 chinook and coho salmon caught during a cruises and fishing trip in Indiana

Reeling in Lake Trout East Chicago

Lake Michigan's Trophy Salmon & Trout Adventure

Ready to chase some monster salmon and trout on Lake Michigan? Capt. Jake with Fowl Hooked Charters has you dialed in for an action-packed day on the big lake. This 6-hour trip out of East Chicago, Indiana puts you right in the thick of world-class fishing for coho and king salmon, lake trout, and even the chance at steelhead or brown trout. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or land that fish of a lifetime, Capt. Jake knows how to put you on the fish.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Capt. Jake's boat, you're in for a day of serious fishing. This isn't some leisurely cruise - we're talking about covering water efficiently to locate active fish. You'll be using downriggers, weighted lines, planer boards, and dipsey divers to get your baits where they need to be. It's a technique-heavy approach that's perfect for experienced anglers looking to up their game. The captain provides all the gear and knowhow, so you just need to bring your A-game and be ready to reel when those rods go off.

Trolling Tactics for Big Lake Success

Trolling is the name of the game on Lake Michigan, and Capt. Jake has it down to a science. You'll be running multiple lines at different depths to cover the water column. Downriggers let you precisely target specific depths where fish are holding. Dipsey divers and weighted lines help get your baits down deep without the need for heavy weights. And those planer boards? They're the secret weapon for spreading your presentation wide and covering more water. It's a technical approach that maximizes your chances of connecting with fish. The captain will dial in the spread based on conditions and where the fish are biting.

Top Catches This Season

Lake Michigan is known for producing some absolute giants, and this season has been no exception. Anglers have been hauling in coolers full of tasty coho salmon in the 5-10 pound range. King salmon (also called chinook) have been showing up in good numbers, with some real bruisers pushing 20+ pounds. Lake trout are always a steady target, with fish averaging 8-12 pounds but with the chance at a 20+ pound trophy. And don't forget about the possibility of hooking into a chrome-bright steelhead or a chunky brown trout to round out your catch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are often the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing. They typically run 3-8 pounds, but 10+ pounders aren't unheard of. Coho are known for their hard fights and acrobatic jumps. They tend to school up, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring and early summer are prime time for cohos, but they can be caught year-round.

King Salmon (Chinook): The king of Great Lakes salmon, these bruisers can top 30 pounds. They're prized for both their size and their hard-fighting nature. Kings are notorious for making blistering runs and testing both angler and equipment. Late summer into fall is the peak season as mature fish stage for their spawning run. Hooking into a big king is an unforgettable experience - be ready for an arm-burning battle.

Lake Trout: The native heavyweight of Lake Michigan, lake trout are a year-round target. They prefer cooler, deeper water and are often found hugging underwater structure. "Lakers" are known for their dogged fights, often making multiple runs as they near the boat. While most fish run 5-15 pounds, trophy specimens pushing 30+ pounds are possible. Their rich, orange flesh makes for excellent eating.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These sea-run rainbows are prized for their hard fights and acrobatics. Lake Michigan steelhead average 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+. They're often found in the upper part of the water column and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Spring and fall tend to be peak seasons as fish stage for spawning runs.

Brown Trout: While not as common as other species, brown trout are a highly sought-after catch in Lake Michigan. They're known for growing to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds possible. Browns tend to be structure-oriented and often hug shorelines or underwater features. Early spring and late fall are prime times to target these beautiful trout.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Lake Michigan that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a chrome-bright king salmon as it tries to shake the hook. Or the satisfaction of limit catches of delicious coho destined for the smoker. Perhaps it's the chance at a true trophy - a 30-pound lake trout or monster brown. Whatever draws you in, fishing Lake Michigan is an experience that sticks with you. The vastness of the lake, the ever-changing conditions, and the quality of the fishery make every trip unique. And with a knowledgeable captain like Jake at the helm, you're set up for success no matter what the lake throws at you.

Time to Book Your Spot

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 with Fowl Hooked Charters. Capt. Jake runs a top-notch operation with all the gear and know-how to put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your big lake techniques or just want to experience the thrill of Lake Michigan fishing, this trip delivers. With a 6-person capacity, it's perfect for a group of friends or family looking for a day of serious fishing. Don't miss your chance at Lake Michigan glory - book your charter today and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water chasing salmon and trout. The fish are waiting!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the wily old pros of the trout world. These fish average 2-5 pounds but can grow much larger. They're known for being selective and challenging to catch, which makes landing one all the sweeter. Browns prefer cooler water and often hold near structure like sunken logs or rock piles. In Lake Michigan, we find them in shallower water in spring and fall, moving deeper as summer heats up. They put up a stubborn fight, often staying deep and making powerful runs. Browns are prized for both the challenge and their tasty, orange flesh. Early mornings or overcast days are often best. When targeting browns, try slowly trolling or casting minnow-imitating lures. A local secret: after a good rain, fish the mouths of tributaries where browns gather to feed on baitfish washed out of the streams.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These brutes average 15-25 pounds but can top 40 pounds. They're prized for their hard-fighting ability and tasty flesh. Kings prefer cooler, deeper water, so we often target them with downriggers in 50-100 feet. Late summer and early fall are prime as mature fish stage for their spawning runs. Chinooks give a powerful, dogged fight - be ready for long runs and have your drag set right. Anglers love the challenge and the potential for a true trophy fish. For lures, big spoons and plugs work well. Here's a tip: when kings are in tight to shore in fall, try casting glow spoons or crankbaits at night for some heart-pounding action.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are a blast to catch on Lake Michigan. These fish typically run 24-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll jump and run, giving you a real thrill on light tackle. We usually find them in the top 30 feet of water, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. Spring and early summer are prime times, as the fish feed aggressively near shore. Cohos make excellent table fare with their rich, orange meat. When targeting cohos, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut-bait rigs. A local secret: early morning fishing can be red hot when we find schools of actively feeding cohos breaking the surface.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true natives of Lake Michigan, and they can grow to impressive sizes. Most run 5-15 pounds, but 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon. These fish like it cold, so we often find them deep - sometimes over 100 feet down. They prefer structure like underwater humps or dropoffs. Summer and early fall are great times to target lakers, as they feed heavily before winter. Lake trout aren't known for acrobatics, but they put up a steady, powerful fight from the depths. Anglers enjoy the challenge of finding them and the potential for a true trophy. Their rich, oily flesh makes excellent eating too. When fishing for lakers, try jigging heavy spoons or blade baits. Here's a tip: if you mark fish but they won't bite, try reeling up about 10 feet - sometimes they're suspended just above the bottom.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite for many anglers, known for their acrobatic fights and beautiful coloration. Typically 12-24 inches long and 2-8 pounds, these fish like cool, clear waters around 55-64°F. You'll often find them in rivers and streams near cover like undercut banks or fallen trees. In Lake Michigan, we target them in cooler, deeper water during summer. Rainbows put up an exciting fight, leaping and running when hooked. They're also great eating fish with pink, flavorful meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the water temperatures are ideal. When fishing for rainbows, try using small spinners or flies that imitate insects – matching the hatch can be key. A local tip: on sunny days, focus on shaded areas where trout like to hang out.

About the 31' Tiara 3100

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Marine Power

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 330

Ready to reel in some monster salmon and trout on Lake Michigan? Join Captain Jake for a 6-hour fishing adventure out of East Chicago, Indiana. This charter is perfect for experienced anglers looking to battle big lake fish. We'll use pro techniques like downriggers, weighted lines, and planer boards to cover lots of water and find the hot spots. You'll have a shot at landing prized catches like King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and maybe even some Steelhead or Brown Trout. All the gear and know-how is provided - just bring your fishing spirit and be ready for some serious action. Whether you're after a cooler full of tasty fillets or that trophy fish of a lifetime, this trip delivers prime Lake Michigan fishing. Book your spot and let's get out there to chase some bruiser salmon and trout!

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