Spring Coho Fishing on Lake Michigan | 5-Hour Trip

Spring Coho Fever: 5-Hour Lake Michigan Trip

Ready to feel your rod bend and reel scream? Our 5-hour spring Coho trip on Lake Michigan is where the action's at. We're talking non-stop battles with hard-fighting salmon that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time chasing silver, this trip delivers the goods. We'll be working the top of the water column where these aggressive fish are ready to smash our lures. It's fast-paced fishing at its finest, and you'll be right in the thick of it.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising on Lake Michigan as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. The air's crisp, there's a light chop on the water, and anticipation is high. We'll be setting lines with a mix of body baits, spoons, and other proven lures that these spring Cohos just can't resist. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck. These aren't your grandpa's lazy fish – Cohos fight hard and fast, often jumping clear out of the water. You might find yourself in the middle of a multiple hook-up frenzy, reeling in fish after fish. It's the kind of action that'll have you reliving the moment for weeks to come.

Trolling Tactics for Trophy Coho

We'll be employing some tried-and-true trolling techniques to put you on the fish. Our setup typically includes a spread of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover more water and target different depths. We'll be focusing on the top 10 feet of the water column where spring Cohos love to feed. Lure selection is key, and we've got a tackle box full of winners. Bright colors like orange, chartreuse, and silver are spring favorites. We'll be changing up speeds and lure patterns throughout the trip to dial in what the fish want on any given day. It's a bit of science, a dash of art, and a whole lot of fun when it all comes together.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are the stars of our spring show. Averaging 3-5 pounds, with some pushing 10+, Cohos are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the Great Lakes. They're known for their acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water multiple times. In spring, they're voraciously feeding near the surface, making for some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Their flesh is bright orange and absolutely delicious – perfect for the grill or smoker.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): While we're primarily targeting Coho, don't be surprised if a chrome-bright steelhead crashes the party. These lake-run rainbows are lightning fast and will test your drag system to the max. Spring steelhead in Lake Michigan typically range from 5-12 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll leave you in awe. They're often found in the same areas as Cohos, providing an exciting mix to our catch.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these bruisers start showing up in our spring catches as the season progresses. While not as numerous as Cohos early on, hooking into a spring Chinook is always a possibility. They're significantly larger than Cohos, often weighing in at 10-20 pounds or more. A spring King will put your arms and tackle to the test – it's a battle you won't soon forget.

Brown Trout: Lake Michigan's brown trout are opportunistic predators that love to hang in the same areas as spring Cohos. They're less common in our catch, but hooking one is always a treat. Browns are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. In the spring, we often catch them in the 5-10 pound range, with the possibility of larger fish.

Lake Trout: While we're focusing on the top of the water column for Cohos, don't be surprised if we hook into a lake trout. These deep-water denizens occasionally venture up to feed on the same bait as Cohos. They're bulldogs of the deep, known for their stamina and powerful fights. Spring "lakers" typically range from 5-15 pounds, with larger specimens possible.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about spring Coho fishing on Lake Michigan that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of multiple hook-ups, or the satisfaction of filling a cooler with premium salmon fillets. For many, it's the chance to shake off the winter blues and get back on the water when the fishing's hot. Our 5-hour trip is the perfect length – long enough to get into some serious action, but not so long that you'll be wiped out. It's an ideal outing for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to join a trip. The memories made and fish stories earned on these spring outings tend to grow bigger with each passing year.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that unmistakable tug of a spring Coho, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our calendar fills up fast for these prime spring dates, and for good reason – the fishing is just that good. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time out, our experienced crew will make sure you have a blast and hopefully put some fish in the box. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local knowledge to put you on the fish. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Don't let another spring pass you by without experiencing the Coho madness on Lake Michigan. Book your trip today, and get ready for some rod-bending, reel-screaming action!