Spring Coho Fishing on Lake Michigan | 5-Hour Trip

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for some spring salmon action on Lake Michigan? Join Captain Jake for a 5-hour charter out of East Chicago, Indiana. We'll be targeting Coho and Chinook salmon, plus brown trout, in the top 10 feet of water where they're most active this time of year. Using body baits, spoons, and other proven lures, we'll keep you on the fish all trip long. This charter is great for all skill levels - whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience. We provide all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on reeling in the catches. With a 6-person capacity, there's plenty of room to bring along friends or family. Spring fishing on Lake Michigan can be fast-paced, so be prepared for multiple hook-ups and lots of action. It's a perfect way to kick off the fishing season and land some tasty salmon for the grill.

Spring Coho Fishing on Lake Michigan | 5-Hour Trip

Spring Salmon Showdown

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

Spring Salmon Bonanza on Lake Michigan

Get ready to hit the big water for some serious spring salmon action! Capt. Jake's 5-hour charter out of East Chicago is your ticket to hooking into hard-fighting Cohos and Chinooks when they're most aggressive. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned rod-bender, this trip delivers fast-paced fishing and the chance to fill your cooler with tasty Lake Michigan salmon. We'll be running and gunning with proven tactics to put you on fish. So grab your crew (up to 6 anglers) and let's get after those chromers!

What to Expect on the Water

Once we shove off from the East Chicago marina, we'll make a beeline for the salmon grounds. Spring fishing on the big lake means we're focused on the top 10 feet of the water column where those Cohos and Kings are actively feeding. Capt. Jake's dialed in on the hotspots, so expect to start seeing action pretty quickly. We'll be trolling a spread of body baits, spoons, and other lures that these spring salmon just can't resist. Multiple hookups are common, so be ready for some controlled chaos when those rods start popping! Even if you've never held a rod before, don't sweat it – the captain and crew will walk you through everything from setting the hook to landing your catch.

Trolling Tactics for Spring Success

Spring salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is all about covering water and presenting a buffet of offerings. We'll be running anywhere from 6-10 lines, mixing up depths and lure types to figure out what the fish want on any given day. Expect to see a spread of Dipsy Divers, downriggers, and maybe some planer boards depending on conditions. The name of the game is mimicking those baitfish the salmon are chasing – we're talking flashy spoons, wobbling crankbaits, and cut bait rigs. Capt. Jake's constantly tweaking the presentation, adjusting trolling speed, and hunting for those pods of active fish. It's a technical game, but for you, it just means more chances to hear that sweet sound of a screaming drag!

Top Catches This Season

While we focus on Coho and Chinook salmon in the spring, don't be surprised if we tangle with some bonus species. Lake Michigan's spring fishery can produce some absolute slob brown trout, and we occasionally hook into acrobatic steelhead (rainbow trout) as well. As the water warms up later in the season, we might even find some lake trout hanging around the thermocline. It's this mixed-bag potential that keeps anglers coming back year after year – you never know what might crush your lure next!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Coho Salmon: These are the bread and butter of Lake Michigan's spring fishery. Averaging 2-5 pounds, Cohos are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They school up heavily in the spring, which means when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Cohos have bright silver sides and small black spots on their backs – and they make for some mighty fine eating!

Chinook (King) Salmon: The heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan, spring Chinooks typically run 8-15 pounds but can push well into the 20s. These brutes will test your arms and your gear, often making blistering runs right when you think you've got them beat. Kings have a darker coloration than Cohos, with black gums that give them their nickname "blackmouth salmon". Landing a spring King is a true trophy, and their rich, orange flesh is prized by anglers.

Brown Trout: Lake Michigan's "shoulder season" favorite, big browns move into shallower water during spring and fall. These fish can reach massive sizes in the big lake, with 10+ pounders not uncommon. Brown trout are known for their powerful runs and tendency to dive for structure. Their golden-brown coloration and red spots make them a beautiful catch, and many anglers consider them the best-eating trout in the lake.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): While not as common in the spring salmon bite, hooking into a Lake Michigan steelhead is always a possibility. These high-flying acrobats put on a show like no other fish in the lake. Spring steelhead average 5-10 pounds but can push well into the teens. Their chrome-bright sides and pink lateral line make them easy to identify – and their fight will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Lake Trout: As the water warms later in spring, we might connect with some of Lake Michigan's native lake trout. These deep-water dwellers can grow to massive sizes, with 20+ pounders not unheard of. They're known for their dogged, bulldogging fights and their forked tails. While not as prized for eating as some other species, smoked lake trout is a delicacy many anglers swear by.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about spring fishing on Lake Michigan. Maybe it's the anticipation of that first big hit after a long winter. Or the sight of multiple rods going off at once as you plow through a school of hungry Cohos. For many, it's the chance to stock up on premium salmon fillets for the grill or smoker. But ask any angler who's fished these waters, and they'll tell you – it's the pure excitement of battling these freshwater giants against the backdrop of Lake Michigan's vast expanse. Whether you're a local looking for your salmon fix or an out-of-towner wanting to experience some of the best freshwater fishing in the country, Capt. Jake's spring charters deliver the goods time and time again.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, the spring salmon run on Lake Michigan doesn't last forever. As the days get longer and the water warms up, these fish will start changing their patterns. So if you want to get in on this world-class fishery at its peak, now's the time to lock in your date. Capt. Jake provides all the gear, know-how, and enthusiasm you need for an epic day on the water. Whether you're looking to bend some rods with your buddies, introduce the kids to big-water fishing, or just want to fill the freezer with premium salmon, this is the trip for you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the 'Fowl Hooked' and get ready for some drag-screaming, fish-catching action on Lake Michigan!

Learn more about the animals

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the crafty veterans of the trout world. They average 2-5 pounds in Lake Michigan but can reach 15-20 pounds. You'll find them hugging structure like drop-offs, weed beds, or submerged timber. Browns are most active in low light, so dawn and dusk are prime times. Spring and fall offer the best action as water temperatures cool. These fish are known for their wariness and selective feeding, making them a true challenge. But the reward is worth it - browns put up a dogged fight and taste great on the grill. To fool a big brown, try slow-trolling minnow-imitating crankbaits near shore. Keep your speed under 2 mph and be ready for subtle hits. When you hook up, let the fish run - browns often make several strong surges before coming to net.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of the Great Lakes. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can top 40. They cruise the deeper, cooler water, so downriggers are your best bet. Early morning and late evening are prime times, especially in spring and fall. Chinooks are prized for their powerful fights - when one of these tanks decides to run, hang on tight! They're also fantastic eating, with rich, flavorful meat that's great for smoking. To target kings, use large spoons or plugs that imitate alewives or other baitfish. Vary your trolling speed between 2-3 mph and keep an eye on your fish finder for bait balls. Pro tip: when a king hits, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook. These big boys often grab the bait crosswise before turning to swallow it.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills. They average 8-12 pounds but can push 20 in Lake Michigan. Look for them in the top 10 feet of the water column, especially near temperature breaks or bait schools. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move closer to shore. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - expect some airborne action when you hook one. They're also excellent eating, with bright orange flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking. To up your odds, troll with flashy spoons or body baits that mimic baitfish. Keep your speed around 2.5 mph and watch for jumping fish to locate active schools. When a coho hits, it'll often run straight at the boat, so be ready to reel fast!

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the deep-water specialists of the Great Lakes. These big char average 5-15 pounds but can push 30 or more. They prefer cold, well-oxygenated water, so look for them near the thermocline or along steep drop-offs. Spring and fall are best as they move shallower. Lake trout are prized for their stamina - expect a long, steady fight rather than quick bursts. Their rich, oily flesh is excellent smoked or baked. To target lakers, use heavy jigs or spoons and work them slowly near bottom. Downriggers or wire line are often necessary to reach these deep-dwelling fish. A good tip: when you mark fish on the graph, drop your lure just above them and slowly jig it up. Lake trout often prefer a subtle presentation, so patience is key. Once hooked, take your time - these fish fight all the way to the net.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers, known for their vibrant colors and spirited fights. These fish typically range from 12-30 inches and 2-8 pounds, though trophy catches can top 15 pounds. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and lakes, often hanging around rocky areas or near fallen logs. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temperatures are ideal. Rainbows are aggressive feeders and will strike a variety of lures and flies. They're prized for their acrobatic leaps and strong runs when hooked. The meat is delicious too - mild and slightly nutty. For best results, try drifting egg patterns or small nymphs through riffles and pools. When you feel that telltale tap, set the hook fast - these guys are quick!

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 spring salmon on Lake Michigan? Hop aboard Capt. Jake's fishing charter for a fun-filled 5-hour trip targeting Coho and Chinook salmon, plus brown trout. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced angler, this guided adventure is perfect for all skill levels. We'll be focusing on the top 10 feet of water where the spring salmon action is hottest. Using effective lures like body baits and spoons, you can expect plenty of excitement with multiple fish on the line. Departing from East Chicago, Indiana, we provide all the gear you need - just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack. With Capt. Jake's expertise guiding the way, you're in for a productive day hauling in Lake Michigan's prized spring catch. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious salmon fishing!

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