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Premier Lake Michigan Charter Fishing Trip

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Michigan
  • $400 - $650 price range

Summary

Join Captain Aaron for a 4-hour private charter on Lake Michigan's Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal. This late-season trip takes advantage of natural fish migrations, giving you a shot at landing some monster Chinook Salmon and Steelhead. You'll cruise through the scenic waters of Sturgeon Bay, learning about the area while trying your luck at hooking into some hard-fighting fish. The captain adjusts departure times based on sunrise and sunset to maximize your chances of success. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great option for a small group or family outing. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, Captain Aaron will tailor the trip to your skill level and make sure everyone has a good time on the water. Bring your camera – the fall colors and potential trophy catches make for some great photo ops.
Premier Lake Michigan Charter Fishing Trip

Big Fish, Big Smiles

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Coho salmon caught while fishing in WI

Lake Michigan magic in every cast and catch

A stunning pink salmon, caught in the waters of Sturgeon Bay

Where adventure meets the waves of Lake Michigan

12 coho salmon, chinook salmon, and rainbow trout caught while fishing in WI

Trophy fish and unforgettable moments await

Chinook Salmon caught in Sturgeon Bay

Sunrise fishing, sunset memories on the lake

Three people fishing in WI

Three people fishing in Wisconsin

A Chinook Salmon measuring 40 inches caught while fishing in Sturgeon Bay

4 big fish caught in WI

Hooked on the thrill of Lake Michigan fishing

Angler with 30-inch fish caught in Sturgeon Bay

Casting lines and catching smiles on the lake

Chinook Salmon, 35 inches, caught while fishing in Sturgeon Bay

Serene mornings, epic catches on Lake Michigan

Coho salmon caught while fishing in WI

Lake Michigan magic in every cast and catch

A stunning pink salmon, caught in the waters of Sturgeon Bay

Where adventure meets the waves of Lake Michigan

12 coho salmon, chinook salmon, and rainbow trout caught while fishing in WI

Trophy fish and unforgettable moments await

Chinook Salmon caught in Sturgeon Bay

Sunrise fishing, sunset memories on the lake

Three people fishing in WI

Three people fishing in Wisconsin

A Chinook Salmon measuring 40 inches caught while fishing in Sturgeon Bay

4 big fish caught in WI

Hooked on the thrill of Lake Michigan fishing

Angler with 30-inch fish caught in Sturgeon Bay

Casting lines and catching smiles on the lake

Chinook Salmon, 35 inches, caught while fishing in Sturgeon Bay

Serene mornings, epic catches on Lake Michigan

Coho salmon caught while fishing in WI

Lake Michigan magic in every cast and catch

A stunning pink salmon, caught in the waters of Sturgeon Bay

Where adventure meets the waves of Lake Michigan

12 coho salmon, chinook salmon, and rainbow trout caught while fishing in WI

Trophy fish and unforgettable moments await

Chinook Salmon caught in Sturgeon Bay

Sunrise fishing, sunset memories on the lake

next-image

Lake Michigan's Late-Season Trophy Hunt

Ready for some serious late-season action on Lake Michigan? Strap in, because we're heading to the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal where the big boys come to play. This 4-hour private charter is your ticket to tangle with monster Chinook Salmon and trophy Steelhead as they follow their natural migration patterns. It's the perfect chance to end your season with a bang – or should I say, a bend in your rod that'll make your arms ache for days.

What to Expect on the Water

As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the crisp fall air and see the changing colors along the shoreline. But don't get too caught up in the scenery – we're here to fish! Captain Aaron knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on top of the action. We'll be targeting the shipping canal, a highway for late-season salmon and steelhead. The bite can be hot and heavy, so be ready to grab that rod at a moment's notice. And hey, with a max of 4 anglers on board, you'll have plenty of elbow room to battle these brutes.

Trolling Tactics 101

We'll be trolling to cover water and find active fish. If you're new to this technique, don't sweat it – Captain Aaron will show you the ropes. We'll be running a spread of lines with a mix of spoons, plugs, and maybe even some cut bait if the fish are being picky. The key is to match the hatch and dial in the right depth. Once we find the magic combo, hold onto your hat – multiple hookups aren't uncommon when these fish are on the feed. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the chaos of "Fish on!" echoing across the boat as rods start popping left and right.

Target Species Breakdown

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these bruisers are the main event. Late-season Kings in the canal can push 20+ pounds, with some real monsters in the mix. They're at the end of their spawning run, which means they're aggressive and ready to attack your lure. The fight is legendary – expect screaming drags and powerful runs that'll test your stamina. When a big King decides to go deep, you better have your drag set right, or you'll be telling stories about "the one that got away."

Steelhead Trout: If Chinooks are the heavyweights, Steelhead are the acrobats of the salmon world. These chrome-bright rockets will wake you up faster than your morning coffee when they decide to go airborne. Fall-run Steelhead in Lake Michigan typically range from 5-15 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll ever tangle with. Be ready for multiple jumps and blistering runs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've guided all over, but there's something special about fall fishing in the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal. It's not just about the fish – though trust me, they're worth the trip alone. It's about that perfect mix of crisp autumn weather, the anticipation of what might hit your line next, and the satisfaction of outmaneuvering a fish that's been outsmarting anglers all season. Plus, with Captain Aaron at the helm, you're in for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully, some epic "grip and grin" photos with your catch.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – fall slots fill up fast, and for good reason. This is prime time for big fish and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some late-season giants, or you're new to the game and want to experience the thrill of Lake Michigan fishing, this trip is your ticket. Captain Aaron will tailor the experience to your skill level, ensuring everyone has a blast and learns something new. So don't wait – grab your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Trust me, when you're out there battling a chrome-bright Steelhead or hefting a massive King for a photo, you'll be glad you did. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the largest salmon species in Lake Michigan. These powerhouses typically range from 12 to 39 inches and 7 to 15 pounds, but trophy fish over 30 pounds aren't unheard of. Kings have a blue-green back, silver sides, and distinctive black spots on their tail and fins. They're known for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent taste. In the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal, we find them in deeper, cooler water, especially during their fall spawning run. Early mornings or evenings are prime times to hook into one. Kings are light-sensitive, so we often use weighted baits to reach them near the bottom. For a local trick, try trolling with flashy spoons or plugs that mimic baitfish – kings can't resist a well-presented meal. Landing a big Chinook is an experience you won't forget.

Chinook Salmon

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead trout are the anadromous form of rainbow trout, spending part of their life in the ocean before returning to freshwater. These powerful fish average 24 inches but can reach up to 45 inches and 55 pounds. They're known for their silvery color and black spots, earning them the "steelhead" name. In the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal, we target them during their migration, typically from mid-fall through spring. Steelhead are prized for their acrobatic fights and tasty flesh. They often hang out near cover like wood, boulders, or vegetation. For the best chance at hooking one, try drifting or swinging flies in the current. If you're new to fly fishing for steelhead, a 13.5-foot 7-weight Spey rod is a solid all-around choice. These fish can be challenging, but landing one is incredibly rewarding.

Steelhead Trout

About the Gametime

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 275

Get ready for an awesome fishing adventure on Lake Michigan! We'll be cruising the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal, where the late season action really heats up. This 4-hour private charter is perfect for groups of up to 4 anglers looking to target Chinook Salmon and massive Steelhead. Captain Aaron knows these waters like the back of his hand and times the trips to coincide with peak fish activity. He'll reach out after you book to nail down the exact departure time based on sunrise/sunset. The canal's natural migration patterns make for some epic fishing opportunities this time of year. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the sport, you'll have a blast reeling in hard-fighting fish while taking in the scenic beauty of Sturgeon Bay. Bring your friends or family along for a fun day on the water. With personalized attention from the captain and all the gear provided, you can focus on making memories and landing the big one. Don't miss this chance to experience some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer!
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