World-Class Lake Michigan Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$400 - $650 price range

Summary

Join Captain Aaron for a six-hour offshore fishing adventure on Lake Michigan, targeting prized Salmon and Steelhead from June through October. Our trips are timed to match peak fish activity, so departure times shift slightly with the season's sunrise and sunset. You'll head out with up to three other guests, giving you plenty of space to cast and reel in the big ones. Game Time Guide Service knows these waters inside and out, putting you right where the action is. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying Lake Michigan fishing for the first time, we've got you covered with gear and know-how. Keep an eye out for jumping fish, seabirds diving for bait, and the stunning shoreline views. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water, with a real shot at landing some impressive catches. Remember to bring sunscreen, snacks, and a camera – you'll want to document your Lake Michigan fishing conquests!

World-Class Lake Michigan Fishing Charters

Reeling 'Em In

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

Hooked on the thrill of Lake Michigan fishing

Lake Michigan Salmon & Steelhead: 6-Hour Charter

Ready to chase some big fish on the big lake? Our 6-hour offshore charters on Lake Michigan put you right in the action for world-class salmon and steelhead fishing. From June through October, we'll run you out to the hot spots where these hard-fighting fish are cruising. Captain Aaron knows these waters like the back of his hand and he'll work his magic to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, get ready for an awesome day on the water!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up at the dock before sunrise - the exact time depends on the season, but Captain Aaron will fill you in when you book. After a quick safety rundown, we'll motor out of the harbor and hit the open water of Lake Michigan. The captain will set up a spread of rods, using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover different depths. Then it's time to troll! We'll cruise along at the perfect speed, keeping our eyes peeled for fish on the fish finder. When a rod goes off, it's all hands on deck - these fish put up one heck of a fight!

Trolling Tips & Tackle Talk

Trolling is the name of the game for targeting Lake Michigan salmon and trout. We'll be using heavy-duty trolling rods spooled with braided line to handle those big fish. The captain will rig up a variety of lures - spoons, flashers with flies, and maybe even some cut bait. We'll adjust our presentation throughout the day based on what the fish want. Water temperature, sun position, and wind all play a role in where we'll find the fish. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing - the crew will walk you through everything you need to know to land a trophy catch.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"had a great time, as usual, fishing with Aaron! he never stops changing thing up to get us on the fish." - Barb

Species You'll Want to Hook

Coho Salmon: Known as "silvers" for their flashy sides, coho are some of the most acrobatic fighters in the lake. They average 3-8 pounds but can push into the teens. Cohos are often found in the upper part of the water column and will hit lures with reckless abandon. Prime time for cohos is usually early summer through fall.

Steelhead Trout: These chrome rockets are prized for their lightning-fast runs and aerial displays. Lake Michigan steelhead typically range from 5-15 pounds, with some topping 20. They can be caught year-round, but summer and fall often see the best action. Steelhead will often chase lures to the boat, making for some heart-stopping strikes.

Chinook Salmon: The kings of the lake, chinooks (or king salmon) are the heavyweights that many anglers dream about. They can top 30 pounds, though fish in the teens are more common. Chinooks are known for their powerful fights and tend to dive deep when hooked. Late summer and early fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning run.

Lake Trout: The native bruisers of Lake Michigan, lake trout are built like linebackers. They prefer cooler, deeper water and put up a dogged fight when hooked. While they don't make the acrobatic jumps of salmon or steelhead, their power is impressive. Lake trout can be caught year-round but often show up best in early summer and late fall when the water is cooler.

Time to Book Your Spot

A day chasing salmon and trout on Lake Michigan is something every angler should experience. With a 6-hour trip, you've got plenty of time to get into some serious action without burning your whole day. Captain Aaron will put his years of experience to work, giving you the best shot at landing that fish of a lifetime. Remember, we've only got room for 4 guests per trip, so don't wait to lock in your date. The fish are out there - are you ready to come and get 'em?

Customer Review

Fishing Fun with Aaron

had a great time, as usual, fishing with Aaron! he never stops changing thing up to get us on the fish.

Barb H

July 17, 2024

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the giants of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with the average fish in the 10-20 pound range. We target them mainly from June through September, when they're packing on weight for the spawning run. Kings tend to stay deep, often 50-100 feet down, and they love structure like underwater humps or drop-offs. They're prized for their hard-fighting ability and tasty orange flesh. When a big king hits, hang on tight - they're known for powerful runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. To improve your odds, we'll often use downriggers to get our lures deep. Large spoons, plugs, or cut bait are all effective. Pro tip: kings have excellent vision, so I like to use fluorocarbon leaders to stay stealthy in clear water.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are a real treat to catch on Lake Michigan. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, with some topping 30. We target them from June to October, when they're feeding aggressively before their spawning run. Cohos like to hang out in the top 30 feet of water, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. They put up an impressive fight, leaping clear out of the water and making blistering runs. The meat is bright orange and delicious too. For the best shot at hooking into a coho, I recommend trolling with bright-colored spoons or plugs. Keep an eye on your electronics to find those bait balls - the cohos won't be far behind. When you hook one, get ready for an exciting battle all the way to the net.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, with some topping 40 pounds. These slow-growing fish prefer cold, deep water and are often found suspended over the lake's deepest basins. We target them year-round, but spring and fall are prime as they move shallower. Lakers are known for their dogged, powerful fights - they may not jump, but they'll use their big bodies to resist all the way up. They're also excellent eating, with firm white flesh. To catch lake trout, we'll often jig or troll deep with big spoons, jigs, or cut bait. One trick I like is to use glow-in-the-dark lures, especially in deeper water. Lakers have great low-light vision and will come from a long way to check out that glow. Be patient when fighting one - they're marathon runners, not sprinters.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the anadromous form of rainbow trout, spending time in both freshwater and the lake. These powerful fish average 5-10 pounds but can reach over 20. We find them in Lake Michigan year-round, but the best action is usually spring and fall as they stage for their spawning runs. Steelhead love to hang around structure and drop-offs, often suspending over deep water. They're known for their impressive aerial displays and long, screaming runs when hooked. The fight of a steelhead is something you won't soon forget. To target them, we'll often troll with spoons, plugs, or flies behind downriggers. My favorite trick is using slide divers to get lures down deep while still covering a lot of water. Be ready with a loose drag - when a big steelhead hits, you'll need it!

About the Gametime

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 275

Ready for some prime fishing action on Lake Michigan? Join Captain Aaron for a 6-hour offshore adventure targeting prized Salmon and Steelhead from June through October. As the seasons shift, so do our departure times to match the fish's daily rhythms. We'll sync up with sunrise and sunset to maximize your chances of landing the big one. After you book, the captain will reach out with the exact launch time tailored to your trip date. With room for four guests, you and your crew can spread out and enjoy a day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your luck for the first time, this trip offers a great shot at hooking into some of the lake's most sought-after catches. Pack your gear, bring your enthusiasm, and let's see what Lake Michigan has in store for us!

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