Family Fishing on Lake Michigan | Kingfisher Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$800 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: September 28, 2025

Summary

Join Captain Mark Mathieu for a 6-hour family fishing adventure on Lake Michigan, departing from Waukegan, Illinois. This private charter caters to groups of up to six, making it perfect for families or small crews looking to reel in some action. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced angler, you'll have a shot at landing prized catches like Chinook and Coho salmon, Steelhead, Brown trout, and Lake trout. The captain provides all the gear you need, so just bring snacks, drinks, and your fishing spirit. You'll cruise both inshore and offshore waters, learning techniques and soaking in the Lake Michigan scenery. It's a great way to introduce kids to fishing or challenge yourself to land a trophy fish. Remember, anglers 16 and up need a valid fishing license. With a full day on the water, you're in for a real Lake Michigan fishing experience that'll have you swapping fish tales long after you dock.

Family Fishing on Lake Michigan | Kingfisher Charters

Big Lake, Big Catches

One big lake trout caught while fishing in MI

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Fishing trip with 5 people at location 60096

Best Charter Fishing in Lake Michigan

1 angler with a big 29-inch catch in location 60096

Caught this Massive Lake Trout in Lake Michigan

Salmon Run 2021, Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan Family Fishing Adventure

Get ready for an unforgettable day on the water with Kingfisher Charters' Lake Michigan Family Fishing Charter. Leaving from Waukegan, Illinois, this 6-hour private trip is perfect for families and small groups looking to reel in some of the Great Lakes' most prized catches. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, Captain Mark Mathieu's got you covered with all the gear and know-how to make your day on Lake Michigan a success.

What to Expect on the Water

As you cruise out of Waukegan Harbor, Captain Mark will get you set up with top-notch rods, reels, and tackle – all included in your trip. No need to lug your own gear or worry about having the right stuff. The boat's got plenty of room for up to six people, so bring the whole family or a group of friends. You'll spend the day trolling both inshore and offshore hotspots, targeting a mix of salmon and trout that'll keep your rods bent and your cooler full. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day. And heads up – if you're 16 or older, you'll need a valid Illinois fishing license, so make sure to grab one before you head out.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

On this trip, you'll mainly be trolling – that's when you drag lures or bait behind the boat as you cruise along. It's a great technique for covering lots of water and finding where the fish are biting. Captain Mark's got his boat rigged up with downriggers and planer boards to get your lines right where the fish are hanging out. He'll set you up with a mix of spoons, flashers, and flies – all the stuff Lake Michigan salmon and trout can't resist. If you're new to this kind of fishing, don't sweat it. The captain will walk you through everything, from setting the lines to reeling in the big one when it hits. And for you more experienced anglers, feel free to chat with the captain about trying out different techniques or targeting specific species.

Top Catches This Season

Lake Michigan's got a killer lineup of gamefish, and on this trip, you've got a shot at hooking into some real beauties. Here's what's been biting:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are known for their acrobatic fights and tasty fillets. Averaging 3-5 pounds, with some pushing 10+ pounds, Cohos are often the first salmon to start biting in the spring. They're a blast to catch on light tackle and make for some awesome fish tacos.

Chinook Salmon: Also called King Salmon, these are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. A 20-pounder isn't uncommon, and they can top 30 pounds in the fall when they're fattened up for spawning. Hooking into one of these bruisers will test your arms and your drag system – get ready for some serious pull!

Steelhead Trout: These high-flying rainbows are like aquatic acrobats. Known for their spectacular leaps and long runs, a hooked steelhead will have your heart racing. They average 5-10 pounds but can get much bigger. Spring and fall are prime time for these silvery fighters.

Brown Trout: Wily and hard-fighting, brown trout are often caught closer to shore. They love cooler water, so early spring and late fall are great times to target these spotted beauties. A 10-pounder is considered a trophy, but they can grow even larger in Lake Michigan.

Lake Trout: These deep-water denizens are the native heavyweights of the Great Lakes. They're often caught in deeper water using downriggers. While they might not jump like their cousins, lakers put up a stubborn fight and can reach impressive sizes – 20-pounders aren't uncommon, and much larger fish are possible.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Fishing Lake Michigan out of Waukegan is something special. You've got the skyline of Chicago off in the distance, but out here, it's all about the water and the fish. The lake can change moods quickly – one minute it's flat calm, the next you're in a good chop. That's part of the adventure. And the fishing – man, when it's on, it's on. There's nothing like the screaming run of a big king salmon or the acrobatics of a leaping steelhead to get your blood pumping. Plus, you're making memories with family or friends that'll last a lifetime. Whether it's your kid's first fish or grandpa finally landing that 30-pound king he's been after for years, these are the moments that keep folks coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a top-notch family fishing experience on Lake Michigan, Kingfisher Charters has got you covered. With all gear provided, expert guidance from Captain Mark, and the chance to tangle with some serious Great Lakes gamefish, this trip checks all the boxes. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons. So don't wait – grab your crew, pack some snacks, and get ready for an awesome day on the big lake. Book your Lake Michigan Family Fishing Charter from Waukegan now and start dreaming about that cooler full of fresh fish you'll be bringing home. Tight lines!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the crafty veterans of Lake Michigan. These fish average 2-5 pounds but can reach over 20. Look for browns in shallow, rocky areas, especially near shore in spring and fall. They're ambush predators, so structure is key. Browns are known for their wariness and selective feeding, making them a challenge for skilled anglers. Early mornings and evenings are prime times, as browns often hunt in low light. Try trolling or casting with minnow-imitating lures close to shore. For fly anglers, streamers that mimic baitfish can be deadly. Browns offer excellent table fare with a mild, nutty flavor. A local secret: after a storm, fish the mouths of streams where runoff carries food into the lake - browns will be there waiting.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with 15-20 pounders common. Kings prefer cold, deep water, so look for them 50-100 feet down during summer. They move shallower in spring and fall as they prepare to spawn. Chinooks are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. Trolling with downriggers is the go-to method, using large spoons, plugs, or cut bait. Dawn and dusk are prime times, as kings are light-sensitive. These fish offer some of the best eating on the lake, with rich, flavorful meat. For a local edge, try using glow-in-the-dark lures during low light conditions - kings can't resist them.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are a favorite target on Lake Michigan. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, though trophy fish over 30 pounds have been caught. Look for cohos in the cooler, deeper waters during summer, often suspending at 30-60 feet. They move shallower in spring and fall as water temperatures cool. Cohos are aggressive and will strike a variety of lures, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels. Their orange-red meat is prized for its rich flavor. To boost your odds, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait rigs early in the morning or on overcast days when cohos are most active. Keep your presentation in the upper half of the water column, as these fish tend to feed up.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true natives of Lake Michigan. These deep-water dwellers can live for decades, with some topping 40 pounds. Most catches run 5-15 pounds. Lakers prefer cold water, so look deep - often 100 feet or more during summer. They move shallower in spring and fall as surface temps cool. Known for their stamina, lake trout put up a steady, powerful fight. Jigging with heavy spoons or trolling with downriggers are effective tactics. Their oily, rich meat is excellent smoked. For a local edge, try fishing "mud lines" where clear and muddy water meet after storms - lake trout often hunt these edges for disoriented baitfish.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of Lake Michigan. These sea-run rainbow trout average 5-10 pounds but can top 20. They're known for their hard-fighting spirit and spectacular leaps when hooked. Look for steelhead in cooler nearshore waters, especially around river mouths and shoreline structures. Spring and fall offer peak fishing as steelhead move closer to shore. These fish are wary, so light line and stealthy presentations are key. Try drifting spawn sacs or small jigs tipped with waxworms under a float. For a real thrill, cast spoons or crankbaits from shore during their spring and fall runs. Steelhead flesh is prized for its delicate flavor and firm texture. A local tip: when trolling, vary your speeds to trigger strikes from following fish.

About the Viking Sportfish

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 270

Ready for some family fun on Lake Michigan? Join Captain Mark Mathieu for a 6-hour fishing adventure leaving from Waukegan, Illinois. This private charter is perfect for groups of up to 6, whether you're total beginners or seasoned anglers. You'll cruise both close to shore and farther out, trying to catch prized fish like Chinook and Coho salmon, Steelhead, and Brown and Lake trout. Don't worry about bringing gear - all the rods, reels, and tackle are provided. Just pack some snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy during the day. Remember, anyone 16 or older needs a valid fishing license. This trip gives newcomers a chance to learn the ropes while offering experienced fishers a shot at landing some impressive catches. It's a great way to spend quality time with family or friends out on the water. Book your spot now for a day of fishing, fun, and hopefully some big catches to brag about later!

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