Inshore Lake Michigan Fishing | Kingfisher Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$800 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action on Lake Michigan? Join Kingfisher Charters for a 6-hour private trip out of Waukegan, IL. We'll be targeting the big game of these waters - king and coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, and lake trout. Our inshore fishing spots are prime territory for hooking into some real trophies. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we'll make sure you're in on the non-stop action. The fight these fish put up is something else! We can take up to 6 guests, so bring your crew along. Pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the big ones. Remember, anyone 16 or older needs a fishing license. The deposit's non-refundable, but trust us, this day on the water is going to be worth every penny. Let's get out there and see what's biting!

Inshore Lake Michigan Fishing | Kingfisher Charters

Lake Michigan's Finest 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's Salmon & Trout Bonanza

Ready for some serious fishing action on Lake Michigan? Kingfisher Charters has you covered with our 6-hour private inshore fishing trip out of Waukegan. We're talking non-stop rod-bending action as we chase after the lake's prized catches: king salmon, coho, steelhead, brown trout, and lakers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise the productive nearshore waters, putting you right where the fish are biting. Bring your A-game and your favorite snacks – you'll need the energy to battle these hard-fighting fish!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from Waukegan Harbor, the excitement builds. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have lines in the water before you can say "Fish on!" We'll be targeting the inshore areas where big schools of baitfish attract hungry predators. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, and we'll be using a mix of techniques to entice strikes. Expect a mix of downrigger fishing, dipsy divers, and maybe even some copper line setups if conditions are right. Keep your eyes peeled for diving birds or surface activity – it could mean a feeding frenzy is happening nearby!

Trolling Tactics & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we'll primarily be trolling – a method that lets us cover lots of water and find actively feeding fish. We'll set multiple lines at different depths, using a combination of spoons, plugs, and cut bait to tempt those finicky Lake Michigan gamefish. Our downriggers let us precisely control our presentation depth, while dipsy divers help get our lures down and away from the boat. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; the crew will walk you through everything. We provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need. Just remember to grab that fishing license before you come aboard – it's required for anyone 16 and up.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Salmon (Chinook): The heavyweight champ of Lake Michigan, king salmon can tip the scales at over 30 pounds! These bruisers are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They start showing up in good numbers by early summer, with peak action usually in August and September. Hook into one of these and you're in for the fight of your life!

Coho Salmon: While not as big as their Chinook cousins, what coho lack in size they make up for in numbers and aggression. These "silver bullets" are often found in big schools and can provide fast action when you find them. They average 3-8 pounds but can reach the mid-teens. Coho start running in spring and provide great action through fall.

Steelhead: Lake Michigan's steelhead are essentially rainbow trout that have adapted to life in the big lake. They're prized for their hard fights and tasty flesh. Steelhead can be caught year-round, but spring and fall often see the best action as they stage near river mouths. Expect fish in the 5-10 pound range, with some monsters pushing 20+.

Brown Trout: These spotted beauties are a favorite among Lake Michigan anglers. They tend to stay in shallower, cooler water and can often be caught close to shore. Spring and fall are prime time for browns, but they can be caught year-round. Most fish run 2-10 pounds, but trophy fish over 20 pounds are possible.

Lake Trout: The native top predator of Lake Michigan, "lakers" are making a strong comeback. These deep-water fish put up a dogged fight and can grow to impressive sizes. We often target them in slightly deeper water using heavy jigs or downriggers. The biggest fish tend to be caught in cooler months, but summer can still produce good numbers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Lake Michigan that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a chrome-bright king salmon as it tries to spool your reel. Or perhaps it's the stunning views of the shoreline as you troll along, watching the sun climb over the horizon. For many, it's the camaraderie of sharing a boat with friends or family, swapping stories and friendly trash talk as you wait for the next hit. Whatever your reason, a day on the big lake is always time well spent. And with our experienced crew handling the technical stuff, you can focus on what matters most – having a blast and hopefully landing some trophy fish!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Lake Michigan and tangle with some world-class salmon and trout, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 6-hour private charters are perfect for groups of up to six anglers, whether you're planning a family outing, a corporate team-building day, or just a fishing adventure with your buddies. Remember, the best dates tend to fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season. Don't forget to grab your fishing license before the big day, and feel free to bring along your favorite snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up for all the action. Ready to make some lasting memories on the water? Give Kingfisher Charters a call and let's get your Lake Michigan fishing adventure on the calendar!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the crafty characters of Lake Michigan. These European transplants average 2-5 pounds but can reach the teens. Look for them near shore around rocky structure and weed beds. Spring and fall offer peak action as water temperatures are ideal. Browns are known for their beautiful spotted patterns and selective feeding habits. Their firm, orange flesh is excellent on the grill. To fool a brown, try slowly trolling or casting minnow-imitating lures. A local secret is to fish cloudy days or low light conditions when browns feed more aggressively. The challenge of outsmarting these clever trout makes landing one especially rewarding.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or "kings," are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These brutes commonly run 15-25 pounds but can exceed 40. They prefer colder, deeper water but come shallow to feed. Late summer into fall is prime time as they stage for spawning. Kings are prized for their hard-fighting ability and rich, flavorful meat. To target them, we often downrig with flashers and flies or large spoons. Here's an insider tip: kings often hit baits positioned right in their face, so precise depth control is key. When a big king slams your offering and peels off 100 yards of line, you'll see why they're considered the ultimate Great Lakes trophy.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are a blast to catch here on Lake Michigan. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show when hooked. We find them in cooler waters, often suspended 20-40 feet down. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they follow baitfish near shore. Cohos are prized for their bright orange meat and excellent table fare. To entice a bite, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut plug herring. A local trick is to vary your trolling speed - sometimes a sudden acceleration triggers strikes from following fish. The satisfaction of battling a leaping coho all the way to the net keeps anglers coming back for more.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true natives of Lake Michigan. These deep-water dwellers commonly run 5-15 pounds but can top 40. You'll find them suspended over deep basins or hugging underwater structure. Summer offers consistent action, but spring and fall can be dynamite as they move shallower. Lakers are prized for their firm, rich meat that's perfect for smoking. To connect, we often jig or troll deep with large spoons or cut bait. Here's a pro tip: lakers have soft mouths, so set the hook gently and keep steady pressure. The arm-wrenching fight of a big lake trout from the depths is an experience you won't soon forget.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of Lake Michigan. These sea-run rainbows average 5-10 pounds but can top 20. Look for them in cooler near-shore waters, especially around creek mouths and drop-offs. Fall through spring offers the best action as they stage for spawning runs. Steelhead are famous for their hard-fighting spirit and spectacular jumps. Their delicate pink flesh is a favorite for smoking too. To hook up, try suspending spawn sacs under a float or trolling bright spoons. Here's a tip: on sunny days, use metallic finishes to create more flash. There's nothing quite like the scream of the reel when a chrome missile steelhead hits your bait.

About the Viking Sportfish

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 270

Step aboard our comfortable fishing vessel for an action-packed day on Lake Michigan. We'll cruise out from Waukegan, IL, and spend 6 hours exploring the inshore waters in search of prized catches. With room for up to 6 guests, you can bring along family or friends to share in the excitement. We'll be targeting a variety of species including king and coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, and lake trout. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, our knowledgeable crew will ensure you have the best chance at landing some impressive fish. Take in the fresh air and scenic views of the lake as you wait for that next big bite. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day. Remember, all anglers 16 and older need a valid fishing license. Get ready for a fantastic day of fishing and fun on the water!

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