Inshore Lake Michigan Fishing | 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 private fishing charter on Lake Michigan, launching from Waukegan, Illinois. This trip is perfect for groups of up to six, whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing. You'll be targeting some of the lake's most prized catches - Chinook and Coho salmon, Steelhead, Brown trout, and Lake trout. All the fishing gear and tackle you need is provided, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones. Remember to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up out on the water. If you're 16 or older, don't forget your fishing license. While the deposit is non-refundable, the memories you'll make are priceless. It's a great way to spend a day on the water, whether you're looking to land a trophy fish or just enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Michigan's inshore waters.

Inshore Lake Michigan Fishing | Kingfisher Charters

Reels and Keels

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 to reel in some of Lake Michigan's prized catches? Hop aboard Kingfisher Charters for a 6-hour private fishing adventure that'll have you chasing salmon and trout just off the shores of Waukegan, Illinois. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Mark Mathieu's got you covered with all the gear and know-how to put you on the fish. With room for up to six of your fishing buddies, it's the perfect way to spend a day on the water targeting some of the Great Lakes' most sought-after species.

What to Expect on the Water

As you cruise out of Waukegan Harbor, the skyline fades and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan opens up before you. Captain Mark's years of experience mean you're in for a day of prime fishing spots and insider techniques. You'll be trolling the inshore waters, where the action can be hot and heavy when the fish are biting. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, so all you need to focus on is the thrill of the catch. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks – nothing works up an appetite like reeling in a big one! And hey, make sure you've got your fishing license sorted if you're 16 or older. The DNR doesn't mess around, and neither do we when it comes to following regulations.

Trolling Tactics 101

If you're new to Great Lakes fishing, you're in for a treat. We'll be using a technique called trolling, which is like the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing. Picture this: multiple lines in the water, each set at different depths with various lures. As we cruise along at a steady clip, these baits mimic injured baitfish, triggering the predatory instincts of salmon and trout. It's a game of patience and sudden excitement. One minute you're enjoying the lake breeze, the next you're scrambling to grab a rod as the reel starts screaming. Captain Mark will show you the ropes, from setting lines to reading the fish finder. By the end of the day, you'll be talking about downriggers and dipsy divers like a pro.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Michigan's waters are teeming with some of the most prized game fish in the Great Lakes. Let's break down the big five you'll be targeting:

Chinook Salmon: Known as "King Salmon" for a reason, these brutes can tip the scales at over 30 pounds. They're the heavyweights of the lake, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. Spring and fall are prime time for Kings, but summer can produce some monsters too. When a Chinook hits, hold on tight – it's going to be a wild ride!

Coho Salmon: The smaller cousins of the Chinook, Cohos make up for their size with their feisty attitude. These silver bullets are often the first to start biting in spring and can provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. Averaging 3-8 pounds, they're perfect for both sport and the dinner table.

Steelhead Trout: Rainbow trout on steroids, steelhead are the athletes of the bunch. Known for their spectacular aerial displays, hooking into one of these chrome-bright beauties is like hitting the jackpot. They're around all year, but spring and fall see some of the best action as they follow baitfish near shore.

Brown Trout: The crafty ones of the bunch, brown trout are often caught closer to shore. They're known for their spotted beauty and hard-fighting nature. Early spring and late fall are prime times to target these guys, especially when the water's cooler and they're feeding aggressively.

Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, "lakers" are the deep-water denizens that can live for decades. They're not the fastest, but they're powerful and can really test your arms on the way up from the depths. Summer is often the best time to target these big boys, when they're hanging out in the cooler, deeper waters.

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 rush of battling a chrome-bright Steelhead as it tailwalks across the surface. Or the satisfaction of bringing a limit of tasty Coho salmon back to the dock. For many, it's the chance to land that trophy Chinook – the fish of a lifetime. But beyond the fish, it's about the experience. The camaraderie of sharing a boat with friends or family, swapping stories, and creating new ones. It's about disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with nature, even if just for a day. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like that moment when a rod doubles over and someone yells "Fish on!" – it never gets old.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, are you ready to get in on the action? Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some of the tastiest fish Lake Michigan has to offer, or you're after that trophy catch to brag about, this trip's got you covered. Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand and is all about making sure you have a blast while staying safe on the big lake. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons. And since deposits are non-refundable, you'll want to check your calendar and lock in your date. Grab your fishing buddies, pack your sense of adventure (and maybe some motion sickness tablets if you're new to boating), and get ready for a day you won't forget on the waters of Lake Michigan. The fish are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Michigan are a mix of brains and brawn. These cunning predators average 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+. They're often found near shore, especially around rocky areas and creek mouths. Browns are most active in cooler months, with spring and fall offering prime fishing. Anglers love targeting them for their challenging nature and delicious, orange flesh. To up your odds, try trolling or casting with minnow-imitating lures close to structure. A local tip: browns often feed actively at night, so don't be afraid to fish after dark. These fish can be finicky, but outsmarting a big brown is incredibly rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, hooking into one of these spotted beauties is always exciting.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with 15-25 pounders common. They're found in deeper, cooler waters during summer, moving closer to shore in fall as they prepare to spawn. Kings are prized for their powerful fights and rich, flavorful meat. The best fishing is often early morning or evening when they're most active. To target these big boys, try trolling with large spoons or plugs that imitate baitfish. A local secret: use downriggers to get your lures deep, where the kings like to hang out. Keep in mind, these fish can be moody. Some days they'll hit anything; others, they're lockjawed. But when you hook into a big king, hold on tight – you're in for the fight of your life.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are a favorite target in Lake Michigan, typically running 8-12 pounds. These acrobatic fighters put on quite a show when hooked. You'll find them in cooler, deeper waters during summer, moving shallower in fall as they prepare to run up rivers to spawn. Cohos have a reputation for hitting lures aggressively, making for exciting action. Their orange-red meat is prized for its rich flavor. For the best shot at landing one, try trolling with flashy spoons or plugs early in the morning. A local trick is to use smaller lures than you might for kings - cohos can be finicky eaters. Keep an eye on your sonar, as they often school up. Once you find them, you're in for some fast-paced fishing and potentially some delicious meals.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native giants of Lake Michigan, often topping 20 pounds with some monsters pushing 40. These deep-water dwellers prefer cold, well-oxygenated areas, typically hanging out near the bottom. Summer finds them in deeper water, while spring and fall can bring them closer to shore. Lakers are prized for their size, fight, and rich, oily flesh that's perfect for smoking. To target these big boys, try jigging or trolling with large spoons or cut bait near underwater humps and drop-offs. A local trick: use your electronics to find schools of baitfish – lakers are often nearby. While they might not jump like other trout, hooking into a big lake trout can feel like you've snagged a submarine. It's a true test of angling skill and gear.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of Lake Michigan. These sea-run rainbows average 5-12 pounds but can top 20. They're known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs when hooked. Look for them near shore in spring and fall, and in deeper, cooler water during summer. Steelhead fishing really heats up in fall as they stage for their spawning runs. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and tasty, pink flesh. To boost your chances, try suspending bait under a float or trolling with small spoons. A local tip: on sunny days, go deep and use lures with lots of flash. These fish have keen eyesight and will chase down a lure from a distance. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, hooking into a steelhead is always a thrill.

About the Viking Sportfish

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 270

Captain Mark Mathieu's fishing charter offers a fun day out on Lake Michigan for up to six guests. You'll set off from Waukegan, Illinois for a 6-hour trip focused on reeling in salmon and trout species. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, the captain provides all the gear you'll need to have a great time on the water. Pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up as you try for Chinook and Coho salmon, Steelhead, Brown trout, and Lake trout. Just remember to grab a valid fishing license if you're 16 or older. While the deposit is non-refundable, booking this private charter ensures you'll have the boat to yourselves for a rewarding day of fishing. It's a perfect way to enjoy Lake Michigan's beauty and hopefully catch some impressive fish to show for it.

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