Lake Michigan Fishing Trip | Kingfisher Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$800 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Looking for a fantastic afternoon of fishing on Lake Michigan? Join Captain Mark for a 5-hour private trip leaving from Waukegan Harbor, just north of Chicago. You'll be targeting a variety of fish including king and coho salmon, steelhead, and brown and lake trout. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels – whether you're an experienced fisher or trying it for the first time. Captain Mark knows these waters well and will put you on the fish. The boat has room for up to 6 people, so bring along family or friends. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks for the day. You'll be using top-notch gear and learning techniques to improve your chances of landing the big one. The fishing action on Lake Michigan can be outstanding, especially as you troll the deeper waters offshore. Keep an eye out for the Chicago skyline in the distance as you enjoy your day on the water. Remember that deposits are non-refundable when you book. Get ready for a great day of fishing on the big lake!

Lake Michigan Fishing Trip | Kingfisher Charters

Big Lake, Big Fish

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 Ultimate Fishing Adventure

Get ready to wet your lines on Lake Michigan's legendary waters! This 5-hour private charter with Kingfisher Charters is your ticket to some of the best fishing action near Chicago. Leaving from Waukegan Harbor, you'll be right in the thick of prime salmon and trout territory. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Mark knows all the honey holes where the big ones are biting. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's the perfect trip for family, friends, or even a team-building day on the water. Just don't forget to bring your favorite snacks and drinks – the fish aren't the only ones who'll be working up an appetite out there!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Captain Mark's years of experience mean you're in for a real treat. He'll get you set up with top-notch gear and share some local knowledge that'll have you reeling 'em in like a pro in no time. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from downriggers to fish finders, so all you have to do is focus on the thrill of the catch. And let me tell you, when that rod bends and the reel starts screaming, it's a rush like no other. You'll be targeting a mix of salmon and trout species, each with its own fighting style that'll keep you on your toes. Just remember, the lake can be unpredictable, so come prepared for a bit of everything – from calm seas to a good chop that'll really get your blood pumping.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

On this trip, you'll get to try your hand at some serious Great Lakes fishing techniques. Trolling is the name of the game here, and Captain Mark's got it down to a science. You'll be using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover all depths where the fish are hiding. Don't worry if those terms sound like Greek to you – the captain will walk you through everything. You might start off with some shallow runs for brown trout, then drop those downriggers deep for the lake trout lurking in the cooler waters. As for bait, be ready to switch it up between spoons, flies, and cut bait to see what's working best on the day. The real magic happens when you find that perfect combo of speed, depth, and lure – that's when the action really heats up!

Top Catches This Season

Lake Michigan's been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some real beauties. The king salmon have been running big, with some lucky fishers landing 20-pounders that'll make your arms ache. Coho salmon numbers have been strong too, and they've been hitting lures hard. The lake trout have been hanging deep but are well worth the extra effort – nothing beats the fight of a big laker when it decides it doesn't want to come to the boat. And let's not forget the steelhead – these high-flying acrobats have been putting on quite a show, with some real chrome-bright beauties in the mix. Every trip's different, but one thing's for sure – you're in for some world-class fishing action on Lake Michigan.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Salmon (Chinook): The heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan, these bruisers can top 30 pounds. They're known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. Spring and fall are prime times, but summer can be hot too. When a king hits, hold on tight – they've been known to snap rods and strip reels! Anglers love 'em for their size, fight, and tasty fillets.

Coho Salmon: Often called "silver salmon," these speedsters are the acrobats of the lake. They're smaller than kings but make up for it with their wild, top-water jumps. Spring and early summer are best for cohos. They travel in schools, so when you find one, get ready for non-stop action. Their bright orange meat is a favorite for the grill.

Steelhead Trout: Rainbow trout on steroids, these fish are prized for their spectacular fights. They'll leap clear out of the water multiple times, testing your skills and your tackle. They can be caught year-round but really turn on in spring and fall. Steelhead are the marathoners of the lake – hook one, and you're in for a long, thrilling battle.

Brown Trout: The bullies of the nearshore waters, brown trout are ambush predators that hit hard and fight dirty. They love cooler water, so spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch them all year. Browns are notorious for their last-minute surges at the boat, so stay on your toes! Anglers prize them for their beautiful spotted patterns and tasty, pink flesh.

Lake Trout: The true natives of Lake Michigan, these deep-water dwellers can live for decades and grow to massive sizes. They're typically caught in deeper, cooler waters and put up a stubborn, powerful fight. Summer and early fall are great for lakers. While they might not jump like other species, their sheer strength will give you a workout. Their rich, oily meat is perfect for smoking.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let's be real – once you've experienced Lake Michigan fishing, you're hooked for life. It's not just about the fish (though they're pretty awesome). It's about that moment when the sun's coming up over the lake, and you're sipping your morning coffee, knowing adventure awaits. It's the camaraderie of sharing fish stories and friendly competition with your buddies. And there's nothing quite like the pride of bringing home a cooler full of fresh fillets for a family fish fry. Plus, with Captain Mark at the helm, you're not just catching fish – you're learning tips and tricks that'll up your game on every future trip. Whether you're looking to beat your personal best or just enjoy a day on the water, this Lake Michigan charter delivers the goods time and time again.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks – if you're not itching to get out on Lake Michigan by now, check your pulse! This 5-hour afternoon trip with Kingfisher Charters is the real deal. You've got a top-notch captain, prime fishing grounds, and some of the best sport fish in the Great Lakes just waiting to test your skills. Whether you're dreaming of battling a monster king salmon or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, this trip's got you covered. Remember, the best days fill up fast, especially during peak season. So don't wait – grab your spot now and get ready for a Lake Michigan fishing adventure you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's get you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are a favorite target in Lake Michigan, known for their wariness and hard fights. These golden-brown beauties typically run 2-10 pounds here. We often find them in shallower water near shore, especially around structure like rocks or sunken timber. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temperatures are cooler. Browns are prized for their challenging nature - they're not easy to fool. Their taste is also top-notch, with a rich, mild flavor. When targeting browns, I like to troll slowly with minnow-imitating lures or small spoons. A useful tip is to fish early or late in the day when they're more active. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to match wits with a smart fish, brown trout offer an exciting challenge.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the largest salmon in Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with most catches in the 10-20 pound range. They prefer cooler, deeper water, so we often target them with downriggers or deep-diving lures. Late summer into fall is prime time as they stage for spawning runs. Kings are prized for their hard-fighting nature - they'll test your gear and your arms. Their rich, red flesh also makes for excellent eating. When trolling for kings, I like to use large plugs or spoons in bright colors. A local trick is to add a flasher ahead of your lure to attract attention in deeper water. Landing a big king salmon is a true trophy experience - they're called kings for a reason!

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are a favorite target on Lake Michigan, known for their acrobatic fights and tasty meat. These silver-sided fish typically run 8-12 pounds, though trophy catches over 30 pounds are possible. We usually find them suspended in the water column, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. Fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning runs. Cohos hit hard and make spectacular leaps when hooked. To entice bites, I like trolling with bright-colored spoons or plugs. A local trick is to add scent to your lures - fish oils or anise extract can make a big difference some days. Whether you're after a limit for the grill or just want to tangle with a hard-fighting game fish, coho salmon are a blast to pursue.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, often weighing 10-20 pounds with some topping 30. These deep-water specialists are usually found near the bottom, especially around underwater structures or drop-offs. We target them year-round, but summer offers consistent action. Lakers are prized for their hard-pulling fights and rich, oily flesh that's great for smoking. To catch them, we often use downriggers or wire line to get lures deep. I like to jig with large soft plastics or spoons right on the bottom. A local trick is to use scented lures or add strips of belly meat to your hooks. Lake trout might not leap like other species, but their power and size make them a worthy opponent for any angler.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are essentially oceangoing rainbow trout, and they put up an amazing fight. In Lake Michigan, we typically catch them in the 5-15 pound range. These chrome-bright fish are usually found in the cooler upper layers of the water column. Spring and fall offer the best action as they move closer to shore. Steelhead are prized for their powerful runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're also excellent eating, with firm pink flesh. To target them, we often troll with spoons or stick baits near temperature breaks or current edges. A useful tip is to vary your trolling speeds - sometimes a quick burst will trigger strikes from following fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, battling a steelhead is an experience you won't forget.

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 a fun day out on Lake Michigan? Join Captain Mark as he takes you on a 5-hour fishing trip from Waukegan Harbor, just north of Chicago. This is your chance to catch some impressive fish like king salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, and different types of trout. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - Captain Mark knows all the best spots and techniques to help everyone have a great time. The boat has room for up to 6 people, so bring along your friends or family for a memorable afternoon on the water. Make sure to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the big ones. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, you're in for an exciting day of fishing on beautiful Lake Michigan. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious fish tales!

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