Lake Michigan Offshore Fishing | Kingfisher Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Looking to reel in some big fish on Lake Michigan? Join Captain Mark Mathieu for a 6-hour private charter off the shores of Waukegan, Illinois. This trip is perfect for groups of up to six, whether you're new to fishing or an old pro. You'll be targeting a variety of species, including Chinook and Coho salmon, Steelhead, Brown trout, and Lake trout. All the gear you need is provided, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and drinks if you'd like. Remember, anglers 16 and up need a valid fishing license. The boat departs from Waukegan, and you'll spend the day offshore, learning techniques and hopefully landing some impressive catches. It's a great way to experience Lake Michigan's fishing scene and potentially bring home dinner. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Get ready for a day of fishing, fun, and hopefully some impressive catches on the big lake.

Lake Michigan Offshore Fishing | Kingfisher Charters

Lake Michigan's Finest Catches

One big lake trout caught while fishing in MI

null

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 Offshore Fishing Hotspot

Ready to chase some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish? Captain Mark Mathieu's got you covered with this 6-hour private charter off Waukegan, Illinois. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a treat as we target the big five of Lake Michigan: Chinook and Coho salmon, Steelhead, Brown trout, and Lake trout. With all the gear provided and room for up to six of your crew, this is the perfect way to get out on the big water and put some serious fish in the cooler.

What to Expect on the Water

As we push off from Waukegan Harbor, you'll feel the excitement build. The skyline fades and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan opens up before us. Captain Mark's years of experience mean we're heading straight for the honey holes where the big ones lurk. You'll learn the ins and outs of Great Lakes fishing techniques, from setting up downriggers to reading fish finders. Don't worry if you're new to this - the crew's always happy to show you the ropes. And for you old salts, there's nothing like swapping fish tales while waiting for that next big strike.

Trolling Techniques & Tackle

On this trip, we're not messing around with light tackle. We're going after the heavyweights, so we bring out the big guns. We'll be trolling - the tried-and-true method for covering water and enticing those trophy fish to bite. Captain Mark's boat is rigged with top-notch downriggers, planer boards, and a variety of rods to give us the best shot at a mixed bag. We'll be using a mix of spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos, changing up our presentation based on what the fish are hitting. The captain's always tweaking depths and speeds to dial in the bite, so you can focus on being ready for that next rod to go off like a firecracker.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon, or "Kings" as we call 'em, are the bruisers of Lake Michigan. These powerhouses can top 30 pounds and will test your arms and your drag. They're most active in the cooler months, with peak season typically from July to September. When a King hits, hold on tight - these fish are known for blistering runs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Coho Salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. These silver bullets are often found in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for more action. Spring and early summer are prime time for Cohos, and they're a favorite for both their tasty fillets and acrobatic leaps.

Steelhead are the high-flyers of the lake. These rainbow trout on steroids are known for their aerial displays and long, screaming runs. They're available year-round but really shine in the spring and fall. Landing a chrome-bright steelhead is a memory that'll stick with you long after the trip's over.

Brown Trout are the sneaky fighters of the bunch. They might not jump like steelhead, but they'll use every trick in the book to shake the hook. These fish love cooler water, so early spring and late fall are your best bets. There's something special about the golden-brown flanks of a big Lake Michigan brownie.

Lake Trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These deep-water dwellers can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. They're a year-round target but really turn on during the colder months. Jigging for Lakers in 100+ feet of water is a unique experience that every angler should try at least once.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something magical about fishing Lake Michigan that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the chance at a personal best Chinook, or the thrill of a triple-header of Cohos. It could be the stunning sunrises over the water as we head out, or the camaraderie that builds when everyone's working together to put fish in the box. Whatever it is, Captain Mark's trips have a way of turning first-timers into regulars. The ever-changing conditions of the big lake mean no two trips are ever the same, and there's always a chance for that fish of a lifetime.

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 date. Remember, this is a private charter, so you and your group will have the boat all to yourselves. Bring along some snacks and drinks to keep the energy up - trust me, you'll need it when those rods start going off. Just don't forget your fishing license if you're 16 or older. The deposit's non-refundable, but consider it an investment in memories that'll last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Give Captain Mark a call and get ready for some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer. The big ones are out there - let's go get 'em!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Michigan are a bit different from their river cousins, often growing much larger in the big lake. You'll find browns averaging 5-10 pounds, with some topping 20. These golden-brown beauties prefer cooler water and are often found near shore or around structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temperatures are ideal. Browns are known for their wary nature and hard fights, making them a favorite for anglers seeking a challenge. Their taste is top-notch too. To target browns, try trolling with small spoons or crankbaits in 15-30 feet of water, especially near river mouths or rocky points. A local secret: night fishing with glow lures can be incredibly productive for big browns. When you hook one, be ready for powerful runs and sudden direction changes. Landing a big brown trout is always a memorable experience.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. Adult kings typically run 15-25 pounds but can exceed 30. These bruisers are found in deeper, cooler waters, often hanging near the thermocline. Late summer and early fall are prime as they stage for spawning runs. Anglers love targeting kings for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To hook into one, try trolling with downriggers, using large spoons or cut bait. Kings often hit aggressively but then dive deep, so be ready for a lengthy battle. A local tip: when kings are in shallower water, they respond well to glow lures in low light conditions. Keep your drag set properly - these powerhouses can easily snap light line. The fight of a big king salmon is something you won't soon forget, and the fillets make for some mighty fine eating.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are a favorite target on Lake Michigan, typically running 8-12 pounds but capable of hitting the mid-20s. These acrobatic fighters put on quite a show when hooked. Look for them in the top 30 feet of the water column, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as coohos migrate. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicious orange-red meat. To boost your odds, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait rigs early in the morning. When cohos are feeding aggressively, they'll hit just about anything that moves. Keep your drag set light - these silvery missiles love to make blistering runs and aerial leaps. Don't horse them in or you'll likely lose the fight. With some patience, you'll have a hard-fighting gamefish and tasty dinner in the cooler.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, often weighing 10-20 pounds with some monsters topping 40. These deep-water dwellers prefer cold temperatures, so you'll usually find them near the bottom in 60-120 feet of water. Summer is prime time when they're actively feeding. Lakers are prized for their fight and rich, oily meat that's great for smoking. To target them, try jigging with large spoons or trolling with downriggers. A local tip: use scented soft plastics to entice bites in deep water. When you hook a big laker, be patient - they often make several strong runs before coming to the boat. The key is steady pressure and a good net man. There's something special about bringing up one of these prehistoric-looking fish from the depths of Lake Michigan.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are basically supercharged rainbow trout, spending time in both fresh and saltwater. In Lake Michigan, they average 5-10 pounds but can top 20. These chrome rockets are known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Look for them near shore in spring and fall as they follow baitfish migrations. Cooler months are prime time, with many anglers targeting pre-spawn fish. Steelhead put up an incredible fight on light tackle, making them a favorite for sport anglers. Their meat is also prized for its rich flavor. To up your chances, try suspending bait under a float or trolling crankbaits in 30-60 feet of water. When you hook one, be ready for anything - steelhead are notorious for sudden direction changes and airborne escapes. Let them run to tire out, then work them in slowly. The reward is well worth the challenge these silver torpedoes provide.

About the Viking Sportfish

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 270

Jump aboard for a day of offshore fishing on the vast waters of Lake Michigan. Led by seasoned Captain Mark Mathieu, this 6-hour private charter departs from Waukegan, Illinois, offering a chance to reel in prized catches like Chinook and Coho salmon, along with various trout species. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, you'll find everything you need on board, from tackle to expert guidance. The boat comfortably fits up to six guests, making it perfect for a group outing or family adventure. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Remember, anglers 16 and up need a valid fishing license. With all the essentials covered, you can focus on the excitement of the catch and the beauty of Lake Michigan's open waters. Book your spot now for a memorable day of offshore fishing.

Sitemap