Premium Lake Michigan Fishing | Kingfisher Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for some prime Lake Michigan fishing? Captain Mark Mathieu's got you covered with this 5-hour morning trip out of Waukegan Harbor. You'll be targeting the big ones - Chinook and Coho salmon, plus Steelhead, Brown trout, and Lake trout. Whether you're new to fishing or an old pro, the Captain's here to help you land that trophy catch. The boat's set up for six, so bring your crew and make a day of it. All the gear's provided, just pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. It's a great chance to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer. The action starts early, so come ready to cast those lines and reel 'em in. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your spot and get ready for a solid day of fishing on the big lake.

Premium 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

Reel in Lake Michigan's Finest with Kingfisher

Ready to chase some of the Great Lakes' most prized catches? Captain Mark Mathieu's got you covered with this 5-hour morning trip out of Waukegan Harbor. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a treat as we troll for salmon and trout on Lake Michigan's productive waters. With all the gear provided and room for six, it's the perfect way to spend a morning on the big lake. Just bring your favorite snacks, a can-do attitude, and get ready to make some waves!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll cast off bright and early from Waukegan Harbor, just a stone's throw north of Chicago. As we motor out onto Lake Michigan, you'll feel that unmistakable excitement in the air - fish are waiting! Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have us set up on some prime fishing spots in no time. We'll be trolling for a mixed bag of salmon and trout, so be ready for some serious action when those downriggers start popping. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing - the captain's got plenty of tips and tricks up his sleeve to help you land the big one.

Trolling 101: The Lake Michigan Way

If you've never tried trolling before, you're in for a treat. We'll be using downriggers to get our lures down to where the fish are hanging out. Picture this: multiple lines trailing behind the boat, with flashy spoons and plugs that mimic baitfish. When a fish strikes, it's like a mini explosion - the line pops free from the downrigger, the rod bends, and it's game on! We'll be using top-notch gear, including some of the captain's favorite rod and reel combos that are perfect for handling Lake Michigan's hard-fighting fish. And the best part? You don't need to bring a thing. All the tackle, bait, and know-how are provided, so you can focus on the thrill of the catch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these bruisers are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. Chinooks can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, and they fight like nobody's business. Spring through fall is prime time for Kings, with the action really heating up in late summer as they start their spawning run. When a big Chinook hits, hold on tight - you're in for the fight of your life!

Coho Salmon: The speedsters of the salmon world, Cohos might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and acrobatics. These silver bullets are known for their hard runs and spectacular jumps. Spring is often the best time to target Cohos, but you can find them throughout the summer too. They're excellent eating and a blast to catch.

Steelhead Trout: Rainbow trout on steroids, that's what steelhead are. These lake-run rainbows are prized for their hard fights and tasty fillets. They can be caught year-round in Lake Michigan, but spring and fall often see the best action. When a steelhead takes to the air, it's a sight you won't soon forget.

Brown Trout: The bullies of the trout world, brown trout in Lake Michigan can grow to impressive sizes. They're known for their powerful runs and tendency to dive deep when hooked. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for browns, but don't be surprised if we hook into one any time of year. They're wary and can be a challenge to catch, making them a true trophy.

Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of the Great Lakes, lake trout (or "lakers" as we call them) are the marathon runners of the fish world. They fight deep and hard, often testing both angler and equipment. While they can be caught year-round, summer months when the lake stratifies often produce the best action. Landing a big laker is always cause for celebration!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Lake Michigan out of Waukegan Harbor. Maybe it's the anticipation as we clear the breakwall and hit the open lake. Or the way the sun paints the Chicago skyline as we troll south. But let's be honest - it's mostly about the fish. The diversity of species we target means every trip is different. One day you might be battling a bruiser King salmon, the next you could be finessing a crafty brown trout. And with Captain Mark's years of experience, you're always in good hands. He knows where the fish are holding and what they're biting on, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fillets and a phone full of fish pics.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching to get out on Lake Michigan and tangle with some world-class salmon and trout, this is your chance. Captain Mark's 5-hour trip is the perfect mix of instruction and action, whether you're a first-timer or a lake veteran. With all gear provided and space for up to six anglers, it's an ideal outing for families, friends, or even a solo adventure. Just remember to bring some snacks and your favorite drinks to keep you fueled up for the fight. And while those deposits are non-refundable, trust me - once you're out there feeling that first hit on the line, you'll know it was worth every penny. So what are you waiting for? The fish are calling, and Kingfisher Charters has your ticket to Lake Michigan's finest. Book your spot today and get ready for a morning you won't forget!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Michigan are a bit different from their stream-dwelling cousins. These lake-run browns average 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+. They're most active in cooler water, so spring and fall are prime seasons. You'll often find them cruising near shore, especially around rocky points or pier heads. Browns are known for their wariness and hard fights. They're not as acrobatic as steelhead but make powerful runs. Trolling with stick baits or spoons is effective, but casting near shore can be exciting too. My go-to trick is using glow lures in low light conditions - browns seem to zero in on them. The meat is delicious, with a rich, almost nutty flavor. Landing a big brown trout is always a highlight of any trip.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or King salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These brutes can top 30 pounds, though 15-25 is more common. They're known for their hard-fighting ability and tasty, rich meat. Kings prefer cool, deep water, so we often target them with downriggers in summer. As fall approaches, they move shallower to spawn, offering great action closer to shore. Early mornings and overcast days are prime times. These fish hit hard and make powerful runs, so be ready for a battle. A local tip: large flashers with cut bait or whole alewives can be deadly for big kings. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a Chinook peeling line off your reel - it's an experience you won't forget.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are a popular target on Lake Michigan, typically weighing 8-12 pounds and stretching 24-30 inches. These acrobatic fighters put on quite a show when hooked. You'll find them in cooler, deeper waters during summer, often near structure or drop-offs. Fall is prime time as they move closer to shore to spawn. Cohos are known for their bright orange meat and excellent table fare. When trolling for them, I like to run flashy spoons or plugs at varying depths - these fish can be anywhere in the water column. A local tip: keep an eye out for jumping fish, then troll through that area. Cohos often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native giants of Lake Michigan, often weighing 10-20 pounds with some topping 30. These deep-water specialists prefer cold, well-oxygenated water, so we usually target them near the bottom in 80-200 feet. They're most active in spring and fall when the water's cooler. Lakers are known for their hard-fighting ability, making powerful runs once hooked. Jigging is a favorite method - it's a blast feeling that thump when a big one hits. I like to use large paddle-tail soft plastics or blade baits. A local tip: try scenting your lures with anise oil, lakers seem to love it. The meat is rich and flavorful, especially when smoked. Landing a big lake trout is always a memorable experience.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are essentially ocean-going rainbow trout, and they're a prized catch on Lake Michigan. These powerful fish average 5-12 pounds but can push 20+. You'll find them cruising the cooler waters, often suspended over deep basins or near shore in spring and fall. Steelhead put up an incredible fight, making long runs and acrobatic leaps. They're most active in low-light conditions, so early mornings are prime. Trolling with flashers and flies is a go-to method, but casting spoons near shore can be effective too. My favorite local trick is to use orange or chartreuse lures - steelhead seem to key in on those colors here. The meat is delicious, with a milder flavor than salmon. Catching one of these silver bullets will definitely get your heart racing.

About the Viking Sportfish

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 270

Ready to reel in some Lake Michigan monsters? Hop aboard Captain Mark Mathieu's fishing boat for a 5-hour morning adventure launching from Waukegan Harbor. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, you'll have a chance to land impressive catches like Chinook and Coho salmon, steelhead, and both brown and lake trout. The captain provides all the gear and know-how, so you just need to bring your excitement and maybe some snacks to keep you fueled. With room for up to six guests, it's perfect for a group outing or making new fishing buddies. Don't miss this opportunity to experience some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer, right in Chicago's backyard. Book your spot and get ready for a memorable day on the water!

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