Expert-Led Lake Michigan Full-Day Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$550 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing on Lake Michigan? Join us from May to September for a private trip that's perfect for groups up to 6. We'll spend the morning trolling for big catches like Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Chinook Salmon. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the fishing equipment you'll need. Just bring your Lake Michigan fishing license and pack some food and drinks for the day. At $1000 for the whole boat, it's a great way to get out on the water with friends or family. Our experienced crew knows all the best spots, so you can focus on reeling in those fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying lake fishing for the first time, we'll make sure you have a great day out on Lake Michigan.

Expert-Led Lake Michigan Full-Day Fishing Trip

Big Lake, Bigger Catches

A lone lake trout, 17 inches, caught while fishing in MI

Pumped on this Lake Trout catch!

Smiling on this Lake Michigan charter!

Angler holds a large Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Manistee

Massive Chinook moment!

Solid Chinook haul!

Reel in the Big One: Lake Michigan Fishing

Ready for some serious rod-bending action on Lake Michigan? Our full-day private charter is your ticket to hooking into some of the Great Lakes' most prized catches. We're talking monster Lake Trout, acrobatic Steelhead, hard-fighting Browns, and the king himself – Chinook Salmon. From May 15th to September 15th, we'll put you right where the fish are biting. And with room for up to six anglers, you can bring the whole crew along for bragging rights.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting at the dock before the sun's up. That's when the big ones are most active, so we waste no time getting lines wet. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and we'll be trolling the hotspots all day long. Don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and all the tackle you need. Just remember to grab your Lake Michigan fishing license before you board. Oh, and pack a cooler with your favorite grub and drinks. Nothing works up an appetite like reeling in the big ones!

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 – basically, we're dragging lures behind the boat as we cruise along. It's like laying out an irresistible buffet for the fish. We'll have multiple lines out, set at different depths to cover the whole water column. When a fish strikes, it's all hands on deck! You'll feel that rod bend, and trust me, when a 20-pound Chinook hits, you'll know it. Our crew will be right there to coach you through the fight and help you land that trophy.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Captain Jeff was very knowledgeable about where the fish were and what they were hitting on. I would definitely go back to Brown Bear Sport Fishing. Thank you Captain Jeff." - Sharon

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Trout: These deep-water bruisers are the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing. They love the cold, so we often find them hugging the bottom in 50-100 feet of water. Lake Trout can grow over 30 pounds, and they put up one heck of a fight. They're at their peak in early summer, but you can catch them all season long.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): The acrobats of the lake, Steelhead will give you a show when hooked. These chrome-bright beauties are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. We target them near the surface, often in cooler water. Spring and fall are prime Steelhead seasons, but summer can produce some monsters too.

Brown Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your average river trout. Lake Michigan Browns can top 20 pounds, and they're known for their aggressive strikes and bulldog fighting style. We often find them prowling the shallows in spring and fall, but they'll move deeper as the water warms up.

Chinook Salmon: The king of the Great Lakes, Chinooks (or King Salmon) are the trophy every angler dreams of. These beasts can top 30 pounds, and when they decide to run, hold on tight! Late summer and early fall is prime time for Kings, as they start their spawning run. Landing one of these giants is a memory you'll never forget.

Coho Salmon: The smaller cousins of the Chinook, Cohos make up for their size with their feisty attitude. These silver bullets are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. We usually target them in the spring and early summer, often finding them in the upper part of the water column.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the thrill of Lake Michigan fishing, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our full-day charter is the perfect way to get in on the action. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the passion to make your day on the water unforgettable. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, pack that cooler, and let's go chase some Lake Michigan giants. The fish are out there – all that's missing is you!

Customer Review

Fish Whisperer Jeff

Captain Jeff was very knowledgeable about where the fish were and what they were hitting on. I would definitely go back to Brown Bear Sport Fishing. Thank you Captain Jeff.

Sharon Hopko

June 6, 2019

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the clever fighters of Lake Michigan. Typically 2-10 pounds, with some pushing 20, these bronze beauties are known for their wary nature and hard strikes. You'll often find them prowling nearshore structure or hanging around river mouths. Spring and fall offer great action as water temps are ideal. Browns are prized for their spirited fights and tasty, pink flesh. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these cautious feeders. To improve your chances, try trolling or casting crankbaits that mimic local baitfish. Here's a tip: browns often feed more actively in low light, so early mornings or overcast days can be hot. When you hook one, be ready for quick direction changes - these fish are masters at using structure to their advantage.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or "kings," are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These brutes commonly hit 15-30 pounds, with some topping 40. You'll find them cruising deeper, cooler waters, especially near underwater structures. Kings are famous for their bulldogging fights - once hooked, they'll test your arms and gear. Late summer into fall is prime time as they bulk up for spawning runs. Their rich, flavorful meat is highly prized for smoking or grilling. To target these bruisers, try trolling with downriggers using large spoons or cut bait. A local tip: keep an eye on your sonar, as kings often suspend at specific depths chasing baitfish. When you hook one, settle in for a battle - these fish don't come to the boat easily.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are one of Lake Michigan's prized catches, typically running 8-12 pounds but sometimes pushing over 30. You'll find them cruising the cooler, deeper waters, especially near structure. These acrobatic fighters put on a great show when hooked. Fall is prime time as they feed aggressively before spawning runs. Their bright orange meat makes for excellent eating too. To boost your chances, try trolling with flashy spoons or plugs early in the morning. These "silver bullets" can be finicky, so don't be afraid to switch up your presentation if they're not biting. When you hook one, hang on tight - their aerial leaps and powerful runs will test your skills and gear.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true natives of Lake Michigan, thriving in its cold, deep waters. These silver-grey beauties commonly run 5-20 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40. You'll find them cruising deep basins or suspended over underwater shelves. Spring and fall offer great fishing as they move shallower. Lakers are prized for their hard-fighting nature and rich, oily flesh that's perfect for smoking. Anglers love the challenge of finding these deep-water prowlers. To target them, try jigging or trolling with downriggers using large spoons or cut bait. Here's a local trick: focus on steep drop-offs where lakers ambush bait moving between depths. When you hook one, be patient - these powerful fish often make several strong runs before coming to the boat.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are lake-run rainbow trout that pack a serious punch. Averaging 5-10 pounds but sometimes topping 20, these chrome missiles are known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. You'll find them in Lake Michigan's cooler waters, often near river mouths or along shoreline drops. Spring and fall offer peak action as they stage for spawning runs. Steelhead put up an unreal fight on light tackle, making them a favorite for sport anglers. Their flesh is prized for its rich flavor too. To up your odds, try drifting spawn sacs or swinging flies in shallower water. Just remember to let them run when hooked - these powerhouses can easily snap light line if you try to muscle them in too quickly.

About the Brownbear Sport Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: 350

Maximum Cruising Speed: 23

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 270

Ready for a laid-back day of fishing on Lake Michigan? Hop aboard our comfortable boat for a full-day adventure, perfect for groups of up to 6 people. From May 15 to September 15, we'll cruise the lake's waters in search of prized catches like Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Brown Trout, and Chinook Salmon. Don't worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the fishing equipment you'll need. Just bring your Lake Michigan fishing license and pack your favorite snacks and drinks for a relaxing day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying your hand at fishing for the first time, this trip offers a great chance to reel in some impressive catches and create lasting memories. So gather your friends or family, and let's set out for a fun-filled day of fishing on beautiful Lake Michigan.

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