Lake Michigan Weekend Fishing Trip | Brownbear

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$550 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: August 24, 2025

Summary

Join us for a weekend fishing adventure on Lake Michigan this June. Our 5-hour private charter is perfect for groups of up to four anglers looking to catch some of the lake's prized fish. We'll be trolling for a mix of Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Brown Trout, and Chinook Salmon. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - we provide all the gear you need, and our experienced guides will show you the ropes. Just bring your valid Lake Michigan fishing license, and feel free to pack some snacks and drinks for the day. We've got some great early bird pricing too - book before April 1, 2025, and save $50 off the regular $650 charter fee. It's a fantastic way to spend a summer day on the water, whether you're aiming to land that trophy catch or just enjoy some quality time with friends and family. The fish are biting, and we can't wait to get you out there!

Lake Michigan Weekend Fishing Trip | Brownbear

Big Catches on Michigan

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Lake Michigan salmon fishing trip

Four people enjoying a fishing trip in Manistee

Catching trophy salmon Lake Michigan

Two coho salmon caught while fishing in Michigan

Charter fishing Lake Michigan waters

Lake Michigan's Weekend Salmon & Trout Bonanza

Get ready to reel in some big ones on this private Lake Michigan fishing charter! We're talking prime weekend action targeting salmon and trout from June 1st to 30th. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 5-hour trip is perfect for groups of up to four looking to score some serious fish. Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters has you covered with all the gear you need - just bring your fishing license, some grub, and get ready for an awesome day on the big lake.

What's the Deal on Deck?

Picture this: You and your crew, cruising Lake Michigan's vast waters, lines in the water as you troll for the day's catch. We're after a mixed bag of beauties - Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout (aka Steelhead), Brown Trout, and the mighty Chinook Salmon. The boat's all yours for 5 solid hours of fishing fun. At $650 for the whole shebang (and hey, book before April 1st, 2025, and you'll save 50 bucks), it's a sweet deal for a private charter. No need to lug your tackle box - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and all the fixings ready to go. Just remember to snag your Lake Michigan fishing license before you hop aboard.

Trolling 101: How We Hook 'Em

Alright, let's talk tactics. On this trip, we're all about trolling - the tried-and-true method for landing Lake Michigan's finest. We'll be setting up multiple lines off the back of the boat, using downriggers to get our lures down where the fish are hanging out. As we cruise along at just the right speed, those lures dance through the water, mimicking tasty baitfish. It's like ringing the dinner bell for hungry trout and salmon. We'll mix it up with different depths, lures, and speeds to see what's working best on the day. And don't sweat it if you're new to this - our crew's got the know-how to get you catching like a pro in no time.

Reel Talk from Happy Anglers

"Capt, Jeff and Taylor are awesome! Our two families caught some monsters and had a great time. They took great care of us and we highly recommend Brown Bear. Personable, hard working, everything you'd want for a day on the water." - Jen

"Had a great experience!! Can't wait to go again!" - Cathy Meldrum

"Captain Jeff goes about and beyond! He made our trip fun and full of fish. Well worth the trip." - Lolie

The Big Five: What's Biting

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These acrobatic fighters are a blast to catch. Known for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs, Steelhead in Lake Michigan can tip the scales at 5-15 pounds. They're at their best in early summer when the water's still cool. Anglers love 'em for their spirited fights and tasty, pink flesh.

Coho Salmon: Often called "silvers," these feisty fish are the speedsters of the salmon world. Weighing in at 2-10 pounds, what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. They're typically the first salmon to start biting in early summer, making them a perfect target for our June trips. Their orange-red meat is a favorite among fish lovers.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as "Kings," and for good reason. These bruisers can top 30 pounds and are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. Chinooks are known for their powerful, line-peeling runs and are the trophy fish many anglers dream of. June can see some early-season action, but they really heat up later in summer. Landing one of these bad boys will give you bragging rights for years.

Brown Trout: These crafty predators are often found closer to shore, hunting in shallow waters. Lake Michigan's browns can grow impressively large, with fish in the 5-15 pound range not uncommon. They're known for their hard strikes and bulldog-like fights. Catching a big brown is always a highlight, and their buttery, orange flesh is prized by many anglers.

Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of the Great Lakes, "Lakers" are built for the deep, cold waters of Lake Michigan. These fish can live for decades and grow to massive sizes, with 20-pounders not out of the question. They're typically caught in deeper water and put up a dogged, powerful fight. While they may not leap like their cousins, hooking into a big Lake Trout is like battling a submarine - get ready for some serious rod-bending action!

Time to Get Your Fish On!

Look, if you're itching for a top-notch fishing experience on Lake Michigan, this is your ticket. We're talking a private charter, prime fishing grounds, and a crew that knows how to put you on the fish. Whether you're out to fill the freezer, land that trophy catch, or just enjoy a day on the water with your buddies, Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters has got you covered. Remember, these weekend slots in June fill up fast, so don't wait to book your spot. Grab your crew, mark your calendar, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. So what are you waiting for? Let's go fishing!

Customer Reviews

Monster Catch Magic

Capt, Jeff and Taylor are awesome! Our two families caught some monsters and had a great time. They took great care of us and we highly recommend Brown Bear. Personable, hard working, everything you’d want for a day on the water.

Jen Jason

June 12, 2021

Hooked on Thrills

Had a great experience!! Can’t wait to go again!

Cathy Meldrum Thornton

July 31, 2019

Captains Fish Fest

Captain Jeff goes about and beyond! He made our trip fun and full of fish. Well worth the trip.

Lolie Fabela

November 7, 2022

Learn more about the animals

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Michigan are a treat to catch, known for their cunning nature and hard-fighting spirit. These fish typically range from 5-15 pounds, with golden-brown coloration and distinctive black and red spots. You'll often find them near shore structures like piers and rocky points, especially in cooler months. Spring and fall offer prime fishing, but browns can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting them for their challenging nature and delicious flavor. When trolling, try running lines close to structure – browns often hug tight to cover. A local tip: early mornings and evenings are golden times, as browns become more active in low light. These fish can be picky, so don't be afraid to switch up your presentation. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to outsmart a crafty brown, these fish will keep you on your toes.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These brutes can top 30 pounds, with most in the 15-25 pound range. Look for them in deeper, cooler water, often 50-100 feet down. Late summer and early fall are prime, as kings bulk up for spawning. Anglers target them for their powerful runs and trophy potential. Kings prefer larger lures – big spoons, flashers with flies, or whole bait like alewives work well. A local trick: troll in a zig-zag pattern to trigger strikes from following fish. Be ready for screaming reels when a king hits – these fish can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. Patience is key when fighting a big king. Let the fish make its runs, then gain line when you can. Landing a monster Chinook is an experience you won't forget!

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also known as silvers, are a blast to catch on Lake Michigan. These fish typically weigh 8-12 pounds and put up a scrappy fight. Look for them in the top 30 feet of water, especially near temperature breaks or current edges. Late summer and early fall are prime times as cohos stage for their spawning run. Anglers love cohos for their aggressive strikes and delicious orange flesh. When trolling, try varying your speeds – cohos often hit on the pause or speed-up. A local tip: use smaller lures than you would for kings, like 3-4 inch spoons or J-plugs. Cohos have smaller mouths but big appetites. Keep an eye out for jumping fish, which often signal a school nearby. Whether you're after a trophy or just want some tasty fillets, cohos deliver on both counts.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native giants of Lake Michigan, often weighing 10-20 pounds with some topping 30. These deep-water dwellers prefer cold, well-oxygenated waters, typically hanging out 80-120 feet down in summer. Spring and fall are great times to target lakers, as they move shallower. Anglers prize them for their fight and rich, oily flesh. When trolling deep, big spoons or dodgers with flies are go-to lures. A local trick: use scent on your lures, as lakers have an excellent sense of smell. Jigging can be deadly too, especially over underwater humps or drop-offs. Be ready for a battle when you hook up – lake trout have stamina and won't give up easily. Their firm, orange meat makes excellent eating, whether grilled, smoked, or baked. For a true taste of Lake Michigan's depths, you can't beat a lake trout.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite on Lake Michigan, known for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting spirit. These beauties typically range from 2-8 pounds, with silvery sides and that distinctive pink stripe. You'll find them in cooler, well-oxygenated waters, often near drop-offs or structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but they can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting rainbows for their sporty nature and excellent taste. When trolling, try using bright-colored spoons or plugs to catch their eye. A local trick: on overcast days, switch to darker lures like purple or black. These fish have great eyesight, so light penetration matters. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the game, hooking into a rainbow trout is always a thrill. Just be ready for some aerial action when you get one on the line!

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 an awesome weekend on Lake Michigan? Join us for a 5-hour fishing adventure where you'll get to chase after some prized catches like Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Chinook Salmon. Our charter is perfect for a group of up to four friends or family members looking to spend some quality time on the water. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - we've got all the gear you need, and our expert guide will show you the ropes. Just bring your Lake Michigan fishing license, some snacks, and your favorite drinks. We run these trips on weekends from June 1st to June 30th, so it's a great way to kick off your summer. Book before April 1st, 2025, and you'll even save $50 off the regular price of $650. Whether you're aiming to land a big one or just want to enjoy a day out on the lake, this charter offers a fun, laid-back experience for anglers of all levels.

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