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Elite Lake Michigan Coho Charter | Hold'em Sportfishing
Lake MichiganWhat you will be catching:
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
Pink Salmon
Rainbow Trout
- Early morning 5-hour Lake Michigan fishing adventure departing 4-6 AM
- Target Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Salmon with expert assistance
- Maximum 6 guests with peak season from May 1 to June 15
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Lake Michigan's Half Day Salmon & Trout Bonanza
Ready for an early morning adventure on the big lake? Hold'em Sportfishing's got you covered with this 5-hour trip that'll have you chasing some of Lake Michigan's most prized catches before most folks have had their coffee. We're talking salmon and trout action that'll wake you up faster than any alarm clock. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's a perfect slice of what makes fishing the Great Lakes so darn addictive.
What's the Deal?
Alright, here's the scoop: We'll be pushing off sometime between 4 AM and 6 AM, depending on when the fish are most active and what Mother Nature's got in store for us. May 1st to June 15th? That's prime time for Coho salmon, but don't worry - this trip's a solid bet all season long. We're not just limiting ourselves to one species either. Lake trout, steelhead, brown trout, chinook, and even pink salmon could all end up on your line. The captain's got a skilled first mate on board to help you out, so even if you're new to this, you'll be in good hands. Just remember to bring some cash to tip 'em if they put you on the fish - 10-20% is the usual way to say thanks.
Gearing Up for Success
Now, let's talk shop. We'll be doing a mix of techniques out there, but trolling's the name of the game most days. The crew's got all the heavy lifting covered - rods, reels, downriggers, you name it. They'll be setting up spreads with a mix of spoons, flies, and maybe even some cut bait to tempt those finicky biters. Your job? Be ready to jump on a rod when it goes off. Oh, and don't forget to pack some essentials: sunscreen (the non-spray kind, please), water, snacks, and a cooler for your catch. You'll want to keep those fillets fresh for the grill later. One more thing - make sure you've got your fishing license sorted. You can grab one online or ask the captain for the lowdown on where to get one nearby.
Reel Talk from Happy Anglers
"I cannot say enough good things about this charter. We were on fish the whole day, 5 different species of fish and some serious giants!! We were 1 fish short of a 20 fish limit. Greg knows his stuff, I promise you will not be disappointed!!" - Chad
The Big Five: Your Target Species
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These silver bullets are the acrobats of the lake. Known for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs, steelhead will test your skills and your gear. They average 5-10 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 15-pounder that'll have you telling stories for years. Spring and fall are prime times, but summer can produce some chrome-bright beauties too.
Pink Salmon: Don't let their size fool you - what these guys lack in heft, they make up for in numbers and fight. Pinks, or "humpies" as the locals call 'em, show up in odd-numbered years and can provide non-stop action when they're running. They usually weigh in at 2-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle enthusiasts or getting the kids hooked on fishing.
Coho Salmon: Ah, the bread and butter of Lake Michigan salmon fishing. These silver-sided rockets are what dreams are made of for many anglers. Weighing in at 5-10 pounds on average, cohos are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. May and June are peak months, but you can find them cruising the shorelines from spring through fall.
Chinook Salmon: The king of the lake, no doubt about it. Chinooks, or "kings" as we call 'em, are the heavyweights that'll make your arms burn and your reel scream. These bruisers can top 20 pounds, with some monsters pushing 30 or more. Late summer and early fall is prime time for the big boys, but don't be surprised if you hook into a chrome-bright spring king that'll give you the fight of your life.
Lake Trout: The OG of Lake Michigan, lake trout have been swimming these waters since the glaciers receded. These deep-water denizens are built like linebackers - thick, powerful, and ready to put up a stubborn fight. They're a year-round target, but spring and fall often see them move into shallower water where they're more accessible. Expect fish in the 5-15 pound range, with some true giants topping 20 pounds not unheard of.
Time to Get Your Line Wet
Look, if you're still reading this, you know you want to get out there. This isn't just another fishing trip - it's a chance to tangle with some of the Great Lakes' finest gamefish before most folks have hit the snooze button. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, cross some species off your list, or just enjoy a morning on big water with great company, Hold'em Sportfishing's got you covered. The fish are waiting, the crew's ready, and that empty spot on the boat has your name on it. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready for a morning of rod-bending, reel-screaming action on Lake Michigan. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. Let's go fishing!
Customer Review
Fish Frenzy Feast
Chad Martin
September 12, 2024
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the giants of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds and stretch over 3 feet long. You'll find them in deeper, cooler waters, often following baitfish schools. Late summer and fall are prime seasons when they start their spawning runs. Anglers target kings for their hard-fighting nature and impressive size - hooking one is like battling a submarine! They're also prized for their rich, flavorful meat. To land a king, you'll need heavy gear and patience. Trolling with downriggers is a popular method, using large spoons or plugs. Early morning and dusk are often the best times. A local tip: keep an eye on your sonar for bait balls, as kings are usually nearby. These fish can be moody, so be prepared to adjust your depth and speed. Landing a big king is a true trophy experience, but even smaller ones offer a great fight and excellent eating.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, or silvers, are a favorite in Lake Michigan. They usually run 24-30 inches and 5-10 pounds, known for their acrobatic fights and delicious flavor. You'll find cohos in the cooler, upper layers of the lake, often near structure or drop-offs. Spring and early summer are prime times, with another good run in fall. Anglers love cohos for their aggressive strikes and high-flying leaps when hooked. They're also excellent table fare, with rich, orange-red meat. To catch cohos, try trolling with spoons or plugs near the surface, especially early morning or late evening. Downriggers can be effective for reaching deeper fish. A local trick: use scented baits or add a strip of herring to your lure for extra appeal. Cohos can be finicky, so don't be afraid to switch up your presentation if they're not biting. Whether you're after a trophy or just some great-eating fish, coho salmon offer an exciting challenge on Lake Michigan.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, often topping 20 pounds with some monsters pushing 40+. These deep-water fish prefer cold, well-oxygenated areas, typically hanging out near bottom structure or suspended in open water. Spring and fall offer the best fishing, when lakers move into shallower water. Anglers prize them for their size, fight, and tasty flesh. To catch lake trout, you'll need to go deep - downriggers or wire line are common tactics. Try large spoons, cut bait, or jigging with rubber minnows. A local trick: troll slowly and erratically to trigger strikes from following fish. Lake trout can be finicky, so experiment with different depths and speeds. These fish grow slowly and live long, so practice catch-and-release for the big ones. Whether you're after a trophy or just some great eating, lake trout offer a unique challenge in Lake Michigan's depths.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon, also called humpies, are the smallest Pacific salmon species you'll find in Lake Michigan. They typically weigh 3-5 pounds and run 20-25 inches. These fish are known for their light pink flesh and mild flavor. You'll find them in cooler, near-shore waters, often in schools. The best time to target pinks is during their spawning runs in late summer and early fall. Anglers enjoy fishing for pinks because they're abundant and put up a good fight for their size. They're also great eating, especially when fresh-caught. To land a pink, try using small, brightly colored lures - pink or chartreuse often work well. Cast near river mouths or troll in shallower waters. A local tip: pinks have soft mouths, so set the hook gently and keep steady pressure while reeling. These fish may not be the biggest, but their numbers and accessibility make them a fun target for all skill levels.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a popular catch in Lake Michigan, typically 20-30 inches and 2-8 pounds. They're known for their colorful appearance and acrobatic fights. You'll find them in cooler, well-oxygenated areas, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but they can be caught year-round. Anglers love rainbows for their sporty nature and tasty, pink flesh. These fish respond well to a variety of techniques - trolling, casting, or fly fishing all work. For best results, try fishing early morning or late evening when they're most active. A local trick: use bright, flashy lures or flies that mimic small baitfish. Rainbow trout are opportunistic feeders, so varying your presentation can pay off. Remember, they have excellent eyesight, so light line and stealthy approaches can make a big difference. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing, rainbow trout offer an exciting challenge and a great eating fish.
About the Hold'em Sportfishing
%2F%2Fusers%2F25e20c03-6f52-47d9-bbd9-82bfe389cefd%2Fvehicle_picture%2F474106446_595580489854851_51015s14343414501769_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 260
I cannot say enough good things about this charter. We were on fish the whole day, 5 different species of fish and some serious giants!! We were 1 fish short of a 20 fish limit. Greg knows his stuff, I promise you will not be disappointed!!