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Elite Lake Michigan Coho Charter | Hold'em Sportfishing
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Michigan
- $595 - $950 price range
Summary
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Reeling in the Action
Action-packed Lake Michigan king salmon bite!
Solid Lake Michigan salmon action—productive!
Double hookup—Lake Michigan king salmon chaos!
Packed Lake Michigan salmon deck—unstoppable!
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Epic Lake Michigan salmon haul!
Loaded with Lake Michigan king salmon—unstoppable!
Productive Lake Michigan trout and salmon catch!
Action-packed Lake Michigan king salmon bite!
Solid Lake Michigan salmon action—productive!
Double hookup—Lake Michigan king salmon chaos!
Packed Lake Michigan salmon deck—unstoppable!
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Epic Lake Michigan salmon haul!
Loaded with Lake Michigan king salmon—unstoppable!
Productive Lake Michigan trout and salmon catch!
Action-packed Lake Michigan king salmon bite!
Solid Lake Michigan salmon action—productive!
Double hookup—Lake Michigan king salmon chaos!
Packed Lake Michigan salmon deck—unstoppable!
Lake Michigan's Early Bird Fishing Bonanza
Rise and shine, anglers! Get ready for an action-packed morning on Lake Michigan with Hold'em Sportfishing's 5-hour private charter. We're talking prime time fishing from May to mid-June when the Coho are running hot, but don't worry – this trip delivers the goods all season long. You'll be chasing after a mixed bag of Lake Michigan's finest: Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and a trio of salmon species. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so get ready to fill the cooler and make some lasting memories.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll be pushing off between 4 AM and 6 AM, depending on when the fish are biting and what species we're after. Early mornings on Lake Michigan are something special – calm waters, a spectacular sunrise, and fish that are ready to play. You'll have the full attention of our expert captain and first mate, who'll be working hard to put you on the fish. They'll handle all the technical stuff, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones. And speaking of big ones, Lake Michigan's known for some hefty catches, so be ready for a workout!
Our boat's equipped with top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. Don't forget to pack some snacks, water, and a cooler for your catch – nothing beats fresh fish for dinner. Oh, and a quick heads up: a fishing license might be required, so double-check online or give us a shout to confirm before you hop aboard.
Trolling Tactics & Gear
On this trip, we'll be doing some serious trolling – that's fishing lingo for dragging lines behind the boat as we cruise. It's a killer technique for covering water and enticing those Lake Michigan gamefish to strike. We'll be setting up a spread of lines at different depths, using a mix of spoons, plugs, and maybe even some cut bait to tempt the fish.
Our setup typically includes downriggers to get our lures deep where the big ones lurk, as well as planer boards to spread our lines out wide. It's a sight to see when all the rods are set and we're hunting for fish. When a rod goes off, it's all hands on deck! We'll rotate through the anglers, so everyone gets a shot at landing a trophy.
Don't sweat the gear – we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. Just bring your game face and maybe a pair of polarized sunglasses to cut the glare and spot those fish.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"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
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lake Trout: These deep-water bruisers are the heavy hitters of Lake Michigan. Known for their stamina, Lake Trout can put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. They tend to hang out in the cooler, deeper waters, so we'll be using downriggers to reach them. Lake Trout are available year-round, but the fishing really heats up in late spring and early summer. Anglers love 'em for their size – a 20-pounder isn't uncommon – and their rich, flavorful meat that's perfect for smoking.
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): The acrobats of the lake, Steelhead are known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. These chrome-bright beauties are a blast to catch, especially in the cooler months when they move closer to shore. We target them primarily in spring and fall, but you can hook into one any time of year. Steelhead in Lake Michigan can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon. Their fight and their delicious, pink flesh make them a favorite among both novice and experienced anglers.
Pink Salmon: Also known as "humpies" due to the distinct hump males develop during spawning, Pink Salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon species found in Lake Michigan. Don't let their size fool you though – these fish are fighters pound for pound. We usually target them in late summer and early fall as they make their spawning runs. Pinks are known for their light, delicate flavor and are excellent when smoked or grilled fresh.
Coho Salmon: If you're joining us between May 1 and June 15, you're in for a treat. This is peak Coho season, and the action can be non-stop. Coho, or "silver salmon," are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They typically range from 2-10 pounds, making them a perfect match for light tackle. Coho are prized for their rich, red flesh and are arguably the best-tasting salmon in the lake. When we're on a hot Coho bite, it's not uncommon to limit out before the trip's over.
Chinook Salmon: The kings of Lake Michigan, Chinook (or King) Salmon are the heavyweight champs of the salmon world. These brutes can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, and when one hits your line, you'll know it. Chinooks are most active in the lake from spring through fall, with the peak season typically in late summer. Landing a big King is often the highlight of an angler's trip – they're powerful, stubborn fighters that will test your skills and your gear. The meat is prized for its rich flavor and firm texture, perfect for grilling or smoking.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. Our 5-hour morning charter on Lake Michigan is the real deal. Whether you're chasing the Coho run in May and June or looking to tangle with a monster Lake Trout or Chinook later in the season, we've got you covered. With our expert crew, top-notch gear, and intimate knowledge of these waters, you're in for a fishing experience you won't forget.
Remember, we're limited to six anglers per trip, so don't wait to lock in your date. Early mornings mean fresh fish and unforgettable sunrises – it doesn't get much better than that. So grab your buddies, pack your cooler, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Book now and let's make some fishing memories on the big lake!
Customer Review
Fish Frenzy Bonanza
Chad Martin
September 12, 2024
Learn more about the animals
Chinook Salmon
Pink salmon, or humpies, are the smallest Pacific salmon in Lake Michigan, but they're a blast to catch. Most weigh 2-5 pounds and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them closer to shore, often in cooler tributary mouths or along rocky shorelines. Pinks run every other year in Lake Michigan, with the biggest numbers in odd-numbered years. Late August through September is prime time as they stage for their spawning runs. These fish are great eating when fresh from the lake, with a mild, delicate flavor. Light spinning gear is perfect for pinks. Try casting small spoons, jigs, or flies that imitate the small baitfish they feed on. Work your lures with a steady retrieve - pinks aren't known for their patience. Insider tip: Look for choppy water near shore on windy days. Pinks often cruise these areas looking for disoriented baitfish. A bright pink or chartreuse lure can really get their attention in these conditions.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are the speedsters of Lake Michigan. Averaging 8-12 pounds, they're smaller than kings but make up for it with acrobatics. These silver bullets are known for their spectacular fights, often cartwheeling across the surface. You'll find cohos in the top 30 feet of water, especially near shoreline structures in spring and fall. They're less picky than kings, which makes them great for anglers of all skill levels. The meat is delicious too - milder than king salmon but still packed with flavor. May and June are prime time, as cohos chase bait near the surface. We'll often troll with smaller spoons or flies behind planer boards. These fish are suckers for flashy lures, so don't be afraid to mix in some bright colors. Here's a local secret: If you see gulls diving, there's probably a school of cohos busting bait underneath. Motor over quietly and cast small silver spoons into the frenzy. Hold on tight!
Lake Trout
Pink Salmon
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with thick, muscular bodies built for power. You'll find them cruising the open water, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as kings move closer to shore. They're famous for their hard fights - expect screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat is prized too, with a rich flavor and vibrant orange color. Kings like it deep and dark, so early mornings or overcast days are best. Trolling is the go-to method out here. We'll run big spoons, J-plugs, or cut bait like alewives behind downriggers. Pro tip: Keep an eye on your sonar. If you mark a bunch of bait 30-40 feet down, that's where you want your lures. Kings are usually hanging just below the bait balls, ready to ambush.
Rainbow Trout
Lake trout are the big boys of the char family, often hitting 15-40 pounds with lengths of 2-3 feet. You'll find them suspended in the deep, cold parts of Lake Michigan where there's plenty of oxygen. These guys prefer low light, so overcast days are prime time. In spring after ice-out, they'll come up shallower. Lake trout are slow-growing with a long lifespan, which makes landing a trophy pretty special. They put up a good fight and taste great too. Jigging is the way to go - I like using Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics that mimic wounded baitfish. Work those lures near the bottom in 50-100 feet of water. Here's a local tip: If you're not getting bites, try "pounding bottom" by dropping your jig to the lake floor, then lifting it up a few feet. The commotion can trigger strikes from curious lakers. Just be ready to set the hook fast when you feel that telltale thump!
About the Hold'em Sportfishing
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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!!