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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
- This half-day morning trip on Lake Michigan gets you on the water early, departing between 4 AM and 6 AM for prime fishing conditions. You'll spend 5 hours targeting salmon and trout species including Coho, Chinook, Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Brown Trout in some of the most productive waters around. The trip really shines during peak Coho season from May 1 to June 15, though you'll find good action all season long. With Hold'em Sportfishing, you get an experienced crew including a skilled First Mate to help maximize your success. The boat takes up to 4 guests, so you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably. Just bring your sunscreen, snacks, and a cooler for your catch – they'll help you with the rest.
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
Half Day Morning Salmon and Trout Trip
There's something special about being on Lake Michigan when the sun starts to peek over the horizon and the fish are actively feeding. Hold'em Sportfishing's half-day morning trip gives you five solid hours on some of the most productive salmon and trout waters in the Great Lakes. We're talking about departures between 4 AM and 6 AM, depending on what Mother Nature's serving up and which species are running hot. Yeah, it's early, but trust me—this is when the magic happens. You'll be targeting everything from aggressive Cohos to trophy Lake Trout, and with a maximum of four anglers aboard, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from our crew.
What to Expect on the Water
This trip shines brightest during peak Coho season from May 1 through June 15, but honestly, it's a solid choice all season long. Lake Michigan's deep, cold waters hold fish year-round, and our experienced captain knows exactly where to find them based on water temps, bait movements, and seasonal patterns. You'll have a skilled First Mate working alongside you—these guys are worth their weight in gold when it comes to netting fish, rigging tackle, and keeping the action going. A 10-20% tip is standard and well-deserved when they're busting their tails to put you on fish. Don't forget to check if you need a fishing license beforehand, and pack the essentials: non-spray sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and a cooler to take home your fresh fillets.
Trolling the Big Blue
Lake Michigan fishing is all about covering water and presenting the right bait at the right depth. We'll be trolling with downriggers and planer boards to spread our lines across different temperature zones and depths where salmon and trout are cruising. The technique involves running multiple lines at various depths—sometimes we're fishing 20 feet down, other times we're hitting 80 feet or more depending on where the thermocline sets up. Spoons, flasher-and-fly combos, and plugs are the go-to baits, with colors and speeds adjusted based on conditions. The boat's fish finder and GPS help us stay on structure and follow the contours where baitfish congregate. When a rod goes off, it's game time—these fish don't mess around, and you'll feel every head shake and run.
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
Coho Salmon are the stars of the show, especially during that prime May-June window. These silver rockets average 8-12 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, with acrobatic jumps and blazing runs that'll test your drag system. They school up in massive numbers during their peak season, making for fast-paced action when you find them. Cohos love cooler water temps around 50-55 degrees, often found in the top 40 feet of the water column chasing alewives and smelt.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, with mature fish pushing 20-30 pounds or more. These are the fish that'll make your arms burn and test every knot you tied. They prefer deeper, colder water and are most active during the cooler parts of the day—perfect for our early morning departure times. King salmon have a longer season than Cohos, with good fishing from spring through fall as they stage for their spawning runs.
Lake Trout are the natives of these waters, perfectly adapted to Lake Michigan's deep, cold environment. They can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Lakers are structure-oriented and often found near drop-offs, humps, and rocky areas. They're excellent table fare and provide steady action throughout the season, especially during the cooler months when they move into shallower water.
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) are pure dynamite on the end of a line. These chrome-bright fish are incredibly athletic, known for their spectacular aerial displays and long, powerful runs. Lake Michigan steelhead average 6-10 pounds but can grow much larger. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are in their comfort zone, and they follow baitfish movements closely.
Pink Salmon show up in odd-numbered years in massive schools, creating some of the most exciting fast-paced fishing Lake Michigan has to offer. These smaller salmon, typically 3-5 pounds, make up for their size with sheer numbers and aggressive feeding behavior. When the pinks are running, it's not uncommon to hook multiple fish at once, keeping everyone on the boat busy with constant action.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Michigan's morning bite is legendary among serious anglers, and this half-day trip gives you the perfect taste of world-class Great Lakes fishing without committing to a full day on the water. With only four spots available, this top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're after your first Lake Michigan salmon or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some variety to your fishing resume, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of expert guidance, prime fishing times, and multiple target species makes it a customer favorite that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait—book your morning adventure and see why Lake Michigan fishing has such a devoted following.
Customer Review
Fish All Day Giants
Chad Martin
September 12, 2024
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, the kings of Lake Michigan, are what trophy dreams are made of. These bruisers typically range 15-25 pounds but can push 30+ pounds in these waters. They're light-sensitive fish that prefer deeper water, often hugging the bottom in 80-150 feet during daylight hours. You'll recognize them by their black mouths, gums, and spots covering their entire tail. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're actively feeding before spawning runs. What sets them apart is their bulldogging fight - no fancy jumps, just raw power and long runs that test your gear and patience. The meat is exceptional, rich and oily with that deep red color. Key tip: fish heavy and deep with downriggers. Use large spoons or plugs, and don't be afraid to go bigger than you think - these fish eat substantial meals.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, or silvers as we call them, are the stars of our May through June season for good reason. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked - they can jump up to 6 feet out of the water. You'll find them cruising in 40-80 feet of water, often suspended mid-column chasing alewives and other baitfish. Cohos have that classic silver shine with dark spots on their backs and tails. The meat is top-notch with bright orange flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking. They're aggressive feeders, especially during low-light conditions at dawn and dusk. My go-to tip: when trolling for cohos, use bright spoons or plugs and vary your speed. They often hit when you change direction or speed up suddenly. Keep your drag loose - they make long runs.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Michigan, averaging 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 40+. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake, often 100+ feet down during summer. They're slow-growing but long-lived, making every catch special. Spring right after ice-out and fall turnover are prime times when they move shallower. Lakers are steady fighters - not flashy but persistent pullers that test your endurance. The meat is excellent, though different from other trout with a firmer texture that's great for smoking. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days often produce better action. Pro tip: vertical jigging with large spoons or soft plastics works best. Drop it to the bottom, then work it 10-20 feet off the deck. These fish often hit on the drop, so stay alert.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon family, but don't let size fool you - they're scrappy little fighters that average 3-5 pounds. Also called humpbacks for the distinctive hump males develop, they show up in Lake Michigan during odd-numbered years in good numbers. You'll typically find them in the upper water column chasing baitfish, especially during cooler water periods. They're perfect for beginners because they're aggressive biters and don't require heavy tackle. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that works great smoked or grilled. Their short 2-year life cycle makes them eager feeders. Here's a local trick: bright pink or chartreuse jigs work best because they mimic the crustaceans these fish love to eat. Keep your presentations moving - they like action.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout, also called steelhead in Lake Michigan, are some of the most beautiful fish you'll catch out here. These silver-bodied fighters typically run 2-8 pounds and are known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They prefer cooler water temps around 55-65°F, so you'll find them in deeper pockets during summer months but closer to the surface during spring and fall. Peak action is usually early morning or evening when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their aggressive fight and excellent table fare - that pink flesh is packed with omega-3s. One tip I always share: when you feel that first jump, keep your rod tip down and let the drag do its work. Fighting them with a high rod angle usually means a lost fish.
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!!