Elite Lake Michigan Coho Charter | Hold'em Sportfishing

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!