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Expert-Guided Lake Michigan Fishing Adventure

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Michigan
  • $595 - $950 price range

Summary

Join us for a 6-hour afternoon fishing adventure on Lake Michigan. We've designed this trip to maximize your chances of landing some great fish. We start in deeper waters when the sun's high, targeting active fish. As the light fades, we move closer to shore where the action really picks up. You'll be casting for Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and various salmon species in these rich waters. Our experienced First Mate is on hand to help you out, ensuring even beginners can get in on the fun. Remember to bring your fishing license, some non-spray sunscreen, water, and snacks. Don't forget a cooler for your catch – you might be bringing home dinner! With a 6-person capacity, it's perfect for a group outing or a family trip. Hold'em Sportfishing knows these waters inside and out, so you're in good hands for a productive day on the lake.
Expert-Guided Lake Michigan Fishing Adventure

Reels and Keels

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Anglers with 3 rainbow trout and mahi mahi caught fishing in Milwaukee

Action-packed Lake Michigan king salmon bite!

5 people fishing in Milwaukee

Solid Lake Michigan salmon action—productive!

Fishing in WI

Double hookup—Lake Michigan king salmon chaos!

Two anglers with a big catch in Milwaukee

Packed Lake Michigan salmon deck—unstoppable!

Chinook salmon fishing in Milwaukee

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4 Coho Salmon, fishing in Milwaukee

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Group of 5 people enjoying a fishing trip in Milwaukee

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Chinook salmon caught while fishing in WI

Epic Lake Michigan salmon haul!

5 people fishing for 2 fish in Milwaukee

Loaded with Lake Michigan king salmon—unstoppable!

Four people fishing in Milwaukee

Productive Lake Michigan trout and salmon catch!

Anglers with 3 rainbow trout and mahi mahi caught fishing in Milwaukee

Action-packed Lake Michigan king salmon bite!

5 people fishing in Milwaukee

Solid Lake Michigan salmon action—productive!

Fishing in WI

Double hookup—Lake Michigan king salmon chaos!

Two anglers with a big catch in Milwaukee

Packed Lake Michigan salmon deck—unstoppable!

Chinook salmon fishing in Milwaukee

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4 Coho Salmon, fishing in Milwaukee

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Group of 5 people enjoying a fishing trip in Milwaukee

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Chinook salmon caught while fishing in WI

Epic Lake Michigan salmon haul!

5 people fishing for 2 fish in Milwaukee

Loaded with Lake Michigan king salmon—unstoppable!

Four people fishing in Milwaukee

Productive Lake Michigan trout and salmon catch!

Anglers with 3 rainbow trout and mahi mahi caught fishing in Milwaukee

Action-packed Lake Michigan king salmon bite!

5 people fishing in Milwaukee

Solid Lake Michigan salmon action—productive!

Fishing in WI

Double hookup—Lake Michigan king salmon chaos!

Two anglers with a big catch in Milwaukee

Packed Lake Michigan salmon deck—unstoppable!

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Lake Michigan's Prime-Time Fishing Adventure

Ready to hit the sweet spots on Lake Michigan? Our 6-hour afternoon trip is the real deal for anglers looking to max out their time on the water. We're not just talking about casting a line and hoping for the best. This is your chance to tap into some seriously productive fishing grounds, with a game plan that changes as the day unfolds. We start deep where the big ones lurk, then slide into the shallows as the sun dips low. It's like getting two trips in one, and trust me, the fish are biting.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're out on the vast blue of Lake Michigan, rod in hand, with nothing but opportunity on the horizon. We kick things off in the deeper waters where Lake Trout and Salmon hang out during the heat of the day. As afternoon rolls into evening, we'll cruise closer to shore where the action really heats up. You'll be targeting a mixed bag of Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and all three species of Pacific Salmon that call these waters home. Our First Mate's got your back, so whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, you're in good hands. Just remember to bring your A-game and maybe a cooler for your catch – you're gonna need it.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

We don't mess around when it comes to putting you on fish. Our afternoon strategy is all about adapting to where the fish are feeding. We'll be trolling with a spread of lines, using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover the water column. Expect to see some flashy spoons, cut bait rigs, and maybe even some of the captain's secret lures that the local fish can't resist. As we transition from deep to shallow, we'll switch up our presentation to match the changing conditions. It's this kind of flexibility that keeps our coolers full and our clients grinning from ear to ear.

Hunter Highlights

"Hold'em was the best charter experience I have ever had. This is a must do again. Some of our crew has never been on Lake Michigan fishing. Captain Greg and first hand Shane made our trip one to never forget. Everyday is a great day to be fishing our trip was beyond that. Thank you" - Jay

Species You'll Want to Hook

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These chrome-bright bullets are the acrobats of the lake. Steelhead will test your drag and your nerves with their spectacular leaps and powerful runs. Spring and fall are prime time for these guys, but summer can surprise you with some hefty specimens. Anglers love 'em for their fight and their delicious, pink flesh.

Pink Salmon: Don't let their size fool you – what these "humpies" lack in weight, they make up for in numbers and fight. They show up in force during odd-numbered years, typically peaking in August and September. These are the perfect fish for light tackle enthusiasts or anyone who wants non-stop action.

Chinook Salmon: The kings of the lake, Chinooks are the heavyweight champs that'll make your arms burn. These bruisers can top 30 pounds and put up a fight that'll have you talking for years. Late summer into early fall is when these monsters are on the prowl, fattening up before their spawning run. Landing a big king is the ultimate Lake Michigan trophy.

Brown Trout: Crafty and elusive, brown trout are the thinking angler's fish. They hug structure and can be finnicky, but when you hook into a big brown, you're in for a battle of wits and muscle. Spring and fall are your best bets, but we find them year-round in Lake Michigan. Their beautiful spots and rich, orange flesh make them a prized catch.

Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of the Great Lakes, lake trout are the marathon runners of the fishing world. They'll test your stamina with long, powerful runs in the deep, cold waters they call home. We target these brutes year-round, but they're especially active in early spring and late fall. Smoked lake trout is a local delicacy you've got to try.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're itching for a fishing trip that delivers the goods, this is it. We're talking about six solid hours on Lake Michigan's most productive waters, with a game plan that's been fine-tuned to put you on fish. Whether you're after that trophy Chinook or just want to fill the freezer with tasty fillets, our afternoon trip is your ticket. But here's the deal – spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. So if you're ready to experience some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer, don't wait. Grab your crew, up to six of you can join, and let's make it happen. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. Book now and get ready for a fishing adventure that'll have you coming back for more. See you on the water!

Customer Review

Unforgettable Catch

quotes

Hold'em was the best charter experience I have ever had. This is a must do again. Some of our crew has never been on Lake Michigan fishing. Captain Greg and first hand Shane made our trip one to never forget. Everyday is a great day to be fishing our trip was beyond that. Thank you

Read More
JM
Jay Mealey

May 22, 2024

Learn more about the animals

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Michigan are a blast to catch. These golden-brown beauties typically run 2-10 pounds, with some topping 20. You'll find them in shallow, near-shore waters in spring and fall, moving deeper as summer heats up. Browns are known for their wary nature and hard fights. They're also excellent eating fish. Early mornings or overcast days are prime time, as they're light-sensitive. Try trolling or casting with minnow-imitating lures near structure like drop-offs or submerged logs. Here's a local secret: when the alewife run is on, big browns often cruise right along the surface. Keep an eye out for diving birds to spot these feeding frenzies.

Brown Trout

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or "kings," are the giants of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with the average catch in the 15-20 pound range. They're deep-water lovers, so you'll often find them in the cooler depths during summer. As fall approaches, they move closer to shore for their spawning run. Chinooks are prized for their hard-fighting nature and rich, flavorful meat. Trolling with downriggers is a popular method, using cut bait or large spoons. Here's a tip: Kings often hit baits fished close to the bottom, so don't be afraid to get your lures down deep. The best action is usually early morning or late evening when these big fish are most active.

Chinook Salmon

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These deep-water dwellers can live for decades, with some topping 40 pounds. Most catches run 5-15 pounds. You'll find them in the lake's coldest, deepest parts, often suspended over underwater structure. Lakers are prized for their firm, orange flesh and oil-rich meat. They're not the fastest fighters, but they're dogged and will test your gear. Jigging is a popular method - try heavy spoons or soft plastics near the bottom. Here's a tip: lake trout often feed on schools of ciscos or alewives, so watch your sonar for bait balls. Where there's bait, there's usually a hungry laker nearby.

Lake Trout

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon, or "humpies," are the smallest Pacific salmon species but can still provide a fun fight. They average 3-5 pounds and run every other year in Lake Michigan. Look for them in cooler, near-shore waters, especially around river mouths as they prepare to spawn. Pinks are aggressive and will hit a variety of lures, making them great for novice anglers. They're known for their light pink flesh and mild flavor. To up your odds, try using small, bright-colored spoons or jigs - pink is often a top producer. These fish can be finicky, so vary your retrieval speed until you find what works. Remember, when you spot one pink salmon, there's usually a whole school nearby.

Pink Salmon

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite on Lake Michigan, known for their acrobatic leaps and hard-fighting spirit. These silver beauties typically run 2-8 pounds, though monsters over 15 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them cruising the cooler, deeper waters in summer, often suspended over structure. As fall approaches, they move closer to shore. Rainbows put up an exciting fight and make great table fare. To hook into one, try trolling with spoons or crankbaits that mimic baitfish. A local trick: on overcast days, bright-colored lures often outperform natural patterns. Keep an eye on your sonar - rainbows often school up, so if you catch one, there's a good chance more are nearby.

Rainbow Trout

About the Hold'em Sportfishing

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 260

Ready for an awesome afternoon on Lake Michigan? Our 6-hour fishing trip takes you to the best spots for reeling in some great catches. We start off in deeper waters where the fish are active during the sunny hours, then shift closer to shore as the light fades for even more action. You'll be targeting a variety of fish including Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and different types of Salmon. Our experienced First Mate is there to lend a hand, ensuring you have a productive day on the water. Remember to bring your fishing license, sunscreen (no sprays, please), water, snacks, and a cooler for your catch. With room for up to 6 people, it's a perfect outing for friends or family. A tip of 10-20% for the First Mate is appreciated. Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon of fishing in the rich waters of Lake Michigan!
Hold'em Sportfishing

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Ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Book your trip with Hold'em Sportfishing today and experience the thrill of Lake Michigan's best salmon fishing — your ultimate catch is waiting!

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