Top-Rated Lake Michigan Morning Fishing Charter

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Michigan are a treat to catch, with their golden-brown coloring and distinctive black and red spots. These crafty fish usually weigh 2-10 pounds, though trophy-sized browns over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll often find them in shallower, near-shore waters, especially around structure like rocky points or submerged logs. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but browns can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting browns for their challenging nature and delicious, pink flesh. When fishing for browns, try trolling or casting with minnow-imitating lures near shoreline structures. Here's a local tip: after a good rain, fish the mouths of tributaries where browns gather to feed on washed-out baitfish. Be patient and stealthy - these fish can be wary, but the reward is worth it.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, the kings of Lake Michigan, are the heavyweights anglers dream about. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, though 15-20 pounders are more common. You'll find them in deeper, cooler waters, often suspended over structure or following baitfish schools. Chinooks are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a true test of skill. Late summer and early fall are peak seasons, as mature fish start their spawning migrations. Anglers love chinooks not just for the challenge, but also for their rich, flavorful meat. When targeting these giants, try trolling with large plugs or spoons at varying depths. Here's a tip: early mornings and evenings are often best, as chinooks are light-sensitive. Be ready for a battle - when a big king hits, you'll know it!

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a favorite among Lake Michigan anglers. These acrobatic fighters typically weigh 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show when hooked. You'll find them cruising the cooler, open waters of the lake, often hanging out near structure or drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons for coho, with many anglers targeting them during their spawning runs. Cohos are prized for their bright orange flesh and rich flavor, making them excellent table fare. When fishing for coho, try trolling with flashy spoons or plugs near the thermocline. A local trick: use cut herring as bait - cohos can't resist the scent. Keep an eye on your downriggers, as these fish can strike hard and fast. The thrill of battling a jumping coho is something you won't soon forget.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true natives of Lake Michigan, and they're a blast to catch. These deep-water dwellers can grow big, with 15-20 pounders common and some topping 40 pounds. You'll find them hanging out in the cold, deep basins of the lake, often suspended over rocky structure. Lake trout are slow-growing but long-lived, so landing a big one is always special. They're most active in spring and fall when the water's cooler, but can be caught year-round. Anglers prize lake trout for their firm, orange flesh and the challenge of bringing them up from the depths. When targeting lakers, try jigging with large spoons or soft plastics in deep water. Here's a tip: use your fish finder to locate schools suspended off the bottom, then drop your jig right to their level. The fight of a big lake trout coming up from 100+ feet is something you won't forget.

Pink Salmon

Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus Gorbuscha) Fish Description

Also known as the Humpback Salmon, the Pink Salmon is the smallest and the most abundant among the Pacific Salmon. The Pink Salmon appear as bright silver in the oceans but in streams, they gain back their light yellowish-white underbelly. Some others have a dull green color. Though, it highly depends on where they are.

Pink Salmon are most noted for their slight hump on their back, hence their name. They also don’t have teeth on their tongues. But Pink Salmon have large black oval spots on their back and their tail fins. They also have deep forked-tail and an anal fin that has 13-17 soft rays.

Pink Salmon Diet and Size

Pink Salmon often eat plankton. However, they also eat smaller fish, squid, and occasionally – Aquatic Insects. Pink Salmon average between 4.8 lbs (2.2 kg) in weight. However, someone managed to record a pink salmon being 30 inches and weighing around 15 lbs (6.8kg).

 

Interesting Facts about the Pink Salmon

• Pink Salmon often have a short life cycle of around 2 years.
• Pink Salmon love cold water.
• The crustaceans that Pink Salmon eat are what make the salmon’s fillet pink.
• A lot of people love eating pink salmon. Some even say that pink salmon are known for their omega-3 content. However, pink salmon may not be good for those who have high uric acid as it can cause gout.
• Pink Salmon is eaten in different ways. It can be smoked, baked, fried, and grilled. Some cuisines like employing the poêle method, allowing it to cook in its own juices. This helps achieve a crispy skin but soft texture.
• In Asian countries, Pink Salmon can be eaten raw. Japanese usually serve it as sushi or nigiri where it’s known as Sake.
• Southeast Asian countries often eat their Pink Salmon grilled. Some also eat it as part of a sour soup called Sinigang which is usually a tamarind soup-base with some vegetables such as swamp cabbage, tomatoes, and eggplant. Some people may also use Bilimbi or Kamias as the base of the soup.
• Pink Salmon are commonly enjoyed for their fillet and their belly. Eastern countries also enjoy eating from the head.
• The belly of the Pink Salmon is said where all the Omega-3 oils are.
• Pink Salmon often don’t interbreed. But when they do, their hybrids often come out sterile.

Pink Salmon – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Pink Salmon

For fishing Pink Salmon, you’ll need a medium action rod. As for the reel, it will depend on how you’re catching them. For casting, you’ll need a reel that holds 150 yards. Or at least, 8 to 10 lbs. For a jig, some anglers recommend brightly colored jigs. The most color that anglers use is pink in order to attract the pink salmon. This may be to fool the fish into thinking that the jig is a crustacean. They also use a pink hoochie which looks like a squid.

To make it more attractive, some people smear fish oil onto the jig to attract them. Some use herring oil. Others use squid oil.

Pink Salmon is a good fish to start for beginners. Anglers would often say that the Pink Salmon is one way to start if one wants to mimic the pros. 

Pink Salmon Habitat 

Pink Salmon loves cold water especially if it’s around 10 degrees Celsius. They’re native to Pacific and Arctic coastal waters and rivers. Pink Salmon sometimes are in creeks and lakes. But they do like their place in rivers. They also stay in sea basins.