Lake Michigan's Premier 5-Hour Salmon & Trout Trip

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$550 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for a great day of fishing? Join us for a 5-hour trip targeting Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout. We'll head out on our 32' Pursuit motor yacht, which offers a smooth ride and plenty of space for up to 6 guests. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our expert crew will help you make the most of your time on the water. We provide all the gear and tackle you'll need, so just bring yourself and be prepared for some action. Our team works hard to put you on the fish, using their local knowledge and the latest techniques. It's a perfect outing for friends, family, or a solo adventure. You'll learn about different fishing methods, get hands-on experience, and hopefully reel in some impressive catches. The excitement of feeling a big salmon or trout on the line is hard to beat. Book your spot and get ready for a fun-filled day of fishing!

Lake Michigan's Premier 5-Hour Salmon & Trout Trip

Big Catches on Display

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Photograph of a rainbow trout caught while fishing in WI

Trolling our way to success!

Angler reeling in a large rainbow trout in Sheboygan

Another day, another trophy fish!

Reel in Trophy Salmon & Trout on Lake Michigan

Get ready for an action-packed 5 hours on the big water! Our 32' Pursuit is primed and ready to put you on the hottest salmon and trout bite Lake Michigan has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our expert crew will have you hooked up in no time. We've got room for 6, top-notch gear, and the local know-how to make this a fishing trip you won't soon forget.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the harbor, it's game on. We'll cruise to our honey holes where the big ones are biting, set our spread of rods, and let the fun begin. Our 32-footer gives us the speed to cover water and the stability to fish comfortably even when the lake kicks up. You'll be hands-on, reeling in your own catches with guidance from our crew. We've got everything dialed in - from downriggers and dipsy divers to the hottest spoons and flies. All you need to bring is your excitement and maybe a cooler for your catch. Fair warning: once you feel that first big King slam your bait, you'll be hooked for life!

Trolling Tactics & Top-Notch Gear

We run a tight trolling program that's all about putting fish in the boat. Our setup includes multiple downriggers to get baits deep, as well as dipsy divers and lead core lines to cover the entire water column. We're constantly fine-tuning our presentation based on what the fish want that day. One minute we might be running flashers and flies, the next we're switching to big spoons or cut bait. It's a dynamic fishery out here, and half the fun is cracking the code. Our arsenal is stocked with top-shelf St. Croix rods and smooth-as-butter Shimano reels - gear that can handle anything from acrobatic Coho to bulldogging Kings. And don't sweat it if you're new to this style of fishing. We'll walk you through everything, from setting the drag to playing a big fish boat-side.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: The undisputed heavyweight champ of the Great Lakes, Chinooks (aka King Salmon) are the prime target for many anglers. These brutes can top 30 pounds and will test your arms and your drag. They hit like a freight train and don't give up easily. Kings are typically most aggressive in late summer as they prepare for their spawning run, but we target them successfully all season long.

Coho Salmon: What Coho lack in size compared to their Chinook cousins, they more than make up for in acrobatics. These silver missiles are known for tail-walking across the surface and making blistering runs. They average 3-8 pounds but can push into the teens. Spring and early summer are prime time for Cohos, but we catch them throughout the season.

Lake Trout: Lakers are the native bruisers of Lake Michigan. They're not the fastest, but they've got stamina for days. Expect a deep, dogged fight as you winch these bottom-dwellers up from the depths. They can grow huge, with 20-pounders not uncommon. Lake trout are available year-round and often save the day when other species are being finicky.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): The high-flyers of the bunch, Steelhead are prized for their spectacular aerial displays. These chrome-bright beauties average 5-10 pounds but can grow much larger. They're a blast on light tackle and arguably the best-eating fish in the lake. We target them heavily in spring and fall, but summer fish are always a welcome bonus.

Brown Trout: The wildcards of Lake Michigan, Browns are often caught closer to shore and can grow to impressive sizes. They're known for their powerful runs and tendency to wrap you around anything they can find. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer browns are always a possibility, especially on cooler days.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about filling the cooler (though we do plenty of that). There's something special about being out on the big lake, watching the sun rise over the water as you wait for that first rod to go off. Every trip is different - you never know if today's the day you'll land that 30-pound King or limit out on jumbo Cohos before lunch. Our regulars love the camaraderie on board, swapping fish stories and learning new tricks of the trade. And let's be honest, there's no better way to unwind from the grind than by battling Great Lakes salmon and trout. Many of our guests start planning their next trip before we even hit the dock!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to tangle with some hard-fighting Lake Michigan gamefish, don't wait to lock in your date. Our prime weekends fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. Remember, we can accommodate up to 6 anglers, so grab your crew and let's make some memories. The big ones are out there waiting - all that's missing is you!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are crafty characters that give anglers a real challenge. These golden-brown beauties usually run 8-24 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often tucked away under cut banks or fallen trees. They're most active in low light, so early mornings and evenings are prime time. Fall is fantastic as browns get aggressive before spawning. Anglers prize them for their wariness, hard fights, and tasty flesh. When hooked, expect some clever maneuvers as they try to shake free. For best results, try fly fishing with nymphs or streamers, or use small spinners if spin casting. Here's a local trick: focus on deep pools and undercut banks where big browns like to hide. Patience and stealth are key - sneak up on them and make your first cast count. Landing a trophy brown is always a satisfying accomplishment.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the biggest of the Pacific salmon and a prized catch. These monsters can top 30 pounds, with some topping 100 pounds in Alaska. You'll find them in cold streams and rivers connected to the ocean. Kings prefer deeper water, so focus on the bottom. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Fall is prime time as they run upstream to spawn. Anglers target kings for their size, powerful fights, and rich, flavorful meat. When hooked, be ready for some serious action - they'll test your gear and skills. For best results, try trolling with plugs or spoons, or drift fish with roe. Here's an insider tip: kings are light-sensitive, so use weighted baits to get down deep where they're hanging out. Whether you land a trophy or just enjoy the battle, fishing for Chinook salmon is always a memorable experience.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a medium-sized salmon that pack a punch. They typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, but can get much bigger in the Great Lakes. Look for them in calm areas of large rivers connected to the ocean. Cohos are famous for their acrobatics - they can jump up to 6 feet out of the water! Fall is prime time as they run upriver to spawn. Anglers love targeting cohos for their hard-fighting nature and excellent taste. They have bright orange-red meat that's perfect for the grill. When fishing for them, try swinging spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in holding water. Here's a local tip: use bright lure colors like chartreuse or pink on sunny days, and darker patterns when it's cloudy. Whether you're fly fishing or spin casting, hooking into a feisty coho is always an exciting fight.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a blast to catch and a favorite among anglers. These beauties usually run 8-24 inches long and put up an acrobatic fight when hooked. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often near gravelly shorelines or in deeper pools during summer. They're most active at dusk or early evening, so that's prime time to go after them. Rainbow trout are prized for their tasty pink flesh and sporty nature - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked. For best results, try nymphing techniques or dry fly fishing when you see fish rising. A local trick is to use emergers or buggers and keep your bait off the bottom. Rainbow trout are opportunistic feeders, so match your fly to what's hatching. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fly fishing, landing a rainbow is always a thrill.

About the Hot Pursuit Lake Michigan

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 36

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 350

Ready for an action-packed day of fishing? Hop aboard our 32' Pursuit motor yacht for 5 hours of non-stop salmon and trout action. We're geared up to chase Chinook and Coho salmon, plus some hefty lake trout. With room for 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to reel in the big ones. Our seasoned crew knows all the hotspots and will work tirelessly to put fish on your line. We've got top-notch equipment ready for you, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. The yacht offers a smooth ride, so you can focus on the fishing without worrying about choppy waters. Get ready to feel the rush of a strong bite and the satisfaction of landing your catch. Don't miss out on this chance to create some serious fishing stories – book your spot now and let's get out on the water!

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