Expert Lake Michigan Fishing Charters | 6-Hour Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$600 - $700 price range

Summary

Join us for a 6-hour fishing adventure on Lake Michigan with Jerryriggin Sportfishing Charters. Our private trips are perfect for groups of up to 4 looking to land some big catches. We'll head out early to take advantage of the prime morning bite, giving you plenty of time to target Chinook Salmon and Lake Trout. As we cruise the waters, you'll get to soak in beautiful views of the lake at sunrise. Our experienced crew will help you find the hot spots and show you the best techniques for reeling in these hard-fighting fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying lake fishing for the first time, you'll have a great shot at hooking into some impressive fish. Bring your camera to capture the action and your prized catches. It's a fun day on the water that lets you experience some of the best freshwater fishing Lake Michigan has to offer.

Expert Lake Michigan Fishing Charters | 6-Hour Trip

Big Lake, Big Fish

Clearing skies set the stage for epic trolling action in Manistee!

Reeling in a Chinook Salmon while trolling on Lake Michigan!

Reeling in the best fishing day of the season in Manistee!

Caught the day's best with some savvy trolling techniques!

Lake Michigan's Best Kept Fishing Secret

Ready to experience some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer? Our 6-hour charter trip is the perfect way to get your line wet and reel in some trophy-sized catches. We're talking Chinook Salmon that'll make your arms ache and Lake Trout that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Jeremy knows all the honey holes where the big ones are biting. So grab your favorite lucky hat and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're cruising out on Lake Michigan as the sun peeks over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the water. The air is crisp, the lake is calm, and you've got a hot cup of coffee in hand. That's how we start our mornings here at Jerryriggin Sportfishing Charters. Once we hit our sweet spots, it's time to drop lines and get to work. We use top-notch gear and the latest fish-finding tech to put you on the fish. And don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Jeremy's got patience for days and will show you the ropes. By the time we head back to shore, you'll have plenty of fish tales to share and maybe even a new personal best to brag about.

Trolling Tips & Tackle Talk

On Lake Michigan, trolling is the name of the game. We'll be setting up a spread of lines behind the boat, using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover different depths and distances. Our go-to lures? Spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs that mimic the local forage fish. We're always tweaking our setups based on what the fish are biting that day. Water temperature, time of year, and even the phase of the moon can affect where we find the fish. But that's the fun part - every trip is like solving a puzzle, and when we crack the code, it's fish on!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"We had a GREAT time with Captain Jeremy today. Very friendly, personable and worked hard to find us fish. Loved how he didn't micromanage any of us even the girl on board-lol." - Mendy

Species You'll Want to Hook

Rainbow Trout, or "steelhead" as we call 'em when they're in the big lake, are like the acrobats of Lake Michigan. These silver bullets can hit speeds of 25 mph and aren't afraid to put on an aerial show. They average 5-10 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 15-pounder. Spring and fall are prime time for these beauties, and they'll test your drag and your nerves with their zigzag runs.

Coho Salmon might not be the biggest salmon in the lake, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. These 3-8 pounders are often the first salmon to start biting in the spring. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and quick runs that'll have you hollering "Fish on!" before you know it. Cohos are also some of the tastiest eating fish in the lake - perfect for the grill or smoker.

Chinook Salmon, or "Kings" as we call 'em, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, and when they decide to run, you'd better hold on tight! Late summer into fall is prime time for Kings, when they start their spawning run. There's nothing quite like the thrill of battling one of these monsters - it's why anglers come from all over to fish our waters.

Lake Trout are the old-timers of Lake Michigan. These deep-water denizens can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. While they might not jump like other species, they make up for it with bulldogging runs that'll have your arms burning. "Lakers" as we call 'em, are available year-round, but spring and fall are especially good times to target them. And let me tell you, there's nothing like a fresh lake trout fillet on the grill!

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out on Lake Michigan. But the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, cross some species off your bucket list, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. Our 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to get into the action without taking up your whole day. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give us a call, and let's get your Lake Michigan fishing adventure on the calendar. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life!

Customer Review

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We had a GREAT time with Captain Jeremy today. Very friendly, personable and worked hard to find us fish. Loved how he didn’t micromanage any of us even the girl on board-lol.

Mendy Shmina

June 28, 2025

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Coho salmon might not be as big as kings, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. These acrobatic fish usually run 5-10 pounds in Lake Michigan. You'll find them closer to the surface than kings, often in the top 30 feet of water. Cohos are known for their wild, unpredictable fights. They'll make runs, jump, and generally do everything they can to throw the hook. It's an exciting catch, especially on lighter tackle. Their orange-red meat is also fantastic eating - many folks prefer it to king salmon. We typically target cohos by trolling with smaller spoons, plugs, or flies. They're most active in spring and early summer, then again in fall as they prepare to spawn. A local trick: try using bright, flashy lures. Cohos are attracted to flash and vibration, so don't be afraid to go bold with your lure choice. These fish often school up, so when you catch one, there's a good chance more are nearby. Keep your eyes peeled for jumping fish - that's often a sign of actively feeding cohos.

Coho Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the bruisers of Lake Michigan. These guys can top 30 pounds, with most in the 15-20 pound range. They're deep-water fish, usually hanging out near the bottom where it's cooler. Early morning or evening is prime time to hook into one of these monsters. Kings are known for their incredible fights - when one hits, hold on tight! They'll make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart racing. And let's not forget about the taste - that rich, orange flesh is hard to beat on the grill. We usually target them by trolling with downriggers, using plugs, spoons, or cut bait. They're most active in late summer and early fall when they start their spawning run. Here's a tip: Keep an eye on your sonar for bait balls. Where there's bait, there's usually kings nearby. These fish are sensitive to light, so we often use glow lures or add glow tape to our favorites. It's a small trick, but it can make a big difference when you're after the king of the lake.

Lake Trout

Rainbow trout, or 'bows as we call 'em, are a favorite here on Lake Michigan. They typically run 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them all over the lake, but they love hanging around structure and drop-offs. These fish are known for their acrobatics - when you hook one, be ready for some spectacular jumps and runs. They're also great eating, with a mild, slightly nutty flavor that's hard to beat. We catch rainbows year-round, but spring and fall are especially good. They like cooler water, so they'll be closer to the surface in those seasons. Trolling with spoons or small plugs works well, but don't overlook fly fishing if conditions are right. Here's a local tip: pay attention to water temperature. Rainbows prefer temps between 55-65°F, so finding those temp breaks can be key to locating fish. And remember, these guys have great eyesight, so in clear water, lighter line and more natural presentations often work best.

Rainbow Trout

Lake trout are the monsters of the char family, often hitting 15-40 pounds with some real giants out there. These cold-water fish like to hang deep in Lake Michigan, especially during summer. We usually find them suspended in the middle of the basin, sometimes way down deep where the water's cold and oxygen-rich. Spring's a great time to target lakers, right after ice-out when they're in shallower water. Overcast days are prime time - these fish aren't big fans of bright light. Jigging's the way to go for lake trout. Rapala Jigging Raps or lures that mimic wounded baitfish work well. Don't overlook good old spoons either. When you hook one, you're in for a fight - they're stubborn and strong. Plus, the meat's delicious, with a rich, buttery flavor. Here's a local tip: If you're not marking fish, try varying your trolling speed. Sometimes a sudden change is all it takes to trigger a strike. These fish can be finicky, but when you figure them out, it's some of the most rewarding fishing on the lake.

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