Advanced Lake Michigan Fishing | Captain Ted

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$400 - $875 price range

Summary

This 5-hour private fishing charter on Lake Michigan and nearby rivers is designed for serious anglers looking to land trophy fish. We'll be targeting Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, and more, using techniques like drifting and trolling in prime fishing spots. Your guide will adjust the strategy based on the season and conditions to maximize your chances. We provide high-quality gear, but feel free to bring your own tackle if you prefer. No fishing license is required, and the trip can accommodate up to 6 guests. This isn't a leisurely cruise - it's an focused outing for those who want to fish with purpose and improve their skills. Whether you're after that personal best or just want to learn some new techniques, we'll work hard to put you on fish and make the most of your time on the water.

Advanced Lake Michigan Fishing | Captain Ted

Big Fish, Big Smiles

Fresh catch straight from the lake!

School of 12 colorful Chum, Pink, Coho, and Chinook Salmon swimming in Big Rapids

Nothing beats a day on the water!

6 Chinook and Coho salmon caught in Big Rapids

Rods bent, fish on in Lake Michigan!

Photograph of a 30-inch pink salmon caught while fishing in Big Rapids

Casting off for another great catch!

Trophy Fishing: 5-Hour Lake Michigan Charter

Ready to put your angling skills to the test? Captain Ted Charters' 5-hour advanced fishing trip on Lake Michigan is tailor-made for serious fishermen looking to land the big one. We're talking trophy Chinook Salmon, monster Steelhead, and hefty Lake Trout. This isn't your average "cast and hope" outing – it's a laser-focused mission to get you on the fish using proven local tactics and primo spots.

What to Expect on the Water

Forget about leisurely trolling in circles. This trip is all about maximizing your time and targeting the hottest bites. We'll hit Lake Michigan's most productive zones, plus dip into nearby rivers when the conditions are right. Your seasoned guide will read the water, adjust techniques on the fly, and put you in prime position to hook into some real bruisers. Bring your A-game and be ready to work – we're here to put fish in the boat, not just enjoy the scenery (though the views are pretty sweet too).

Tactics & Gear Breakdown

We've got flexibility dialed in on this trip. Most days we'll be running a mix of trolling and drift fishing, depending on what the fish are doing. You're welcome to bring your favorite rod and tackle, but we've also got top-notch gear if you prefer to travel light. We're talking smooth-drag reels, sensitive rods, and a tackle selection that would make most bait shops jealous. Downriggers, dipsy divers, planer boards – we've got all the tools to get your lures right where they need to be. And don't sweat the license – it's included for everyone on board.

Top Catches This Season

Lake Michigan's been on fire lately. We've been consistently putting clients on 20+ pound Kings, chrome-bright Steelhead that'll make your drag sing, and Lake Trout so thick they look like footballs with fins. One group last week limited out on Coho in the first two hours, then spent the rest of the trip hunting for that 30+ pound dream Chinook. They didn't land the monster, but man, the stories they've got now...

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: The King of the Great Lakes, and for good reason. These brutes can top 30 pounds and fight like their life depends on it (because, well, it does). We target them with big spoons and cut bait, often fishing deep water or near shore during their fall spawning run. There's nothing quite like the sudden, violent strike of a Chinook – be ready to hold on tight!

Steelhead Trout: If Chinooks are bulldozers, Steelhead are acrobats. These sea-run Rainbow Trout are known for epic aerial displays and blistering runs. We catch them year-round, but spring and fall are prime time. Drift fishing with spawn sacs or swinging flies in the rivers can be deadly effective. Don't be surprised if you end up with a Steelhead tattoo after battling one of these chrome missiles.

Lake Trout: The OG's of Lake Michigan. These deep-water predators have been cruising the cold depths for centuries. We target them with downriggers, often fishing right on the bottom in 100+ feet of water. They might not jump like their cousins, but a big Lake Trout will test your arms and your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating if you want to take a few home for the grill.

Coho Salmon: The "little" cousins of the Chinook, Cohos make up for their smaller size with sheer numbers and aggression. These 5-10 pounders often travel in big schools, leading to some insane action when you find them. We troll spoons, flies, and cut bait higher in the water column. Don't be surprised if you end up with a dozen Cohos in the cooler before you know it.

Rainbow Trout: While we primarily catch the sea-run Steelhead variety, resident "bows" in the rivers offer great action too. These fish are known for their stunning colors and acrobatic fights. We target them with light tackle, often sight-fishing in clear water. It's a totally different game than trolling the big lake, and a great change of pace if conditions push us towards the rivers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, there are plenty of fishing charters out there. But here's the deal – we're not just about filling the cooler (though we do that plenty). This trip is for the angler who wants to level up their game. You'll learn new techniques, gain insider knowledge on Lake Michigan's patterns, and probably walk away with a new personal best. Our repeat clients tell us it's like a master class in Great Lakes fishing, wrapped up in an action-packed day on the water. Plus, let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the rush of a big King peeling line off your reel at sunrise.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're still reading, chances are you're the kind of angler we love to have on board. This isn't a "kick back and reel when we tell you" kind of trip. It's hands-on, fast-paced, and guaranteed to make you a better fisherman. We've only got room for 6 anglers per trip, and prime dates fill up fast. So if you're ready to tangle with some Lake Michigan giants and push your fishing skills to the limit, give us a call. The big ones are waiting, and trust me – you don't want to miss out on the epic battles (and fish stories) that are about to unfold. Let's get you on the water and into some serious fish!

Learn more about the animals

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These brutes average 15-25 pounds but can top 40. They're deepwater specialists, so we often target them by trolling downriggers or dipsy divers 50-100 feet down. Peak season is July through September when they stage for their spawning runs. Kings fight like freight trains and will test your gear and stamina. Their rich, orange flesh makes fantastic table fare too. Anglers love the challenge and the chance at a true trophy. To up your odds, try using cut bait like alewives or herring behind a flasher. The scent drives kings wild, especially in low-light conditions.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon average 8-12 pounds but can reach over 30. These silver bullets migrate into Lake Michigan tributaries in fall, offering exciting fishing in rivers and nearshore waters. They're aggressive and will strike a variety of lures, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels. Spring brings "silver fever" as cohos feed heavily near the surface. Trolling with flashy spoons or J-plugs 5-30 feet down is deadly. When they move into rivers, drift eggs or cast spinners in deeper holes. Cohos fight hard and taste great smoked or grilled. Pro tip: On sunny days, use smaller lures in natural colors. These fish have excellent eyesight and can be picky when it's bright out.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native bruisers of Lake Michigan, often weighing 10-20 pounds. These deep-dwelling predators prefer cold water, so we find them near bottom in 50-200 feet most of the year. They move shallower in spring and fall, sometimes as close as 30 feet. Lakers are methodical fighters, using their big paddle tails to dive deep. Jigging or trolling with big spoons, cut bait, or jigging minnows all produce. Their firm, light meat is delicious when smoked. While not as flashy as other species, lake trout offer steady action and the chance at a real heavyweight. Try this local secret: when jigging, use big, gaudy plastics. Lakers have poor eyesight but great lateral lines, so vibration is key to getting bites.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a popular target on Lake Michigan, typically running 2-8 pounds. These colorful fighters love cool, oxygen-rich water and hang around structure like submerged logs or rocky areas. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they move into shallower water. Anglers enjoy their acrobatic leaps and delicious pink flesh. To catch rainbows, try drifting with spawn sacs or casting small spoons in 10-30 feet of water. They're wary, so use light line and stealthy presentations. A local trick is to troll with banana-shaped plugs just after ice-out when they're feeding aggressively near shore. Whether you're a rookie or a pro, hooking into a big 'bow is always a thrill.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are ocean-going rainbow trout, returning to Lake Michigan tributaries to spawn. These chrome rockets average 5-15 pounds and are prized for their spectacular fights and jumps. Look for them in rivers from fall through spring, with peak runs often coinciding with higher, colder water. Drift fishing with spawn bags or swinging flies are go-to tactics. In the big lake, target them near shore in spring and fall, or deep in summer. Steelhead are challenging, but that's what makes landing one so rewarding. They're also excellent eating, with firm pink flesh. Here's an insider tip: when river fishing, focus on the tail-outs of pools where steelhead often rest before their next push upstream.

About the FWCT boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 15

Manufacturer Name: Crusader

Maximum Cruising Speed: 16

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 350

Ready for some serious fishing action? This 5-hour charter on Lake Michigan and nearby rivers is designed for anglers who mean business. We'll be targeting trophy-sized Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, and other prized catches using strategic techniques like drifting and trolling. Your experienced guide will leverage local knowledge and top-notch gear to put you on the fish, adapting the approach based on seasonal patterns and current conditions. Bring your favorite rod or use our quality equipment - either way, you'll be fishing productive waters with precision. This private trip accommodates up to 6 guests and doesn't require a license, so you can focus purely on the pursuit. Whether you're after that personal best or just love the challenge of outsmarting big fish, this results-driven charter caters to those who take their angling seriously. Get ready for an intensive day of tactical fishing on some of the Midwest's most rewarding waters.

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