Learn to Fish Lake Michigan | Captain Ted Charters

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$400 - $875 price range

Summary

Ready to dip your toes into the world of fishing? This 5-hour morning trip on Lake Michigan or nearby rivers is tailor-made for beginners. Your guide from Captain Ted Charters will show you the ropes, covering everything from how to cast your line to baiting hooks and handling fishing gear. You'll be targeting impressive catches like Chinook, Coho, and Trout in no time. Don't worry about bringing anything - all the equipment is provided, and you won't even need a fishing license. It's a laid-back, fun experience perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups of up to 6 people who want to learn fishing basics without any pressure. By the end of your trip, you'll have gained new skills, enjoyed time on the water, and maybe even landed your first big catch. It's a great way to spend a morning and get a taste of what fishing on Lake Michigan is all about.

Learn to Fish Lake Michigan | Captain Ted Charters

First Catches on Michigan

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!

5-Hour Lake Michigan Fishing Intro: Cast Your First Line

Ready to dip your toes into the world of fishing? Captain Ted's 5-hour intro trip on Lake Michigan is your ticket to angling adventure. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to brush up on the basics, this morning charter is tailor-made for newcomers. You'll learn the ropes from our seasoned guides while trying your luck at hooking some of the lake's most prized catches. No need to stress about gear or licenses – we've got you covered. Grab up to 5 friends and let's make some waves!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're cruising out onto the vast blue of Lake Michigan as the sun climbs over the horizon. The air's crisp, the water's calling, and you're about to get your first taste of Great Lakes fishing. Our guide will start you off with the ABCs – how to bait your hook, cast like a pro, and reel in the big ones. We'll hit some of Captain Ted's favorite spots, switching between lake and river fishing to give you a well-rounded experience. You might be a rookie now, but by the end of these 5 hours, you'll be talking fishing lingo with the best of 'em.

Rods, Reels, and Rookie Know-How

Forget about fumbling with tangled lines or wondering which lure to use – we've got all the gear you need, and we'll show you how to use it. You'll get hands-on practice with different techniques like trolling (that's when we drag lines behind the boat) and jigging (a up-and-down motion that drives fish wild). We'll cover the basics of reading the water, understanding fish behavior, and even how to safely handle your catch for that perfect photo op. Don't worry if you don't get it all at first – fishing's all about patience, and we've got plenty of that.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Michigan's waters are teeming with some real beauties, and on this trip, you've got a shot at several prize catches. Let's break down what might be tugging on your line:

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these bad boys are the heavyweights of the lake. They can tip the scales at over 30 pounds and put up a fight that'll have your arms aching (in the best way). Chinooks are most active in late summer and early fall, making epic runs up the rivers to spawn. Landing one of these is a true badge of honor for any angler, newbie or pro.

Coho Salmon: The speedsters of the salmon world, Cohos are known for their acrobatic leaps and sudden bursts of energy. They're a bit smaller than Chinooks, usually in the 5-10 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in feistiness. Spring and early summer are prime time for Cohos, and their orange-red flesh makes for some mighty fine eating.

Rainbow Trout: These colorful characters, also called steelhead when they migrate to the lake from rivers, are a year-round target. They're crafty and quick, often giving anglers a run for their money with sudden dashes and jumps. Rainbows in Lake Michigan can grow up to 10 pounds or more, and they're as beautiful as they are delicious.

Steelhead Trout: Technically the same species as rainbow trout, but these guys have a sea-run lifestyle. They grow bigger and stronger than their freshwater cousins, often reaching 15 pounds or more. Steelhead are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic fights, making them a favorite among anglers looking for a challenge. You'll have the best shot at these silver bullets in spring and fall.

Lake Trout: The OGs of Lake Michigan, lake trout have been swimming these waters since the ice age. They're built for the deep, cold waters of the Great Lakes, with some monsters topping 40 pounds. Lake trout aren't known for flashy fights, but they'll test your stamina with their steady, powerful pulls. These guys are a year-round target and a staple of Lake Michigan fishing.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Sure, the fish are great, but it's more than just what's on the end of your line that makes Lake Michigan fishing special. There's something about being out on the water, watching the skyline fade into the distance, that just resets your clock. You might see a bald eagle soaring overhead or catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you're lucky. And let's not forget the camaraderie – there's nothing like sharing fish stories (true or tall) with your buddies or family. Plus, the sense of accomplishment when you reel in your first catch? Priceless. Whether you're looking to zen out or amp up the excitement, this intro trip's got a little something for everyone.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, you ready to test the waters? This 5-hour intro to fishing on Lake Michigan is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking, of course). Whether you're flying solo, planning a date with a difference, or looking for a fun family outing, Captain Ted's got you covered. Remember, we provide all the gear, know-how, and good vibes – you just need to bring your sense of adventure. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons, so don't wait to lock in your trip. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite hobby. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water. Fish on!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the biggest salmon in the Great Lakes. Adult fish typically run 15-25 pounds, with some topping 30. These bruisers are found in Lake Michigan from spring through fall, often in deeper water near structure. Trolling with downriggers is the most popular method, using cut bait or large spoons. Kings are known for their powerful runs – when you hook one, hold on tight! The fight can last 20 minutes or more as these fish use their size and the lake's depth to their advantage. Fall brings staging fish closer to shore as they prepare to run the rivers. That's when shore anglers get their shot at these giants. For the tastiest fillets, bleed your catch immediately and get it on ice. A local secret: early morning trolling with glow lures can be dynamite when kings are active near the surface.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear and skills. Adults typically run 24-30 inches and 8-12 pounds – perfect eating size. Look for them in Lake Michigan from spring through fall as they stage for their spawning runs. Cohos love to chase flashy lures, so trolling with dodgers and flies is a great way to hook up. These fish put on an aerial show when hooked, making multiple jumps to try and throw the hook. The meat is bright orange and fantastic on the grill or smoker. For the best action, target them in 50-80 feet of water over structure like underwater humps or drop-offs. A local secret is to downsize your lures and slow your trolling speed on sunny, calm days when the fish get finicky. The fight and flavor of a fresh-caught coho make them a favorite for both seasoned anglers and first-timers.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true giants of the Great Lakes, with fish over 20 pounds common and 40-pounders possible. These deep-water predators spend most of their time in cold, well-oxygenated water below the thermocline. Spring and fall are prime seasons when lakers move shallower. Jigging or trolling with downriggers are go-to methods. What makes lake trout special is their size and stamina – hooking one is like being tied to a submarine. They're not as acrobatic as other trout, but their power is impressive. The meat is rich and oily, excellent for smoking. To find lakers, look for steep drop-offs and underwater humps in 80-150 feet of water. A local tip: when jigging, use large soft plastics or tube jigs and work them slowly. The bite is often subtle, so stay alert for any change in your line's movement.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a fun target for both novice and experienced anglers. These colorful fish usually run 8-24 inches long and put up a spirited fight when hooked. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and lakes, often hanging out near undercut banks or fallen trees. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as the water temperatures are ideal. Rainbows are prized for their tasty pink flesh and acrobatic leaps when battling anglers. To boost your odds, try drifting a nymph or egg pattern through deeper pools and runs. These fish can be picky eaters, so matching the hatch with your fly selection is key. A local trick is to use a dropper fly rig - tie on a weighted nymph as your point fly, then attach a smaller nymph or emerger pattern 18 inches up the leader. This gives the trout two tempting options as your flies drift by.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that spend years in the lake before returning to rivers to spawn. These chrome-bright fish average 5-10 pounds but can top 20. They're prized for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Look for them in Lake Michigan tributaries from fall through spring. Steelhead fishing is all about timing and water conditions. High, cloudy water after a rain often triggers good runs of fish. Drift fishing with spawn sacs or swinging flies are two effective methods. What makes steelhead special is the challenge – they're notoriously finicky and can test an angler's patience. But when it all comes together, landing one of these silver torpedoes is incredibly rewarding. A local tip: focus on deeper holes and seams where fish rest on their upstream journey. Cover water thoroughly and be ready for explosive strikes.

About the FWCT boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 15

Manufacturer Name: Crusader

Maximum Cruising Speed: 16

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 350

Ready to dip your toes into the world of fishing? This 5-hour guided trip on Lake Michigan or nearby rivers is the perfect starting point. Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, our experienced guide will show you the ropes. You'll learn essential techniques like casting, baiting hooks, and handling fishing gear while trying your luck at catching Chinook, Coho, and Trout. No need to worry about equipment or licenses - we've got you covered. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn. This laid-back outing is ideal for individuals, couples, or small groups of up to 6 people who want to experience the joy of fishing without any pressure. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid foundation in fishing basics and maybe even a catch or two to brag about. It's a fun, relaxed way to spend a morning on the water and discover a new hobby. Who knows, you might just get hooked!

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