Premium Lake Michigan Fishing with Add'em Up

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$650 price range

Summary

Hop aboard with Captain Adam for a fun morning of fishing on Lake Michigan. This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers of all levels looking to catch some big fish. You'll be trolling for King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout, depending on what's biting that season. The boat leaves around 7 AM, but timing is flexible to fit your schedule. Captain Adam provides top-notch gear, so you don't need to bring anything but your enthusiasm. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, you'll have a great time out on the water. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great way to spend a morning with friends or family. The calm inshore waters make for a smooth ride, and you'll have plenty of chances to reel in some impressive catches. By the time you return at 11 AM, you'll have some great fish stories to tell.

Premium Lake Michigan Fishing with Add'em Up

Reeling in the Big Ones

King Salmon Fishing in Michigan

Caught a 27-inch Lake Trout while fishing in MI

Lake Trout in Michigan

Reeling in the Action: Lake Michigan Fishing

Unleash Your Inner Angler: Lake Michigan Fishing

Lake Michigan's Salmon & Trout Bonanza

Ready to chase some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish? Captain Adam's got you covered with this action-packed morning on Lake Michigan. We're talking prime time for Chinook (King) Salmon, feisty Coho, and hard-fighting Lake Trout. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, you're in for a treat. We'll be trolling the productive waters off the Michigan shoreline, using top-notch gear to put you on the fish. It's the perfect half-day adventure to scratch that fishing itch without eating up your whole day.

What's the Deal?

Here's the scoop: We'll meet up bright and early, usually around 7 AM, but Captain Adam's flexible if you need to tweak the start time a bit. You and up to three buddies will hop aboard for four solid hours of fishing. We're not messing around with subpar equipment here - you'll be using the good stuff to maximize your chances of hooking into something memorable. The boat's set up for trolling, which means we'll be covering water and giving those fish every opportunity to find our lures. By 11 AM, we'll be heading back to the dock, hopefully with a cooler full of fish and some great stories to tell.

Trolling 101

If you're new to trolling, don't sweat it. It's a killer technique for targeting these big lake fish. We'll be setting out multiple lines behind the boat, each with specific lures or bait that these salmon and trout can't resist. The boat does most of the work, slowly cruising along while those lines trail behind. When a fish hits, it's game on! Captain Adam will get you set up and show you the ropes, so even if you've never held a rod before, you'll be reeling in fish like a pro in no time. We use downriggers to get our offerings down to where the fish are hanging out, and maybe even some planer boards to spread our lines out wide. It's a team effort, and there's nothing quite like the rush when multiple rods go off at once!

Target Species

Chinook (King) Salmon: These are the heavyweights of the Great Lakes, and the fish that dreams are made of. Chinooks in Lake Michigan can push 30 pounds or more, and they fight like their lives depend on it. When you hook into one of these bruisers, hold on tight! They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. The best time to target Kings is typically from mid-summer through early fall when they start their spawning run. There's nothing quite like the feeling of a King Salmon peeling line off your reel.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Coho are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the lake. These silver bullets usually weigh in between 5-10 pounds, but they'll give you a run for your money. Cohos are known for their wild, unpredictable fights and their willingness to chase down a lure. They're often found in big schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring and early summer are prime time for Cohos, but we can catch them throughout the fishing season.

Lake Trout: These are the native bruisers of Lake Michigan. Lake Trout are built for the cold, deep waters, and they put up a stubborn, dogged fight when hooked. They're not as flashy as their salmon cousins, but what they lack in acrobatics, they make up for in pure power. Lake Trout can grow to impressive sizes, with 20-pounders not uncommon. The cool thing about Lakers is that they're available year-round, so even when the salmon fishing slows down, these guys are still out there waiting to bend your rod.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been guiding on Lake Michigan for years, and I still get pumped every time we leave the dock. There's just something special about being out on that big water, watching the sun come up over the horizon as we set our lines. The anticipation of that first strike, the camaraderie of working together to land a big fish - it's addictive. And let's be real, the chance at hooking into a monster King Salmon or a limit of tasty Coho is hard to beat. Plus, with a four-hour trip, you're getting the best part of the day without committing your entire schedule. It's the perfect balance of excitement and convenience.

What to Expect on the Water

First things first - dress in layers. Lake Michigan can be chilly in the morning, even in summer. We'll be moving around the boat, setting lines and reeling in fish, so you want to be comfortable. Captain Adam's got all the fishing gear covered, so no need to bring your own unless you really want to. A good attitude and a willingness to learn (if you're new) or share tips (if you're experienced) goes a long way. We're all here to have fun and hopefully put some fish in the box. And speaking of boxes, if you want to keep your catch, bring a cooler to take it home in. There's nothing like fresh Lake Michigan salmon on the grill!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, here's the bottom line: If you're looking for a top-notch fishing experience on Lake Michigan without blowing your whole day, this is it. Captain Adam knows these waters like the back of his hand and is committed to putting you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big King Salmon, want to fill the freezer with delicious Coho, or just want to enjoy a beautiful morning on the water with the chance at some great fishing, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season, so don't wait. Grab your fishing buddies, pick a date, and let's make it happen. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of Great Lakes fishing, you'll be hooked for life. Book now and get ready for some rod-bending action!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as Kings, are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These bruisers typically run 15-30 pounds but can top 40. Look for them in deeper, cooler water, especially near structure. Kings are famous for their powerful fights - when one hits, hold on tight! They're most active in late summer and fall as they prepare to run upriver. Trolling with downriggers is the go-to method, using flashy spoons or cut bait. Kings make excellent table fare too, with rich, orange flesh. Here's a local tip: On sunny days, try using darker lures that create more contrast in the water. These fish have excellent eyesight and will often key in on that silhouette.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of Lake Michigan. Smaller than kings at 5-10 pounds, what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These fish love to jump and run, making for exciting catches. Look for cohos near the surface, especially in cooler water. They're often found in schools, so where you catch one, there's likely more. Spring and early summer are prime seasons, with another push in fall. Trolling with smaller spoons or plugs is effective, often higher in the water column than for kings. Cohos are prized for their bright orange flesh and milder flavor. Here's a trick: If you see jumping fish, try casting a small, flashy lure like a Kastmaster - cohos can't resist chasing it down.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native heavies of Lake Michigan, lurking in the cold, deep waters year-round. These char can live for decades, growing to 15-40 pounds. They prefer temperatures under 55°F, so you'll find them deep in summer and shallower in spring and fall. Lakers are known for powerful, steady fights rather than acrobatics. Jigging is a favorite technique - try a tube jig tipped with a minnow near underwater humps and drop-offs. Early morning or overcast days are prime time. While not as glamorous as salmon, lake trout are excellent eating, especially when smoked. Pro tip: When a laker hits, give it a second to turn with the bait before setting the hook. Their mouths are bony, so a solid hookset is key.

About the Cherokee

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Crusader

Maximum Cruising Speed: 32

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 330

Ready for some awesome fishing action on Lake Michigan? Captain Adam's got you covered with this sweet 4-hour morning trip. You'll be hitting the water around 7 AM, perfect for catching those early bites. The boat's all set up with top-notch gear, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Whether you're a pro angler or just starting out, you'll have a blast trolling for King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout. The catch changes with the seasons, keeping things interesting every time you go out. Cap'n Adam knows all the best spots and tricks to help you reel in some beauties. With room for 4 guests, it's a great way to spend a morning with friends or family. You'll be back on shore by 11 AM, just in time for lunch - maybe even with your own fresh catch! Don't miss out on this chance to make some great fishing memories on the big lake.

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