Lake Michigan offers a diverse array of guided fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these guided trips can provide you with the ultimate fishing experience on the Great Lake.
Best Time of Year for Lake Michigan Guided Fishing Trips
The best time of year to embark on a guided fishing trip on Lake Michigan depends on the specific species you’re targeting. Here’s a breakdown of the prime seasons:
- January and February: Steelhead and Brown Trout are active in the tributaries.
- March to May: Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Lake Trout are abundant.
- June to August: King Salmon, Steelhead, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and Lake Trout are plentiful.
- September to November: Lake Trout, Chinooks, Brown Trout, and Steelhead are active.
- December: Lake Trout fishing is good in northern Indiana.
Targeted Fish Species on Lake Michigan Guided Fishing Trips
Lake Michigan is home to a diverse array of fish species, and guided trips can help you target the ones you’re most interested in. Some of the most common catches include:
| Fish Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Salmon | Chinook, Coho, and King Salmon |
| Trout | Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead, and Rainbow Trout |
| Walleye | Available in certain areas and seasons |
| Perch | Can be caught in May and other times of the year |
Top Lake Michigan Fishing Charters and Guides
There are several reputable fishing charters and guides operating on Lake Michigan, each offering unique experiences and packages. Here are some of the top options:
Silver King Charters
- Offers various trips, including the “Double Header” (5 hours x 2) for $1,250, “After Work Fishing” (4 hours) for $580, and “Offshore Fishing” (10-15 miles) for $750.
Sea Hawk Sportfishing Charters
- Provides guided river fishing trips for steelhead, salmon, and skamania steelhead on the St. Joseph River.
Jack’s Charter Fishing
- Offers trips from Racine and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with rates and packages including salmon, trout, walleye, and brown trout charter fishing trips.
FishingBooker
- Lists various charters with prices starting from $50 per person, including options like Hold’em Sportfishing LLC, FishGH – Kingpin, and Elsie K Charters – Lake Michigan.
Cost and Timing of Lake Michigan Guided Fishing Trips
The cost and timing of your guided fishing trip on Lake Michigan can vary depending on the charter and the specific package you choose. Here are some examples:
- Silver King Charters:
- Double Header: $1,250 (5 hours x 2)
- After Work Fishing: $580 (4 hours)
- Offshore Fishing: $750 (10-15 miles)
- Jack’s Charter Fishing:
- Rates and packages vary depending on the trip duration and species targeted
Directory and Contact Information for Lake Michigan Fishing Charters
Here’s a directory of some of the top fishing charters and guides operating on Lake Michigan, along with their contact information:
- Silver King Charters: Milwaukee and Racine, Wisconsin
- Sea Hawk Sportfishing Charters: St. Joseph, Michigan
- Jack’s Charter Fishing: Racine and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (414) 482-2336
- FishingBooker: Various charters across Lake Michigan
Embarking on a guided fishing trip on Lake Michigan can be a truly rewarding experience, allowing you to access the best fishing spots, utilize top-of-the-line equipment, and benefit from the expertise of experienced captains. Whether you’re looking to target specific species or simply enjoy a day on the water, these guided trips can help you make the most of your time on the Great Lake.
Reference:
– Silver King Charters
– Sea Hawk Sportfishing Charters
– Jack’s Charter Fishing
– FishingBooker