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Elite Full-Day Fishing on Lake Michigan
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Michigan
- $200 - $1,075 price range
- Updated Date: October 15, 2025
Summary
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Lake Michigan Catches
Nothing beats a sunrise over Lake Michigan with rods in the water.
Big smiles and bent rods—Lake Michigan at its best!
Smooth water, good company, and Lake Michigan magic.
Lake Michigan mornings are something special.
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Another perfect day on Lake Michigan waters!
Lake Michigan never disappoints—great memories made today!
Nothing beats a sunrise over Lake Michigan with rods in the water.
Big smiles and bent rods—Lake Michigan at its best!
Smooth water, good company, and Lake Michigan magic.
Lake Michigan mornings are something special.
null
null
null
null
Another perfect day on Lake Michigan waters!
Lake Michigan never disappoints—great memories made today!
Nothing beats a sunrise over Lake Michigan with rods in the water.
Big smiles and bent rods—Lake Michigan at its best!
Smooth water, good company, and Lake Michigan magic.
Lake Michigan mornings are something special.
Full-Day Fishing Feast on Lake Michigan
Get ready to dive into some serious fishing action with Fishin Da Net Charter Fishing's full-day trip out of Port Washington, WI. This 8-hour adventure on Lake Michigan is perfect for anglers looking to max out their time on the water and really get after those prized catches. Whether you're an early bird or prefer a later start, we've got flexible departure times to fit your schedule. Our experienced captain will help pick the prime fishing window based on what the fish are doing that day, so you're set up for success from the get-go.
What to Expect on the Water
Once we push off from Port Washington, it's all about getting lines in the water and fish in the boat. We'll be trolling for a mixed bag of Lake Michigan's finest - we're talking Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon. The beauty of a full day is we can really dial in on what's biting and adjust our tactics as needed. You'll get to see a variety of fishing techniques in action, and with any luck, you'll be reeling in multiple species before the day's out. It's not just about quantity though - we're after quality catches that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Trolling Tactics 101
If you're new to trolling, you're in for a treat. This isn't your grandpa's sit-and-wait fishing - we're actively hunting down the fish. We'll be setting up a spread of lines behind the boat, using a mix of downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers to cover different depths. The captain will be constantly tweaking our setup based on water temperature, fish finder readings, and good old-fashioned instinct. You'll learn about how different lures and speeds can trigger strikes from different species. It's a bit like playing chess with the fish, and when it all comes together, it's pure magic.
Top Catches This Season
Lake Michigan's been firing on all cylinders lately, with some real bruiser fish coming to the net. Chinook Salmon have been the stars of the show, with multiple 20+ pounders hitting the deck. The Lake Trout action has been steady, with some real footballs in the 10-15 pound range putting up great fights. We've also been seeing some monster Brown Trout, including a few pushing the 20-pound mark. The Coho Salmon run has been hit or miss, but when we find them, it's often fast and furious action.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon, or "Kings" as we call 'em, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These brutes can top 30 pounds and when they decide to run, hold on tight! They're at their peak in late summer and early fall, but we catch good numbers all season long. There's nothing quite like the scream of the reel when a big King decides it's not ready for the net yet.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and acrobatics. These silver missiles love to jump and run, making for an exciting fight on lighter tackle. They're often found in big schools, so when we hit the jackpot, it can be non-stop action.
Steelhead, or Rainbow Trout, are the high-flyers of the bunch. Known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs, hooking into a Steelhead is like trying to land a bolt of lightning. They're a year-round target, but spring and fall often see the biggest concentrations as they stage for their spawning runs.
Brown Trout are the clever ones - often hugging structure and requiring precise presentation to entice a bite. But when you do hook up, be ready for a dogged fight. These fish can grow to impressive sizes in Lake Michigan, with trophy specimens topping 20 pounds not unheard of.
Lake Trout are the natives of Lake Michigan, and they've been thriving in recent years. While they might not have the flashy reputation of salmon, don't underestimate these deep-water bruisers. They fight hard and dirty, often making powerful runs back to the bottom. And let's not forget - they're delicious on the grill!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing Lake Michigan out of Port Washington. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the water as we head out, painting the sky in colors you've got to see to believe. Or it could be the thrill of watching your rod double over as a big fish hits. For some, it's the peace and quiet of being out on the big water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whatever brings you out here, one thing's for sure - once you've experienced it, you'll be itching to come back for more.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're ready to experience some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer, it's time to lock in your date with Fishin Da Net Charter Fishing. Our full-day trips are perfect for serious anglers looking to maximize their chances at trophy fish, or for groups who want to make a day of it out on the water. With room for up to 5 guests, it's a great option for a family outing or a day with your fishing buddies. Just remember to bring your A-game, because these Lake Michigan fish don't give up easily! Give us a call or book online - we'll have the boat ready and the fish on speed dial. See you on the water!
Learn more about the animals
Brown Trout
Brown trout in Lake Michigan offer a unique fishing experience. These fish typically run 2-8 pounds, with some monsters topping 20. You'll often find them near shore, around structure like piers or rocky areas. Browns are known for their wariness and hard-fighting nature. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer can be productive too, especially early mornings. We often troll for them using small spoons or crankbaits that mimic local baitfish. Browns are prized for their tasty, orange-pink flesh. One local trick: try trolling slower than you would for other trout or salmon - browns often prefer a more deliberate presentation. Keep an eye on your electronics for bait balls, as browns will often be lurking nearby.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These brutes can top 30 pounds, with 15-20 pounders being common. We find them in deeper, cooler water, often using downriggers to reach depths of 80-120 feet. Kings are known for their powerful runs and stamina - be ready for an arm-wrenching fight. Late summer into fall is prime time as they stage for spawning. We troll with large spoons, plugs, or cut bait rigs. Chinooks are prized for their rich, flavorful meat. One local tip: early mornings and evenings often produce the best action. If you hook into a big one, take your time - these fish can make long, powerful runs and you'll need to be patient to land them successfully.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are a popular catch in Lake Michigan. These fish typically run 8-12 pounds, though some can reach over 30. You'll find them in cooler, deeper waters, often near structure. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap and tail-walk across the surface. Fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning run. We target them by trolling with flashers and flies or spoons. These salmon have bright orange-red meat that's great for smoking or grilling. One local trick: on sunny days, try running your lures deeper with downriggers. Cohos prefer darker waters and will often hold below the thermocline. Keep an eye out for jumping fish to locate active schools.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These deep-water dwellers can easily top 20 pounds, with some giants pushing 40. We typically find them suspended over deep basins, often 80-150 feet down. Lakers are slow-growing but long-lived, and they put up a dogged fight when hooked. Summer is prime time, as they move deeper to find cold water. We target them by jigging or trolling with big spoons or cut bait rigs. Lake trout have rich, oily flesh that's excellent smoked. One local tip: if you're jigging, a slow, subtle action often works best. These fish are ambush predators and prefer an easy meal. Watch your sonar closely - lakers often suspend just off the bottom.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are lake-run rainbow trout that offer an exciting challenge on Lake Michigan. These powerful fish average 5-10 pounds but can top 20. Look for them near shore in spring and fall as they stage for spawning runs. Steelhead are lightning-fast and known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. We often troll for them using small spoons or stick baits. Fly fishing with streamers can also be effective when they're in closer to shore. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer can produce too. Steelhead have a reputation for being finicky, so matching your lure size and color to local baitfish is key. Try varying your trolling speed - sometimes a quick change is all it takes to trigger a bite from these high-energy fish.
About the Fishin Da Net
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 205
