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Full Moon Night Fishing on Lake Michigan
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Michigan
- $200 - $1,075 price range
- Updated Date: November 2, 2025
Summary
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Moonlight Catches
Moonlit Magic: 12-Hour Lake Michigan Night Fishing
Get ready for a night to remember on the big lake! Our 12-hour full moon fishing trip is a one-of-a-kind adventure that'll have you reeling in the big ones under a starry sky. We'll push off just before sunset and fish straight through till sunrise, giving you prime time to target those nocturnal biters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to try something different, this extended outing is the perfect way to experience Lake Michigan's world-class fishing scene in a whole new light.
What to Expect on the Water
As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll gear up for a night of non-stop action. The cooler temps and calmer waters make for ideal fishing conditions, and you'll have a front-row seat to nature's light show as the moon rises over the lake. We'll be targeting a mix of species that are more active at night, including Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon. Our experienced crew knows all the hotspots, and we'll use a variety of techniques to maximize your chances of landing a trophy fish. Just remember to pack some snacks and maybe a thermos of coffee – it's gonna be a long night, but trust me, it's worth every minute!
Night Fishing Know-How
When it comes to night fishing on Lake Michigan, we've got a few tricks up our sleeve. We'll be using a mix of trolling and drift fishing, depending on what's biting. Our boat is decked out with top-notch electronics to help us locate schools of fish, and we use special glow-in-the-dark lures that really shine under the moonlight. Don't worry if you're new to night fishing – our guides will walk you through everything you need to know, from how to read the fish finder to setting the hook when you feel that telltale tug. We've got all the gear you'll need, including thermal suits to keep you cozy through the night. Just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture that monster catch in the moonlight!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lake Michigan is home to some of the best freshwater fishing in the world, and our night trip gives you a shot at landing some real beauties. Let's break down what you might catch:
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are a favorite among Lake Michigan anglers. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights and tasty fillets. At night, they often cruise near the surface, making for some exciting topwater action. Average size is 3-5 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't unheard of!
Steelhead Trout: Rainbow trout that have spent time in the big lake, steelhead are prized for their powerful runs and leaping ability. Night fishing can be particularly effective for steelhead, as they often feed more aggressively in low light. Expect fish in the 5-10 pound range, with some lucky anglers landing 15+ pounders.
Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. Chinooks can reach over 30 pounds, and hooking into one in the dark is an experience you won't forget. They're most active in late summer and fall, but we target them year-round on our night trips.
Brown Trout: Lake Michigan's brown trout fishery is world-renowned, and night fishing is one of the best ways to target these elusive predators. Browns are known for their cunning and strength, often putting up a stubborn fight. Most fish are in the 5-10 pound range, but trophy browns over 20 pounds are caught every year.
Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, lake trout are bottom-dwellers that can live for decades. Night fishing allows us to target them when they come up to feed in shallower water. Lakers in the 10-20 pound range are common, with some true giants topping 30 pounds!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about being out on Lake Michigan at night. The city lights twinkling in the distance, the gentle lapping of waves against the hull, and the sudden thrill when a rod bends double – it's an experience that keeps our guests coming back year after year. Night fishing gives you a chance to see the lake in a whole new way, and often results in bigger catches as the fish let their guard down. Plus, there's nothing quite like watching the sunrise over the water after a successful night of fishing. It's the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, and you never know when that next cast might land you the fish of a lifetime.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, our 12-hour full moon night fishing adventure is just the ticket. With a max of 5 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from our experienced guides. We provide all the gear you need, so all you have to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky hat. Whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking for a unique way to experience Lake Michigan, this trip is sure to create memories that'll last a lifetime. Spots fill up fast, especially around the full moon, so don't wait to book your night on the big lake. Give us a call or shoot us an email, and let's get you out there for some moonlit magic on Lake Michigan!
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout are the clever, cautious residents of Lake Michigan. These golden-brown beauties typically run 2-10 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 aren't unheard of. Look for them near shore in spring and fall, often lurking around structure like breakwalls or sunken logs. Browns are known for their wariness and hard fights when hooked. They're less acrobatic than some trout, but make up for it with powerful runs. Anglers prize them for both the challenge and their tasty, orange-pink meat. For the best shot at fooling one, try trolling or casting with minnow-imitating lures in low light conditions. A local tip: after dark is prime time for big browns to cruise the shallows hunting bait. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard - you're in for a battle of wits and muscle.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan. Also called kings, these bruisers can top 30 pounds. Look for them in deeper, cooler water during summer, often 50-100 feet down. They move shallower in fall as they prepare to spawn. Chinooks are prized for their hard-fighting ability and rich, flavorful meat. When hooked, they make powerful runs that'll test your gear and stamina. For the best shot at landing one, try trolling with large spoons, plugs, or cut bait like alewives. Work the thermocline, where kings like to hang out. A local tip: early morning and dusk are prime times when these light-sensitive fish feed most actively. When that rod doubles over with a king, you're in for an epic battle.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a real treat to catch on Lake Michigan. These silver-sided fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, though some can reach over 30. Look for them suspended in cooler water, often 30-60 feet down. They're most active in fall as they prepare to spawn, but we catch them all summer long. Cohos put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. Their orange-red meat is prized for its rich flavor too. For the best shot at hooking one, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait like alewives. When a school moves through, the action can get fast and furious. Keep your drag set light - these fish can make blistering runs that'll test your gear and skills.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep-dwelling giants of Lake Michigan. These spotted behemoths can live for decades, growing to 15-40 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging in the cold depths, often 80-150 feet down in summer. Lakers are slow-growing but hard-fighting when hooked. They're not as acrobatic as their cousins, but make powerful runs back to the depths. Anglers prize them for both the challenge and their rich, oily meat. For the best shot at connecting, try jigging or trolling with big spoons or cut bait near underwater structure. A local tip: use your electronics to find schools suspended off the bottom, then drop your lures right in their face. When that rod loads up with a big laker, you're in for a test of strength and endurance.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of Lake Michigan. These supercharged rainbow trout spend years bulking up in the lake before returning to rivers to spawn. Most run 5-10 pounds, but 15+ pounders aren't uncommon. Look for them near shore in spring and fall, or out deep in summer. Steelhead fight like they're auditioning for the fish Olympics - expect wild jumps, long runs, and acrobatic flips. Their silvery sides flash in the water as they tear line off your reel. For the best shot at hooking one, try trolling with bright spoons or large flies. When you feel that hit, hang on tight and get ready for the fight of your life. There's nothing quite like the rush of battling a Lake Michigan steelhead.
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
