Full Moon Night Fishing on Lake Michigan

Private 12-Hour Full Moon Night Fishing

There's something magical about being on Lake Michigan when the full moon lights up the water and the fish come alive in ways you just don't see during the day. This isn't your typical sunset cruise – we're talking about a serious 12-hour commitment that starts around dusk and runs straight through to sunrise. It's for anglers who want to experience Lake Michigan at its most peaceful and productive, when the big fish move shallow and the lake belongs to just us and whatever other night owls are crazy enough to stay out there with us. You'll be targeting some of the lake's top-rated species including Lake Trout, Steelhead, Browns, and both Chinook and Coho Salmon while most folks are tucked in their beds.

What to Expect on the Water

This trip runs on Mother Nature's schedule, so we'll adjust our start time based on the season, weather patterns, and what the fish have been doing lately. Generally, we'll meet up a couple hours before sunset to get lines in the water while there's still good light, then settle in for the long haul as darkness takes over. The full moon creates this amazing natural spotlight that makes navigation easier and seems to trigger feeding patterns you just won't see any other time. Don't expect a party boat atmosphere – this is about serious fishing in one of the most serene settings Lake Michigan has to offer. We're equipped for night fishing with proper lighting and safety gear, plus all the electronics you need to stay on the fish even when visibility drops. The boat comfortably handles up to 5 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without getting tangled up in each other's lines.

Trolling Techniques & Gear

Night fishing on Lake Michigan requires a completely different approach than daytime techniques, and we've got it dialed in. We'll primarily be trolling with downriggers and planer boards, using glow-in-the-dark lures and attractors that really shine under moonlight conditions. The fish behave differently at night – they're less spooked by boat noise and often move into shallower water to feed, which means we can target areas that might be dead during daylight hours. We'll run a mix of spoons, plugs, and cut bait depending on what species we're focusing on and what the sonar is telling us about fish movement. Temperature breaks become even more critical at night since baitfish concentrate differently, and we've got the electronics to find those sweet spots where the big predators are waiting. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included, though you're welcome to bring your own favorite setups if you've got confidence in particular combinations.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Coho Salmon are absolute dynamite under moonlight conditions, especially during their peak runs from late summer into fall. These silver bullets typically run 8-15 pounds and fight like they've got something to prove, making screaming runs and aerial displays that'll wake you right up if you were getting drowsy. They love feeding near the surface at night, often chasing bait right up to the boat where you can see them slashing in the moonbeams. Night fishing gives you access to Cohos that might be spooked by daytime boat traffic, and they're way more aggressive when they think they have cover of darkness.

Steelhead Trout are another customer favorite for night fishing adventures, and these chrome-sided fighters are famous for their acrobatic battles. Running anywhere from 6-20 pounds, they're incredibly strong for their size and have this habit of making long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. Lake Michigan Steelhead are particularly active during low-light conditions, and the full moon seems to trigger feeding frenzies that can make for world-class action. They're also one of the best eating fish in the lake, with firm pink meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.

Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Michigan for good reason – these bruisers can push 30+ pounds and provide some of the most memorable fights you'll ever experience. Night fishing often produces the biggest Kings since these mature fish prefer to hunt under cover of darkness. They're incredibly powerful and will take you deep into your backing if you're not ready for the battle. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but night fishing extends the productive times when you can realistically target these monsters.

Brown Trout become completely different fish at night, transforming from finicky daytime targets into aggressive predators that'll smash big baits and lures. These golden-sided beauties are notorious for their wariness during daylight hours, but moonlit conditions seem to flip a switch in their behavior. Lake Michigan Browns can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds always a possibility. They're also incredibly smart, which makes hooking a big one feel like you've really accomplished something special.

Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that really shine during extended night trips. These native char can live for decades and reach massive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds caught regularly in Lake Michigan's deeper waters. They're perfectly adapted to the lake's cold, deep environment and provide steady action when other species might be finicky. Lakers have a unique fighting style – less flashy than salmon but incredibly powerful and determined. They're also excellent table fare, especially when taken from the cold, clean waters of Lake Michigan.

Time to Book Your Spot

This 12-hour full moon fishing adventure isn't for everyone, but if you're serious about experiencing Lake Michigan fishing at its finest, there's nothing quite like it. You'll come back with stories that'll last a lifetime and hopefully a cooler full of some of the best eating fish the Great Lakes have to offer. The extended time on the water gives us flexibility to move around, try different techniques, and really dial in on whatever's biting best. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about watching the sun come up over Lake Michigan after a successful night of fishing. We only run this trip around the full moon each month, so spots fill