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Premium Lake Michigan Fishing | Port Washington
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Michigan
- $200 - $1,075 price range
Summary
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Lake Michigan's Finest
Fun family fishing!
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Fun family fishing!
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Fun family fishing!
Lake Michigan's Finest: 4-Hour Fishing Adventure
Ready to get your line wet in the bountiful waters of Lake Michigan? Our 4-hour fishing trip out of Port Washington, WI is just the ticket. Whether you're an early bird or prefer an afternoon on the water, we've got you covered with flexible AM and PM departures. This half-day excursion is perfect for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike who want to experience the thrill of Lake Michigan fishing without burning a whole day. We'll be targeting some of the lake's most prized catches, including salmon and trout species that'll put your fishing skills to the test.
Trip Overview
Picture this: You're cruising out of Port Washington harbor, the anticipation building as we head to the prime fishing grounds. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you right on top of the action. We'll be trolling for a mixed bag of Lake Michigan's finest - Coho and Chinook Salmon, along with Lake, Rainbow, and Brown Trout. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, and we'll show you the ropes if you're new to this style of fishing. With a max of 5 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and chances to reel in the big one. Just remember to bring your camera - these fish make for some great "look what I caught" moments!
Trolling Techniques & Gear
On this trip, we're all about trolling - it's the go-to method for targeting the big boys of Lake Michigan. We'll set up multiple lines with a variety of lures and depths to maximize our chances. You'll see downriggers in action, planer boards spreading our presentation, and maybe even some dipsy divers depending on what the fish are hitting. We use a mix of spoons, plugs, and sometimes even meat rigs to entice strikes. Don't worry if this sounds like Greek to you; we'll break it down and have you feeling like a pro in no time. The best part? When that rod starts bouncing and the reel starts screaming, it's your turn to grab it and start the battle!
What's Biting Today?
Lake Michigan's fishery is world-class, and we've got quite the lineup of target species. Let's break 'em down:
Target Species
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are often the first salmon to start biting in the spring. They're known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. Typically weighing 2-10 pounds, Cohos are a blast on light tackle and perfect for anglers of all skill levels. We usually find them in the top 30 feet of water, making for some exciting surface action.
Chinook (King) Salmon: The heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan, Chinooks can tip the scales at over 30 pounds. These bruisers will test your arms and your gear. They're most active in the summer months, providing heart-pounding action as they dive deep and pull hard. Landing a big King is often the highlight of any Lake Michigan fishing trip.
Steelhead (Rainbow) Trout: If you're after a fish that'll make your reel sing, Steelhead are your target. These high-flying acrobats are known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. We find them throughout the year, but they're especially fun in the cooler months when they chase bait near the surface.
Brown Trout: The bulldogs of the lake, Brown Trout are known for their powerful, down-and-dirty fights. They love hanging around structure and drop-offs, so we'll target these areas for a shot at a trophy Brown. Spring and fall are prime times for these beautiful fish.
Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, Lakers are the deepwater specialists. We'll often drop our lines way down to find these guys hugging the bottom. They're a year-round target and put up a stubborn fight that'll have you working for every crank of the reel.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing Lake Michigan out of Port Washington. Maybe it's the way the morning mist rises off the water as we head out. Or it could be the rush of hooking into a big Chinook and watching it tailwalk across the surface. Our guests often tell us it's the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement - you never know when that next big hit is coming. Plus, with the skyline of Port Washington as our backdrop, the views aren't too shabby either. Whether you're out with family, friends, or flying solo, this 4-hour trip packs in all the action without eating up your whole day.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, we could go on all day about how great the fishing is, but there's only one way to really experience it - by getting out there yourself. Our 4-hour trips are filling up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout runs. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, test your skills against some hard-fighting fish, or just enjoy a morning or afternoon on the big lake, we've got you covered. Don't let another season slip by without wetting a line in Lake Michigan. Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button. We'll take care of the rest, from bait to fish cleaning. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout are the crafty predators of Lake Michigan. These spotted beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though monsters over 20 aren't unheard of. We often find them prowling near shore, especially around rocky points and drop-offs. Spring and fall offer the best action, but browns can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting them for their elusive nature and hard-fighting spirit. To up your chances, I recommend trolling or casting crankbaits that mimic local baitfish. When you hook up, be ready for powerful runs and last-second dives at the boat. Browns are also excellent table fare, with firm, pink flesh. Just remember, they're wily creatures - sometimes you have to think like a brown trout to catch one.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, or "kings," are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These brutes average 15-25 pounds, with some topping 30. We usually find them in deeper, cooler water, often 50-100 feet down. Late summer into fall is prime time as mature fish stage for their spawning run. Anglers prize kings for their hard-fighting ability and rich, red flesh. To target the big ones, I like to use large flashers with cut bait or whole alewives. Be ready for a battle - when a king decides to run, it'll peel line like you're hooked to a submarine. The fight alone is worth the trip, but the potential for a 30+ pound trophy keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a blast to catch on Lake Michigan. These silver-sided fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, though some trophy fish push 20+. We usually find them suspended in the top 30-60 feet of water, often near temperature breaks or current lines. Fall is prime time as coho stage for their spawning run, but we catch them spring through summer too. Anglers love coho for their acrobatic jumps and delicious orange flesh. To boost your odds, I recommend trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait rigs. When a school is located, it's not uncommon to hook several fish in quick succession. Just be ready for some drag-screaming runs - pound for pound, coho give one of the best fights in the lake.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These deep-water bruisers average 10-20 pounds, with some topping 30. We usually find them near bottom structure in 80-200 feet of water. Spring and fall offer great fishing, but lakers can be caught year-round. Anglers target them for their hard-pulling fights and tasty white flesh. To get into the big ones, I like jigging heavy spoons or blade baits near the bottom. When a laker takes, it often feels like you've snagged the lake floor - until it starts to move. The slow, powerful runs will test your arms and gear. It's a unique experience that keeps anglers coming back for more. Just be sure to release the bigger ones, as these slow-growing fish take years to reach trophy size.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are lake-run rainbow trout that pack a serious punch. Averaging 5-10 pounds, with some topping 15, these chrome rockets will test your skills and gear. We find them throughout the water column, often relating to temperature breaks or following baitfish schools. Spring and fall offer peak fishing as steelhead stage near river mouths. Their incredible strength and aerial acrobatics make them a favorite target. For the best shot at a trophy, I suggest trolling with flashers and flies. When you hook up, hang on tight - steelhead are known for blistering runs and spectacular jumps. The meat is excellent too, with a light pink color and mild flavor. Just remember to let the smaller ones go so they can grow into the next generation of lake-run bruisers.
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
