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Top-Rated 5-Hour Lake Michigan Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Michigan
- $200 - $1,075 price range
- Updated Date: October 15, 2025
Summary
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Lake Michigan's Finest Catches
Great trolling session with clearing afternoon weather at Port Washington Marina!
Nice rainbow trout trolling in Port Washington! Afternoon clearing made for exciting fishing.
Nice Chinook salmon caught trolling at Port Washington Marina as the afternoon cleared up!
Huge catch while trolling on a partly cloudy day in Port Washington!
Great catch trolling today! Afternoon clearing made for perfect fishing conditions.
Great trolling session with clearing afternoon weather at Port Washington Marina!
Nice rainbow trout trolling in Port Washington! Afternoon clearing made for exciting fishing.
Nice Chinook salmon caught trolling at Port Washington Marina as the afternoon cleared up!
Huge catch while trolling on a partly cloudy day in Port Washington!
Great catch trolling today! Afternoon clearing made for perfect fishing conditions.
Great trolling session with clearing afternoon weather at Port Washington Marina!
Nice rainbow trout trolling in Port Washington! Afternoon clearing made for exciting fishing.
Nice Chinook salmon caught trolling at Port Washington Marina as the afternoon cleared up!
Huge catch while trolling on a partly cloudy day in Port Washington!
Epic Lake Michigan Fishing: Half-Day Adventure
Ready to reel in some of Lake Michigan's finest? Our 5-hour private charter out of Port Washington, WI is just the ticket. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this half-day trip packs in all the action without eating up your whole day. We've got morning and afternoon departures, so you can fish when it suits you best. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you right on top of the hottest Lake Michigan fishing spots. We're talking Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon - the whole gang's here!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising out of Port Washington's harbor as the sun peeks over the horizon (or starts its descent if you're on the PM trip). The air's crisp, the lake's calling, and you've got 5 solid hours to make some fishing memories. We keep our groups small - just you and up to 4 of your buddies - so there's plenty of elbow room and personalized attention. Our seasoned captain will be on hand to share local knowledge, help you perfect your technique, and make sure everyone's having a blast. No need to pack a picnic - this trip's all about the fishing. But trust me, the thrill of the catch is all the fuel you'll need.
Trolling: The Name of the Game
On this trip, we're all about trolling - the tried-and-true method for hooking into Lake Michigan's prized game fish. We'll set up multiple lines off the back of the boat, each rigged with lures or bait that'll make those fish go crazy. As we cruise at just the right speed, our gear does the work, mimicking tasty baitfish and triggering those predatory instincts. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck! You'll take turns reeling in the big ones, with our captain coaching you through the fight. It's a team effort out here, and there's nothing like the rush of seeing a silvery flash break the surface as you bring in your catch.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Went on a family fishing trip with Capt' Dave and had a great time! He took care of everything for us and was very professional and friendly to work with. Would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get out on the water!" - Justin
Species You'll Want to Hook
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are the speedsters of Lake Michigan. Weighing in at 2-5 pounds on average, Cohos put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and sudden runs, making them a favorite among sport fishermen. Spring and early summer are prime time for Cohos, but you can find them year-round. Their orange-pink flesh is a delicacy that'll have you coming back for more.
Steelhead Trout: Also known as Rainbow Trout, these guys are the marathoners of the lake. Steelhead can grow up to 36 inches and weigh in at a hefty 20 pounds. They're famous for their long, powerful runs and aerial displays when hooked. Fall and spring are the best seasons to target Steelhead, as they move closer to shore. The thrill of battling a chrome-bright Steelhead is something every angler should experience.
Chinook Salmon: The king of Lake Michigan, Chinooks (or King Salmon) are the heavyweights you dream about. These brutes can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, with the average catch being a respectable 15-20 pounds. They're most active in late summer and early fall as they prepare for their spawning run. Hooking into a Chinook is like trying to stop a freight train - it's a test of will and strength that'll leave you with stories for years to come.
Brown Trout: The clever ones of the bunch, Brown Trout are known for their wariness and fighting spirit. They average 5-10 pounds but can grow much larger. Browns prefer cooler water, so spring and fall are your best bets for hooking these golden-brown beauties. They're not as common as some other species, which makes landing one even more special. Plus, their rich, buttery flavor is hard to beat.
Lake Trout: The OGs of Lake Michigan, Lake Trout have been swimming these waters since the ice age. They're the deepwater specialists, often found hugging the bottom in cooler months. "Lakers" can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 10-20 pounders being common and the possibility of hooking a 40-pound monster always on the table. They're a year-round target and put up a dogged fight, especially when hooked in deep water. The satisfaction of bringing up a big Lake Trout from the depths is hard to match.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks - 5 hours of pure Lake Michigan fishing action waiting for you right here in Port Washington. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, show the kids a good time, or just escape the grind for a while, this trip's got you covered. Our captain's ready to share all the local secrets and put you on fish, no experience needed. With a mix of species to target and the flexibility of AM or PM departures, you're set up for success no matter when you come. Don't let another season slip by without getting out on the big lake. Grab your crew, pick your date, and let's make some waves. The fish are biting, and your next big catch is just a call away. Book now and get ready for a Lake Michigan adventure you won't forget!
Customer Review
Capt Daves Top Trip
Justin Marquis
August 13, 2024
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout are the wily veterans of Lake Michigan. These fish average 2-8 pounds but can reach the teens. They prefer cooler water and hang close to shore, often in 10-30 feet. Spring and fall are best, with many browns moving shallow. They're known for their selective feeding and hard fights when hooked. Browns have a reputation for being crafty, making them a fun challenge. Their golden-brown color and red spots make for a beautiful catch, and they're excellent eating. Try trolling or casting with small spoons or minnow-imitating lures. A local trick is to fish early morning or late evening when browns are most active. When you hook one, be ready for some serious head-shaking and powerful runs.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or King salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with most in the 10-20 pound range. They prefer cooler, deeper waters, often 50-100 feet down. Late summer and early fall are prime time as they stage for their spawning runs. Kings are prized for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty, rich meat. When hooked, they'll dive deep and make powerful runs that'll test your gear and skills. To target them, try downriggers with large spoons or flasher-fly combos. A local secret is to use glow lures early and late in the day. The bite can be finicky, but when you hook into a big King, hang on tight - it's a fight you won't soon forget.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a blast to catch on Lake Michigan. These fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, with some topping 20. Look for them in cooler waters, often 45-60 feet deep. They're most active in spring and fall, especially on overcast days. Cohos put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and running when hooked. Their orange-red meat is prized for its rich flavor. To land one, try trolling with bright-colored spoons or plugs. A local trick is to use a dodger ahead of your lure to attract attention. Vary your speed and depth until you find the hot zone. When a school's around, the action can be non-stop. Nothing beats the thrill of a Coho hitting your line and taking off like a rocket.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Michigan. These fish can live for decades, with some topping 20 pounds. They prefer cold, well-oxygenated water, often hanging out 80-120 feet down. Summer is prime time when they seek the deepest, coolest spots. Lakers are known for their slow, powerful fights - it's like reeling in a submarine. Their firm, orange flesh is prized for smoking. To catch them, try jigging with large spoons or trolling with downriggers. A local tip is to use scented baits, as lake trout rely more on smell than sight in deep water. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert. When you hook into a big laker, settle in for a battle of endurance - these fish don't give up easily.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of Lake Michigan. These sea-run rainbows average 5-12 pounds but can push 20. They roam the lake, often hanging in the top 30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time, as they move closer to shore. Steelhead are known for their powerful runs and aerial acrobatics - expect an epic battle on light tackle. Their meat is bright orange and delicious. To hook up, try trolling with small spoons or crankbaits that mimic baitfish. A good tip is to use lighter line; these fish have sharp eyes and can be line-shy. When you find them, it's usually game on. There's nothing like watching a big steelhead clear the water, shaking its head as it tries to throw your hook. It's the kind of fight that keeps anglers coming back for more.
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
Went on a family fishing trip with Capt' Dave and had a great time! He took care of everything for us and was very professional and friendly to work with. Would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get out on the water!