Weekend Salmon Fishing on Lake Michigan

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Muskegon
$500 - $800 price range

Summary

Get ready for prime salmon fishing on Lake Michigan this July and August with Feed-N-Time Charters. Our weekend trips are perfect whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned pro. We'll take you straight to the hotspots where King salmon are biting, ensuring non-stop action on the water. It's an ideal outing for families or anyone looking to reel in some big catches. No need to worry about gear - we provide everything you need for a successful day on the lake. Just bring your enthusiasm and be prepared for some serious fishing. With room for up to 6 guests, you can bring along friends or make new ones as you work the lines. The salmon are running, and the water's calling. Book your spot now before they're gone. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Come join us for a weekend of great fishing, lakeside views, and the chance to land that trophy salmon you've been dreaming about.

Big Lake, Bigger Catches

Feed-N-Time: Muskegon’s top fishing boat.

6 rainbow trout caught while fishing in MI

Muskegon Chinook catch.

Fishing trip proposal joy.

Happy fishing crew.

Lake Michigan's Salmon & Trout Bonanza

Ready for some real action on the big lake? Our Quick Cast Weekend trips are all about hooking into monster salmon and trout when they're at their peak. July and August on Lake Michigan means one thing: it's go time for King salmon. Whether you're a total newbie or you've been chasing these bruisers for years, we've got you covered. We know exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on them fast. Bring the whole family or round up your fishing buddies – this trip's perfect for making memories and filling the cooler. We provide all the gear, so just show up ready to reel 'em in. Fair warning: once you feel that King slam your line, you'll be hooked for life. Don't miss out – book your spot before they're gone!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're cruising out on Lake Michigan as the sun's coming up, coffee in hand, surrounded by that crisp lake air. We'll get you set up with top-notch gear and show you the ropes if you're new to this kind of fishing. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll have lines in the water where the big ones are hanging out in no time. We typically run multiple lines using downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers to cover all depths. When that reel starts screaming, get ready for a fight – these Lake Michigan kings and trout don't give up easy! Between battles with the big ones, soak in those stunning lake views and keep an eye out for jumping fish. It's non-stop action out here, so come prepared to work those arms and make some noise when you land the big one!

Trolling Tactics & Top Gear

On our Quick Cast trips, we're all about trolling – the go-to method for targeting big salmon and trout on Lake Michigan. We'll be cruising at a steady clip, usually between 2-3 mph, with a spread of lines out behind the boat. Our setup typically includes downriggers to get lures deep, planer boards to cover a wide area, and dipsy divers for that middle depth sweet spot. We use a mix of spoons, plugs, and flasher/fly combos to see what the fish are in the mood for that day. Don't sweat it if you're new to this style of fishing – we'll walk you through everything and even help you reel in that first big one if needed. The key is staying alert and ready to grab that rod when it doubles over. Trust us, once you feel that first hit, you'll be watching those rod tips like a hawk!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King salmon, these are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. Chinooks in the 15-25 pound range are common, with some real monsters pushing 30+ pounds. They're absolute bulldogs when hooked, known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. July and August are prime time as these brutes feed aggressively before their spawning run. There's nothing quite like the rush of battling a Lake Michigan King – it's an experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Rainbow Trout: Often called steelhead when they're in the big lake, these acrobatic fighters are a blast to catch. They typically range from 5-12 pounds but can get much bigger. Rainbow trout are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, sometimes leaping clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. They're also gorgeous fish, with their namesake pinkish stripe and spotted patterns. While we catch them year-round, summer can be especially good as they chase baitfish near the surface.

Lake Trout: These deep-water natives are the marathoners of Lake Michigan. While they might not leap like their cousins, lake trout will test your arms with long, powerful runs. They often hang out in deeper, cooler water, so we'll use downriggers to target them. Lakers can get big, with fish in the 10-20 pound range not uncommon. They're also excellent eating, with firm, orange flesh that's great on the grill. Summer is a solid time to hook into these hard-fighting fish as they feed heavily in preparation for fall spawning.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Lake Michigan that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the rush of battling a 20-pound King as it tries to spool your reel. Or the breathtaking sunrises over that endless horizon. Could be the camaraderie of sharing fish stories and cold drinks after a day on the water. Whatever it is, this lake has a way of getting under your skin. Our Quick Cast trips are designed to give you a taste of everything Lake Michigan has to offer, packed into an action-filled weekend. It's the perfect mix of serious fishing and laid-back fun, whether you're out with family, friends, or looking to meet some new fishing buddies. Plus, there's always the chance of hooking into that fish of a lifetime – the one you'll be talking about for years to come.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're thinking about getting out on Lake Michigan this summer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our Quick Cast weekends fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season in July and August. We're talking world-class fishing right here in the Midwest, and word's gotten out. Don't be that person calling last minute hoping for a cancellation. Get your crew together, pick your date, and let's make it happen. Remember, we provide all the gear, so you just need to show up ready to have a blast and hopefully land some lunkers. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, cross Lake Michigan salmon off your bucket list, or just want an awesome day on the water, we've got you covered. Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button – your Lake Michigan adventure is waiting!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

# Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Chinook salmon is also known as King Salmon and is the largest of the Salmon species. It is a popular game and commercial fish. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha is similar to its brethren Coho salmon and Rainbow trout. King Salmon has silver sides and blue-green back. It has black spots on the head, back, tail, and all the fins. It also has a black mouth and gums. Wild salmon are well known for their hard fighting ability and excellent table fare. ## Chinook Salmon Size and Weight Chinook salmon is a large fish and it can grow from 12 to 39 inches and weighs around 7 to 15 pounds. But depending on the habitat, weight can exceed 20 - 30 pounds. ## Chinook Salmon Interesting Facts • They can live up to 7 years. • This specie is anadromous. They migrate to Seawater and later return to spawn in freshwater. • Oncorhynchus tshawytscha die soon after spawning. • King salmon have reddish-pink or orange meat. • Males are more colored than females and have a distinguished nose and upper jaw. • Chinook salmon leaves a water body if the habitat starts degrading, making it a good indicator of the water conditions. ## Chinook Salmon Habitat Young Chinook salmon can be found in freshwater and estuaries. Adults move into the open Ocean for better nutrition and food. The fish can also be found in cold streams, especially in hiding places such as tree roots. Snow melting into lakes and streams also helps their environment. ## Chinook Salmon Spawning Chinook salmon are ready to spawn from 2 to 7 years of age. Female makes redds or gravely nests and lays the eggs. Depending on spawning time and temperature, hatching takes place in early spring or late winter. ## Chinook Salmon Food Young Chinook salmons feed on plankton, insects, small fish, and invertebrates. Adult Salmon in Ocean also enjoy many organisms such as sand lance, pilchards, squids, herrings, and crustaceans. ## Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook salmon is sensitive to light so they stay at water bottom mostly. So, anglers should use weighted baits. The best time for fishing them is early morning or in the evening. Ship Creek in Anchorage, Alaska, and Lake Oahe in South Dakota are among the top spots to fish them. • Fly fishing King salmon is very exciting, but keep in mind to not swing too far and keep the fly swimming in water. • When Salmon fishing in lakes, down-rigging and trolling works best. • Anglers can also still fish in deep water using a herring. • Trolling is also an effective method using plugs, spoons, live or dead bait. ## Chinook Salmon Baits and Lures Fly Fishing: when selecting flies for king salmon, most of the time exact fly pattern is not overly important. However, depending on a bunch of variables (light, water levels, location, etc.) fly color can make a big difference. Some examples include rhea tube intruders, bunny leeches, marabou tubes, shanked intruders, minnows. On a bright day lean towards bright color combos like chartreuse/blue or pink/orange, and for cloudy/dark days blue/black and purple/black color combos. Other Fishing: Use of plugs, spoons, trolling flies, live or dead bait, sand shrimps ## Chinook Salmon Distribution Chinook can be found in the colder water of the Pacific Ocean from the coast of Alaska, Western Canada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington State, and Northern California. It has been introduced in Great Lakes of United States and can also be found in Japan and Russia.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, with some topping 30 pounds. These deep-water dwellers prefer cold, well-oxygenated depths, often hanging out 50-100 feet down or more in summer. They're slow-growing but long-lived, sometimes reaching 25 years old. Spring and fall are best for targeting lakers, when they move shallower to feed. Jigging or trolling with large spoons, cut bait, or artificial minnows works well. Anglers prize them for their fight and rich, oily meat that's great for smoking. Here's a local tip: watch your sonar for fish suspending over deep structure – that's often where the big ones lurk.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout in Lake Michigan typically run 2-5 pounds, with some topping 10. These acrobatic fighters are known for their leaping ability when hooked. You'll find them in cooler waters, often near shore in spring and fall, and deeper in summer. They're suckers for small spoons and flies that mimic baitfish or insects. Spring and fall are prime seasons when 'bows feed heavily near the surface. Anglers love their spirited fights and tasty, pink flesh. To up your odds, try drifting nightcrawlers or salmon eggs near creek mouths after a good rain – rainbows often stage there before running upstream to spawn.

About the Feed-N-Time

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Crusader

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 350

Ready for some prime salmon action on Lake Michigan? Our weekend fishing trips are the perfect getaway for anglers of all levels. During July and August, we'll take you to the hottest spots where King salmon are biting. Whether you're a total newbie or an old pro, our expert guides will make sure you have a blast reeling in these hard-fighting fish. It's non-stop excitement as we cruise the lake in search of the best catches. Bring the whole family or grab some friends - our boat comfortably fits up to 6 guests. We provide all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on landing the big one. These summer trips book up fast, so don't wait to reserve your spot. While deposits are non-refundable, we guarantee a day full of fishing fun and hopefully some tasty salmon to take home. Come make some awesome memories out on beautiful Lake Michigan with us!

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