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Lake Michigan Salmon Charter Rod Hawgz Morning
- Published Date: January 23, 2026
- Fishing
- Lake Michigan
Summary
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Salmon Fishing Action
Half Day Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing Charter - AM
When the sun starts painting Lake Michigan gold and the water's mirror-calm, that's prime time for salmon fishing. Our morning charter gets you out there at 7:00 AM sharp, right when these fish are most active and feeding near the surface. You'll spend half the day aboard our 2024 Hewescraft 270 Alaskan, a purpose-built fishing machine that'll take you to where the Kings and Cohos are running thick. This isn't some crowded party boat situation – we keep it intimate with just four anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from your captain.
What to Expect on the Water
Lake Michigan's got personality, and every morning brings something different. We'll motor out to depths where the thermocline sets up just right, usually anywhere from 60 to 180 feet depending on the season and water temps. The beauty of our Hewescraft is the advanced sonar and radar systems – we're not just hoping fish are down there, we're watching them in real time. You'll see schools of baitfish on the screen, then watch your captain work the boat to position us perfectly. The atmosphere stays relaxed but focused. Nobody's rushing you, and if you've never done this before, don't sweat it. We'll walk you through everything from setting the drag to fighting these powerful fish without losing them at the net. Kids are absolutely welcome, but parents need to stay close since we're dealing with sharp hooks and moving parts.
Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup
Lake Michigan salmon fishing is all about trolling with downriggers and planer boards. We'll have multiple lines out at different depths, covering the water column where salmon cruise looking for alewives and smelt. Our rod setups use quality reels spooled with braided line for sensitivity, tipped with fluorocarbon leaders that these smart fish can't detect. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations are the go-to lures, and we switch colors based on water clarity and light conditions. The downriggers let us get baits down to precise depths while keeping them away from the boat – salmon are spooky in clear water. When a fish hits, the rod pops out of the clip and you're fighting pure fish, not dead weight. The captain will clear other lines and coach you through the fight, especially when a big King makes those legendary runs toward deep water.
Top Catches This Season
Chinook Salmon, the undisputed kings of Lake Michigan, are what most anglers dream about hooking. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-plus during peak season from late July through September. Kings are notorious for their initial runs – when one hits your lure, it might strip 100 yards of line before you can blink. They fight dirty too, jumping, diving, and using their bulk to try breaking you off. What makes them special isn't just the size, it's the intelligence. They'll follow a lure for hundreds of yards before committing, and they can tell the difference between a natural presentation and something that looks off. The best bite usually happens early morning when they're actively feeding in the upper water column, which is exactly when our charter targets them.
Coho Salmon bring a completely different energy to the fight. These silver bullets typically run 8-15 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked. While Kings use power and endurance, Cohos rely on speed and aerial displays that'll have you scrambling to keep tension on the line. They're more aggressive than their bigger cousins, often hitting lures with reckless abandon during feeding frenzies. Peak Coho action runs from mid-August into October, and they tend to suspend higher in the water column than Kings, making them perfect targets for our morning trips. The chrome-bright ones fresh from deep water are gorgeous fish, and they're fantastic table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Michigan's salmon runs don't wait for anyone, and the best fishing windows can be short but intense. Our half-day morning format gives you maximum fish time during peak feeding hours without burning your whole day. All the tackle, bait, and expertise come included – you just need a valid Michigan fishing license, polarized sunglasses, and sun protection. The 2024 Hewescraft handles Lake Michigan's moods with ease, whether it's glass calm or running 2-foot rollers. Four-angler capacity means everyone gets personal attention and plenty of opportunities to get on fish. Morning trips consistently outproduce afternoon outings during salmon season, so you're booking the prime window. These slots fill up fast when the bite gets hot, especially on weekends. Don't get stuck watching other boats catch fish while you're stuck onshore wishing you'd booked earlier.
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
King salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan, averaging 12-20 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs stay deep in the cooler waters, typically 60-120 feet down where the thermocline breaks. They're most active during early morning hours when we launch, making our 7 AM departure perfect timing. Kings are built for power - they'll make long, deep runs that test your drag and patience. The fight alone is worth it, but that rich, orange-pink meat makes them table fare gold. My tip: when you feel that first heavy thump, resist the urge to horse them up. Let them run and work the fish up slowly - they've got soft mouths and will throw the hook if you rush it.
Coho Salmon
Silver salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan - these 8-12 pound fighters will jump clear out of the water once hooked. They cruise shallower than kings, usually 40-80 feet down, and love structure breaks where baitfish stack up. Cohos are aggressive feeders, especially during our morning trips when they're actively hunting. What makes them special is that aerial show - they can leap 6 feet straight up and will tail-dance across the surface. The bright orange meat is restaurant-quality, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. Here's the key: when a coho goes airborne, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This keeps tension on the line while giving them slack during those wild jumps.
About the Rod Hawgz Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 8
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200
