A summer salmon and trout charter on Lake Michigan is not a small-lake fishing trip. You are heading onto big water, taking long runs, and fishing for hard-fighting fish. Captain Ted Penrod of Penrod & Reel guides these trips from the St. Joseph, Michigan area. Throughout this guide, we’ll pull from Ted’s own words to help you understand what to expect before you ever leave the dock.
Lake Michigan Feels Like an Offshore Trip
Lake Michigan may be freshwater, but Ted compares the summer charter experience to an offshore fishing trip.
“It’s basically the same trip as going on vacation in Florida to go offshore. Most of those trips in Florida are 8- to 12-mile trips offshore to fish. Most of the time in Lake Michigan, we’re anywhere from 4 to 15 miles offshore.”
Once you get away from shore, you are on big water with rods set for fish that can fight hard. That scale is part of what makes the trip memorable, especially if you have never fished Lake Michigan before.
What Makes Lake Michigan Different
Lake Michigan fishing is a big-water trolling experience. The boat covers water while the rods are set, and you watch for the moment when a fish hits. It is a different pace than casting from shore or working a river, but that is part of the appeal.
For many anglers, Ted says the draw is the chance to catch a larger fish in big water.
“Most people who are going to fish Lake Michigan want the experience of catching a salmon or a lake trout, a steelhead, a larger fish that’s going to fight hard. So they’re looking for that experience to be on big water like an ocean, but it’s closer to home.”
That is the mindset he encourages before every trip. The lake, the boat ride, the open water, and the chance at a hard-fighting fish are all part of the day. Ted reminds guests to focus on the full experience, not just the final fish count.
“Every Lake Michigan trip, I tell people, go for the experience. Enjoy the day. Enjoy being out there. Catching the fish is your bonus; some days it might be 5 to 6, and some days it might be 20 or 30.”
Some days produce more fish than others, and Ted does not frame the trip around guarantees. He wants you to enjoy the full experience rather than judge the day solely by the final count.
The Fish You Might Catch in Summer
Summer salmon and trout trips on Lake Michigan can bring several species into play, including king salmon, coho salmon, lake trout, and steelhead. Each one adds something different to the experience.
King salmon are one of the biggest draws because of their size, power, and fight, and coho salmon are another favorite when they are active and feeding. Salmon fish best in spring and early summer. As the season moves into mid and late summer, lake trout and steelhead become the steady producers, and salmon turn into more of an occasional catch, so it is worth knowing what to expect for the date you pick.
Lake trout bring a different kind of fight. They are steady, strong, deep-water fish, and they are often an important part of the summer fishery. Steelhead can also be part of the mix, adding another hard-fighting species that helps make each trip feel a little different.
Brown trout are possible, but they are not expected in large numbers. Ted made this clear when he stated, “We do get some brown trout. We don’t get numbers of them. So it is a little bit more of a special fish when you catch them.”
That is part of what makes a Great Lakes Slam such a memorable possibility. Catching coho, king salmon, lake trout, steelhead, and brown trout in one trip is not something that happens every day. When it does, even the captain knows it is a special day on the water.
The Boat and the Charter Experience
Ted runs a 29.9-foot cruiser with a 10.5-foot beam on Lake Michigan, built for trolling but comfortable enough to enjoy the ride between fish. Charters hold up to six guests. That is the U.S. Coast Guard limit for a charter boat like Penrod’s, and it is why almost every Great Lakes charter tops out at six. Eagle Point Harbor is the launch point, putting the boat close to Lake Michigan and offering nearby river access for guests who want a different kind of day on the water.
Lake Michigan fishing is a trolling game, and Ted is upfront about what that means for the experience.
“Most people on Lake Michigan, it’s a trolling game. So you’re watching the rods. You’re sitting there on a boat ride. When the fish hit, you’re handed the rod.”
The setup is approachable even if you’ve never fished open water before, and the gear can get expensive fast. Ted is straightforward about that, too.
“Some of the equipment is very expensive on the lake, and if you drop $500 in the water, we go to the tackle store, and you replace it.”
Most guests let him handle the rod until the fish is on. From there, the fight is yours.
Weather and Motion Sickness
Lake Michigan weather is the biggest variable on any charter day, and Ted doesn’t sugarcoat it. Conditions can shift fast, and when they do, he makes the call.
“It can turn on a dime out on Lake Michigan. If it does get nasty and I have to cut the trip short, we’ll compensate you, we’ll cut your price. We’ve got to go now because the weather’s coming.”
That kind of decision-making is exactly what a guide is for. After all,
“That’s the beauty of having a guide with you, somebody who understands that and recognizes it. Whereas if you just rent a boat and go out there on your own, you may find yourself in trouble pretty fast.”
Motion sickness is worth thinking about before you ever leave the dock. That said, take a pill or prescription before boarding, not after you’re already on the lake. Doing so could potentially keep the whole trip from being ruined!
One more thing! If the captain calls the trip due to weather, pricing gets adjusted. If you call it due to motion sickness, it’s a full-pay trip. It’s imperative to understand this upfront so there are no surprises.
Booking a Summer Lake Michigan Trip
Summer dates, especially July and August, can fill up, so it is best to book ahead. You can bring a group of up to six on one boat. If you have a larger group, you should plan in advance so multiple captains can be coordinated if needed. On top of that, Ted handles the tackle, fish cleaning, and bagging, so you can focus on the trip itself.
Book Your Trip Today!
Ready to get out on the water this summer? Book your Lake Michigan salmon and trout charter with Captain Ted today!