Half Day Salmon Trip Fish PaTroll Manistee

Half Day Morning Salmon Trip on Lake Michigan

Picture this: you're out on Lake Michigan at sunrise, watching the sky turn pink over the water while your downriggers tick away beneath you. That's exactly what you'll get with Captain Larry Buckle's morning salmon charter from Manistee. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – it's a genuine Great Lakes fishing adventure that puts you right in the middle of some of the best salmon action Michigan has to offer. Running from July through September when the salmon are thick, this 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to dial in the bite and put some serious fish in the cooler.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Larry runs his operation aboard a 27-foot Tiara that's built for comfort and fishing. Twin Crusader engines get you to the fish fast, and the roomy cockpit gives everyone space to work without bumping elbows. Your 5:30 AM departure might sound early, but trust me – that's prime time for salmon fishing on the big lake. The base rate covers up to 4 anglers, but Larry can accommodate up to 6 guests if you want to bring extra friends (just add $100 per additional person). This is a private charter, so you're not sharing the boat with strangers or waiting for other people to figure out how to use a fishing rod. Everything you need is provided – tackle, bait, rods, reels, and all the trolling gear. Just bring your Michigan fishing license, some snacks, and maybe a cooler for your catch.

Trolling Tactics & Gear

Lake Michigan salmon fishing is all about trolling, and Captain Larry has this technique dialed in. You'll be running multiple lines at different depths using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to cover the water column where salmon are feeding. The boat carries everything from spoons and plugs to flasher-and-fly combinations that drive salmon crazy. Live bait gets mixed in when the bite calls for it – alewives and emerald shiners are salmon candy out here. Don't worry if you've never worked downriggers before; Larry will walk you through the whole process. The key is reading the fish finder, watching water temperatures, and staying flexible with your presentation. Some days the salmon want bright colors in the top 20 feet, other days they're hugging bottom in 80 feet of water chasing baitfish. That's where having an experienced captain makes all the difference.

Top Catches This Season

The Chinook salmon that cruise these waters are absolute bulldogs. We're talking fish that regularly push 15 to 25 pounds, with some monsters hitting 30-plus pounds during peak season. These kings show up in Manistee waters starting in July, following massive schools of alewives and other baitfish. What makes Chinooks special isn't just their size – it's the fight they put up. When one hits your downrigger rod, you'll know it immediately. The rod doubles over, line screams off the reel, and you're in for a battle that can last 10 to 15 minutes. Chinooks are built for the open lake lifestyle, with broad shoulders and deep bellies that make them incredibly strong. August and early September are prime time for kings around Manistee, especially when water temperatures start cooling down and baitfish concentrate near shore.

Coho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Michigan, and they're just plain fun to catch. Running smaller than kings at 8 to 15 pounds, what Cohos lack in size they make up for in aerial displays. These silver rockets love to jump, and a good Coho will clear the water multiple times during the fight. They show up earlier in the season than Chinooks, with July being prime time for numbers fishing. Cohos tend to feed higher in the water column, often within 40 feet of the surface, which makes them perfect targets for planer board presentations. Their bright silver sides and aggressive feeding behavior make them a favorite among anglers who want steady action. When you find a school of feeding Cohos, you can often catch several fish quickly before they move on.

Time to Book Your Spot

Lake Michigan salmon fishing from Manistee offers some of the most consistent action you'll find on the Great Lakes, and Captain Larry's morning trips put you right in the thick of it. With his local knowledge, quality equipment, and hands-on teaching approach, you're set up for success whether this is your first salmon trip or your fiftieth. The 6-hour format gives you real time to learn the techniques, cover different areas, and hopefully load up on some fantastic eating fish. Salmon season is short but sweet – July through September goes by fast, and the best dates fill up early. If you're looking for a genuine Great Lakes fishing adventure that combines beautiful scenery with top-notch salmon action, this is your trip. Contact Fish PaTroll Charters to secure your spot on the water.