Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing Manistee Michigan

Half Day Salmon Fishing on Lake Michigan

Captain Larry Buckle knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when salmon season hits Lake Michigan from July through September, there's no better time to get out there. This 6-hour afternoon trip departs at 2 PM from Manistee, giving you prime time on the water when the salmon are most active. With space for up to 6 anglers (4 included in your base rate), you'll have plenty of room to work the lines without bumping elbows. Larry's 27-foot Tiara is built for these big lake conditions, powered by reliable twin Crusader engines that'll get you to the fish and back safely. The cockpit's got room to move around, and everything you need is already on board - tackle, bait, and decades of local knowledge.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll meet Captain Larry at the Manistee harbor, where he'll get you fitted with life jackets and give you the rundown on what's working best that week. Lake Michigan changes daily - wind direction, water temperature, baitfish movement - and Larry adjusts his approach accordingly. Some days you'll be working close to shore in 40 feet of water, other times you'll head out to the thermal bars where cold and warm water meet. That's where the magic happens. The boat's equipped with downriggers, planer boards, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. Larry provides live bait when conditions call for it, but most of the time you'll be trolling spoons, flasher-fly combos, and plugs that mimic the alewives these salmon can't resist. Don't worry if you've never worked downriggers before - Larry will walk you through everything and keep you in the fish.

Trolling Tips & Techniques

Trolling Lake Michigan isn't just about dragging lures behind the boat - it's an art form that Larry's perfected over years of chasing salmon in these waters. You'll typically run four to six lines at different depths, using downriggers to get your presentation down 20 to 80 feet where the salmon are cruising. The key is speed control and reading your fish finder. When you mark fish, Larry will make subtle adjustments to boat speed, turn direction, and lure depth until something connects. The Tiara's twin engines give him precise throttle control, crucial for maintaining that perfect 2.5 to 3.5 mph trolling speed. You'll learn to read the rods - that subtle bounce means your spoon is working right, while a steady pull usually means weed or debris. When a salmon hits, you'll know it immediately. The rod tip will dance, then load up heavy as the fish makes its first run. Larry will clear the other lines while you fight your fish, coaching you through the battle until it's in the net.

Top Catches This Season

Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Michigan fishing, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish average 15 to 25 pounds but can push 30-plus when conditions are right. Kings feed heavily in late summer, building fat reserves before their spawning run, which makes them aggressive and hard-fighting. They'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and your arms. What makes Chinooks special here is how they use the lake's structure - they follow temperature breaks, hunt baitfish along drop-offs, and stage near river mouths as fall approaches. The fight is legendary: first a screaming run toward deep water, then bulldogging near the boat, using their broad shoulders and thick bodies to their advantage. Landing a mature Chinook on Lake Michigan is a bucket-list experience that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over.

Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to your fishing day. These silver rockets typically run 8 to 15 pounds but make up for their smaller size with aerial acrobatics that'll leave you breathless. Cohos are jumpers - once hooked, they'll leap repeatedly, shaking their heads and throwing spray as they try to spit the hook. They're often found higher in the water column than Chinooks, making them prime targets for planer board presentations and shallow-diving plugs. What's really special about Coho fishing in Manistee waters is their numbers - when you find a school, you can often boat several before they move on. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Cohos tend to be more active during the afternoon hours, making this trip timing ideal for consistent action. Their silver sides and spotted backs make them beautiful fish, and their willingness to bite keeps the action steady throughout your afternoon on the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Salmon season on Lake Michigan is short but spectacular, running from July through September when water temperatures and baitfish movements align perfectly. Captain Larry's afternoon departures give you the best shot at active fish while avoiding the early morning rush that many charter boats deal with. The 2 PM start means you can sleep in, grab lunch in downtown Manistee, and still get six solid hours of fishing in prime afternoon conditions. With room for up to 6 anglers and all gear provided, this trip delivers serious value for serious fishermen. Just bring your Michigan fishing license, some snacks, and prepare for the fight of your life when these Lake Michigan salmon decide to show you what they're made of. The season books up fast, especially weekends, so don't wait to secure your spot on one of Manistee's top-rated charter operations.