Troll Lake Trout & Salmon in Muskegon | Too Ez

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Muskegon
$350 - $950 price range

Summary

Join us for a morning of troll fishing on Lake Michigan out of Muskegon. We'll leave the dock at 6 AM for a scenic 30-minute ride to our fishing grounds. Once there, we'll get lines in the water just before sunrise to catch the fish when they're most active. You'll be targeting a mix of trout and salmon species using proven trolling methods. The early morning light on the water creates a peaceful setting as we search for the bite. Our experienced crew handles all the gear and tactics, so you can focus on reeling in the catches. This 6-hour private trip is ideal for groups up to 4 people looking for a productive day on the water. At $700, it's a great way to experience some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer. Remember to bring snacks, drinks, and dress in layers for changing conditions on the lake.

Troll Lake Trout & Salmon in Muskegon | Too Ez

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

Impressive Lake Trout and Drum haul!

Two fish caught in MI during cruises and fishing

Cooler packed with hefty Lake Trout and Salmon

Anglers enjoying cruises and fishing in Muskegon

Double hook-up action on Lake Ontario—intense!

Three Chinook salmon and bluefish in Muskegon

Loaded cooler of chunky Chinook Salmon—epic!

Reel in the Big One: Muskegon Trolling Adventure

Ready to hit the water for some serious fishing action? Our 6-hour morning trip out of Muskegon is the perfect way to kick off your day. We'll be targeting some of Lake Michigan's prized catches – Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and both Chinook and Coho Salmon. This private charter is ideal for groups of up to 4, so grab your fishing buddies and let's get out there!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet bright and early at 6:00 AM, just in time to catch that magical pre-dawn light on the lake. After a quick 30-minute boat ride, we'll have lines in the water as the sun peeks over the horizon. That's prime time for fish activity, so be ready! Our experienced crew will set up the trolling spread, leaving you free to focus on the fun part – reeling in the big ones. The calm morning waters and stunning scenery make for a peaceful backdrop, but don't let that fool you – the fishing action can get intense!

Trolling 101: Our Go-To Technique

If you're new to trolling, you're in for a treat. We'll be using multiple rods with lines set at different depths, slowly cruising to cover more water. Our crew knows all the local hotspots and will be constantly adjusting our spread based on where the fish are biting. We use a mix of spoons, plugs, and meat rigs to entice strikes. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck! You'll hear that sweet sound of the reel screaming as a big salmon or trout makes a run for it. Trust me, there's nothing quite like the thrill of battling a Lake Michigan bruiser!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Trout: These deep-water dwellers are a Muskegon staple. They put up a good fight and can reach impressive sizes – 10-20 pounders aren't uncommon! We typically target them in deeper water, often using downriggers to get our lures down where they're hanging out. Lake trout are available year-round, but spring and fall can be particularly productive.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These acrobatic fighters are a favorite among anglers. Known for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs, hooking into a steelhead is always exciting. We see good numbers in spring and fall as they move closer to shore, but summer can produce some trophy-sized fish too.

Brown Trout: Often called the "ghosts of the great lakes," brown trout can be elusive but rewarding catches. They're known for their beautiful spotted patterns and tend to hang out in shallower water than lake trout. Early spring and late fall are prime times for browns, but we can target them year-round.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of the Great Lakes. A 20+ pound Chinook will give you the fight of your life! We typically see the best Chinook action from mid-summer through early fall when they start their spawning runs. Landing one of these brutes is always a highlight of any trip.

Coho Salmon: While usually smaller than their Chinook cousins, Cohos make up for it with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop! Spring and early summer are great for Cohos, but we target them throughout the warm months.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our Muskegon trolling trips offer something for everyone. Seasoned anglers love the chance to tangle with some serious fish, while newcomers appreciate how easy we make it to get in on the action. The variety of species means you never know what you might hook into next. Plus, the breathtaking views of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the chance to spot wildlife like eagles or even the occasional deer swimming between islands – it's more than just a fishing trip, it's a full outdoor experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

At $700 for up to 4 people, this 6-hour private charter is a steal for the quality of fishing and personal attention you'll receive. Remember, we provide all the gear and know-how – you just need to bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack or two. Early mornings on the lake can get chilly, so dress in layers. And don't forget your camera – you'll want proof of that monster trout or salmon you landed!

Spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online to secure your Muskegon trolling adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we'll make sure you have a blast out on the big lake. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the crafty ones of the trout family. These fish average 2-8 pounds but can grow much larger. You'll often find them lurking in deep pools, under cut banks, or near submerged logs. They're most active in low light conditions – early morning and evening are prime times. Browns are known for their wariness and selective feeding, which makes them a challenge and a prize for anglers. They put up a great fight and are delicious on the plate. Fall is an excellent time to target big browns as they become more aggressive before spawning. When fishing for browns, stealth is key. Try using natural baits like nightcrawlers or minnows, or go with streamers if you're fly fishing. A local secret: during summer, try fishing at night with large streamers or mouse patterns for a shot at a trophy brown.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of the Great Lakes salmon. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, though 15-20 pounders are more common. They're deep-water fish, often found near the thermocline or following schools of baitfish. Late summer into fall is prime time, as they start their spawning runs. Chinooks are prized for their hard-fighting ability – when one hits, hold on tight! They're also excellent eating, with rich, flavorful meat. Trolling with downriggers is the go-to method, using large spoons or plugs that mimic baitfish. Early morning and evening often see the best action. Here's a local tip: if you mark fish but they're not biting, try switching up your lure colors. Sometimes a change from silver to green or blue can make all the difference.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also known as silvers, are a blast to catch. These fish typically weigh 8-12 pounds but can get much bigger. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water. You'll find them in deeper, cooler parts of the lake during summer, moving closer to shore and into rivers as fall approaches. September and October are prime months for coho fishing here in Muskegon. Anglers love targeting coho for their hard-fighting nature and excellent taste on the table. When trolling for coho, try using flashers with cut bait or artificial squid. A local trick is to vary your trolling speed – sometimes a quick burst can trigger a strike from a following fish. Keep an eye on your fish finder, as coho often school up, so where there's one, there's likely more.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true natives of the Great Lakes. These deep-water dwellers can grow huge, with 15-20 pounders not uncommon. They prefer cold, well-oxygenated water, so you'll often find them suspended over deep basins or near underwater structures. Spring and fall are great times to target lakers, as they move into shallower water. Anglers love the challenge of finding and fighting these powerful fish. They're also prized for their rich, oily flesh – great for smoking. Jigging is a popular method, using large spoons or soft plastics that mimic baitfish. Trolling with downriggers is also effective. Here's a tip: if you're jigging and mark fish but can't get them to bite, try reeling up about 10 feet. Sometimes lakers will follow a lure up, then hit it when you pause.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers, known for their acrobatic jumps and strong fights. You'll typically find them in cool, clear streams and lakes, often hanging out near riffles or deep pools. These beauties average 2-8 pounds but can grow much larger. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as the water temperatures are just right. Rainbows are opportunistic feeders, so they'll hit a variety of baits and lures. Fly fishing with nymphs or dry flies can be especially effective. What makes them fun to catch is their unpredictable nature – one minute they're lazily sipping flies, the next they're leaping clear out of the water. If you're new to targeting rainbows, try drifting a worm or small spinner through likely holding spots. A local tip: on bright days, focus on shaded areas where they might be hiding from the sun.

About the Too Ez Sportfishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Crusader

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 270

Hop aboard for a laid-back 6-hour fishing trip on Lake Michigan, leaving from Muskegon at the crack of dawn. We'll cruise for about 30 minutes to reach prime fishing spots, getting lines in the water just as the sun peeks over the horizon. That's when the fish are most active, giving you the best shot at hooking lake trout, steelhead, brown trout, and salmon. Our experienced crew will set you up with top-notch trolling gear and share their local knowledge to maximize your chances. As you cast your lines, take in the peaceful morning views across the lake. This trip is perfect for groups of up to 4 people looking for a relaxed day on the water. At $700, everything's sorted so you can focus on reeling in the big one. Just remember, deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely!

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