Troll Lake Trout & Salmon in Muskegon | Too Ez

Early Morning Trout & Salmon Bonanza on Lake Michigan

Rise and shine, anglers! We're hitting the big water for a 6-hour fishing frenzy on Lake Michigan. Our Extended Half Day trip out of Muskegon is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without burning a full day. We'll be chasing after some of the lake's most prized catches - trout and salmon - during their prime feeding time. With room for up to 4 fishermen, this trip is ideal for small groups looking to land some serious fish stories (and dinner).

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet at the dock at 6 AM sharp, ready to catch the early bird special - or in this case, the early fish. After a quick 30-minute cruise to our honey holes, we'll have lines in the water just as the sun peeks over the horizon. That's when the real fun begins. We'll be trolling for Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon. The morning light on Lake Michigan is something special, creating a peaceful backdrop as we wait for that first big strike. Our experienced crew will handle all the nitty-gritty details, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones and soaking in the Lake Michigan vibes.

Trolling Tactics 101

If you're new to Great Lakes fishing, trolling is the name of the game out here. We'll be using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and lead core lines to get our lures down where the fish are hanging out. Our setup typically includes a spread of spoons, J-plugs, and cut bait rigs. As we cruise along at a steady clip, these lures dance through the water column, mimicking the movements of baitfish and triggering strikes from hungry trout and salmon. It's a bit like playing chess with fish - we're constantly adjusting depths, speeds, and lure choices based on what's working. Don't worry if this all sounds Greek to you - our crew will walk you through everything and have you feeling like a pro in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Trout: These deep-water denizens are the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing. They're not the flashiest fighters, but what they lack in acrobatics, they make up for in pure power. Lake trout can grow to impressive sizes, with 10-15 pounders being common and the occasional 20+ pounder making an appearance. They're most active in cooler water, so spring and fall are prime times to target them. Anglers love lake trout for their firm, orange flesh that's perfect for smoking or grilling.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): The high-flying acrobats of the Great Lakes, steelhead are prized for their hard-fighting nature and delicious meat. These fish can range from 5-15 pounds and are known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. We typically see good numbers of steelhead in the spring and fall as they make their way closer to shore. Landing a chrome-bright steelhead is often the highlight of many anglers' trips.

Brown Trout: Often called the ghosts of the Great Lakes, brown trout are elusive and highly sought after. They tend to stick close to structure and can be finnicky eaters, making them a true trophy when landed. Spring and fall are the best times to target browns, with fish in the 5-10 pound range being common. Anglers love brown trout for their beautiful spotted patterns and their reputation as one of the smartest fish in the lake.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of Lake Michigan. Chinooks can reach sizes of 20-30 pounds, with some monsters pushing past the 30-pound mark. They're most active in the summer months, with peak fishing typically happening in August and September as they prepare for their spawning run. Hooking into a big king is like being tied to a freight train - they're known for long, powerful runs that will test both your gear and your stamina.

Coho Salmon: While not as large as their Chinook cousins, Coho make up for it with their aggressive nature and tendency to hit lures with reckless abandon. These silver bullets typically range from 5-10 pounds and are most active in the spring and early summer. Cohos are favored for their orangey-red flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking. When a school of Cohos moves through, it's not uncommon to have multiple rods go off at once, creating the kind of controlled chaos that makes for unforgettable fishing memories.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Lake Michigan that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a chrome-bright steelhead as it cartwheels across the surface. Or perhaps it's the anticipation as a downrigger pops and line starts screaming off the reel, signaling the start of an epic fight with a king salmon. For many, it's the simple pleasure of being out on the big water, watching the sun rise over the lake as you wait for that first bite of the day. Whatever your reason, this extended half-day trip gives you a solid taste of what Lake Michigan fishing is all about, without eating up your entire day. It's the perfect balance of serious fishing action and vacation relaxation.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to experience some of the best trout and salmon fishing the Great Lakes have to offer, it's time to lock in your date. At $700 for up to 4 anglers, this trip offers serious value for both seasoned lake fishermen and first-timers looking to get their feet wet. Remember, we're talking prime time morning fishing here - those fish aren't going to catch themselves! So gather your crew, set that alarm clock (trust me, it'll be worth it), and let's make some Lake Michigan memories. Just keep in mind that the $700 deposit is non-refundable, so choose your date wisely. See you on the water!