Damn Good Guides
Experts Available 24/7
100% Weather Guarantee
Recently Booked Fishing Guides In Lake Michigan
Top Types of Trips in Lake Michigan
Top Species for Fishing in Lake Michigan
“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”
Jonathan and Attison | Co-founders | Austin, Texas
Lake Fishing Guides In Lake Michigan
Nearshore, Lake Fishing Charter in Spring Arbor
Michigan Sportfishing Special
More Fishing Guides In Lake Michigan
Need a Place to Stay?
Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Guide in Lake Michigan
What are the best fishing trips in Lake Michigan?
The best fishing trips in Lake Michigan are:
Why should I book a fishing trip in Lake Michigan with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 30 trips in Lake Michigan, and the most popular trips in the area are Salmon & Trout Fishing guided by Jeremee, Lake Michigan 4 Hour Twilight guided by Josh, and Weekday Salmon Run guided by Tim.
Our guides in Lake Michigan are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3713 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Looking for kid friendly guides / fishing lessons in Lake Michigan? Check out our beginner and family friendly guides in Lake Michigan.
What types of fishing trips are common in Lake Michigan?
Lake fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Lake Michigan as well as nearshore fishing.
The most commonly sought after species in Lake Michigan are: 1. chinook salmon, 2. coho salmon, 3. lake trout, 4. brown trout, and 5. steelhead.
The most common fishing techniques in Lake Michigan are trolling, light tackle fishing, and artificial lure fishing but heavy tackle fishing and bottom fishing are popular as well.
How much does a Lake Michigan fishing trip cost?
Prices in Lake Michigan can range anywhere from about $676 to $1,800, but the average price for a half day trip in Lake Michigan is $847. The average price for a full day trip in Lake Michigan is $1,247.
Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?
Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.
Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.
Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.
What month is best for fishing in Lake Michigan?
The most popular season for fishing in Lake Michigan is fall, and most anglers book their trips 63 days in advance.
Do I need a Lake Michigan fishing license and what are the bag limits in Lake Michigan?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Lake Michigan, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Lake Michigan. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan Fishing Overview
The sixth largest lake in the world and the largest sport fishery of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is a fishing experience like no other. You won't want to miss out on the action here. This vast northern fishery provides world-class fishing opportunities that don't exist anywhere else. Whether fishing from a boat or through a hole in the ice, big fish are always biting.
Lake Michigan is home to a long list of cold water game fish. The popular target species include steelhead, coho salmon, perch, chinook salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye. The style of fishing can vary dramatically depending on season and target species but trolling, jigging, and live bait are the most popular. The fish in Lake Michigan grow large and are formidable fighters with exception of walleye.
The sheer size of Lake Michigan can be intimidating, and every local will have their own spots. Your best chance to get some action is by heading out with a local who knows their stuff. Not only can the lake be tough to navigate, but the weather on the lake can be unpredictable, and a guide will help make sure you are safe for the duration of your time on the water.
Recent Reviews
Top Targeted Fishing Species in Lake Michigan
Top Fishing Techniques in Lake Michigan
- Artificial Lure Fishing
- Bottom Fishing
- Drift Fishing
- Heavy Tackle Fishing
- Jigging
- Light Tackle Fishing
- Live Bait Fishing
- Trolling
Featured Cities
- Fishing Charters Near Me
- Austin Fishing Guides
- Biloxi Fishing Charters
- Bradenton Fishing Charters
- Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters
- Cancun Fishing Charters
- Cape Coral Fishing Charters
- Charleston Fishing Charters
- Clearwater Fishing Charters
- Corpus Christi Fishing Charters
- Dauphin Island Fishing Charters
- Daytona Beach Fishing Charters
- Destin Fishing Charters
- Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
- Fort Myers Fishing Charters
- Fort Walton Beach Fishing Charters
- Galveston Fishing Charters
- Gulf Shores Fishing Charters
- Hatteras Fishing Charters
- Hilton Head Fishing Charters
- Islamorada Fishing Charters
- Jacksonville Fishing Charters
- Jupiter Fishing Charters
- Key Largo Fishing Charters
- Key West Fishing Charters
- Kona Fishing Charters
- Madeira Beach Fishing Charters
- Marathon Fishing Charters
- Marco Island Fishing Charters
- Miami Fishing Charters
- Montauk Fishing Charters
- Morehead City Fishing Charters
- Naples Fishing Charters
- New Orleans Fishing Charters
- New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charters
- Orange Beach Fishing Charters
- Panama City Beach Fishing Charters
- Pensacola Fishing Charters
- Pompano Beach Fishing Charters
- Port Aransas Fishing Charters
- Rockport Fishing Charters
- San Diego Fishing Charters
- San Juan Fishing Charters
- Sarasota Fishing Charters
- South Padre Island Fishing Charters
- St. Petersburg Fishing Charters
- Tampa Fishing Charters
- Tarpon Springs Fishing Charters
- Venice Fishing Charters
- Virginia Beach Fishing Charters
Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?
Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.
The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:
