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Damn Good Lake Michigan Fishing Guides

Check real-time availability on Lake Michigan fishing trips. Online booking | 5 / 5 stars | Guides from $677

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Recently Booked Fishing Guides Near Lake Michigan

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A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Kenosha

Lake Fishing Trip in Kenosha

Kenosha Salmon Hookfest

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $875
Fishing in Kenosha

Lake Fishing Trip in Kenosha

Lake Michigan Magic

NEW
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Kenosha

Lake Fishing Trip in Kenosha

Weekday Salmon Run

NEW
35 ft 1 - 4 People From $620
Fishing in St. Joseph

Lake Fishing Trip in St. Joseph

Lake Michigan With Captain Jerry

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
Fishing in Kenosha

Lake Fishing Trip in Kenosha

Lake Michigan Angler's Delight

NEW
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Manistee

Lake Fishing Trip in Manistee

Manistee Salmon Slammin'

NEW
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $450

Most Popular Types of Trips in Lake Michigan

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Lake Fishing Guides Near Lake Michigan

Fishing in Waukegan

Lake Fishing Trip in Waukegan

Epic Salmon And Trout Trip

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Grand Haven

Lake Fishing Trip in Grand Haven

Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $675
Fishing in Ludington

Lake Fishing Trip in Ludington

Luxury Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Algoma

Lake Fishing Trip in Algoma

Cohos, Kings, And Lake Trout Trip

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Spring Arbor

Lake, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Spring Arbor

Michigan Sportfishing Special

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $825
Fishing in Winthrop Harbor

Lake Fishing Trip in Winthrop Harbor

Lake Michigan 8 Hour Trip

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200

More Fishing Guides Near Lake Michigan

Fishing in Algoma
Fishing in Algoma
Fishing in Algoma
trip description for Cohos, Kings, and Lake Trout Trip in Algoma

If you've been wanted to get after some major fish on the world's fifth-largest lake, this trip with Captain Chris just might be your ticket! He's been a pro guide on this water for years, and knows how to show you the freshwater sportfishing trip of a lifetime. On this trip, you'll chase classic Lake Michigan sportfish including King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, and Lake Trout. These fish get big, and they love to fight! They're a blast to catch, and they're even better seared on the grill afterwards. You'll primarily be trolling for these fish, putting bait and lures at different depths to hook them up. Captain Chris runs a 33' Trojan 10 meter, powered by twin Crusader engines with a total of 700 horsepower. She'll get you on the fish comfortably and quickly, so you can spend more time fishing and less time cruising! The boat is also equipped with trolling equipment, standard electronics, and a full cabin for your comfort. Chris provides you with all the rods and tackle you will need, but be sure to have your fishing license upon arrival. Be sure to dress accordingly with some rain gear, hat, and sunglasses so you can stay comfortable on the water. The only other thing you'll need is an ice chest to take home your fresh catch! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Algoma

Cohos, Kings, And Lake Trout Trip

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Winthrop Harbor
Fishing in Winthrop Harbor
Fishing in Winthrop Harbor
trip description for Lake Michigan Lunkers! in Winthrop Harbor

Morning or Afternoon, the 6hr charter is our most popular charter. Morning charters normally leave the dock between 4am-6am Afternoon Charters normally leave between 10am and 12pm. Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Winthrop Harbor

Lake Michigan Lunkers!

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36 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Waukegan
Fishing in Waukegan
Fishing in Waukegan
trip description for Epic Salmon and Trout Trip in Waukegan

Did you know that the Great Lakes are home to some of the biggest freshwater Salmon and Trout in the world? These huge fish are famously delicious, but they’re also fun to catch for anglers of all experience levels. Get out on the water with Captain Jim for a family fish-whacking adventure! You can spend either a half or full day casting lines with up to 6 of your family and friends, and come home with an amazing meal to boot. Captain Jim’s 36’ Trojan sportfisher has a spacious deck and twin diesel engines with a total of 660 horsepower. The vessel cuts smoothly through the waters of the lake, so you should be trolling with the utmost comfort. Once your reel starts screaming, you better be prepared for battle! If you successfully pull in a monster, you can store it in the icebox so it stays fresh during the remainder of your voyage. Back at the dock, Captain Jim will clean and bag your catch, so you have a tasty dinner that night. Captain Jim provides all the equipment needed for a successful day of fishing, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. If you are bringing any younger anglers, Captain Jim will bring lifejackets for them. You should bring food and drinks so you don’t get cranky throughout the day, and appropriate clothing. Other than that, Captain Jim has got you covered! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Waukegan

Epic Salmon And Trout Trip

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Grand Haven
Fishing in Grand Haven
Fishing in Grand Haven
trip description for Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon in Grand Haven

If you've been dreaming of chasing big fish on Lake Michigan, then Captain Phil is the guide for you. With 20+ years of experience, and tons of knowledge about the Lake, he'll get you hooked up on monster Coho and King Salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and Steelhead! You'll be trolling for these big fish on Shimano rods and reels, provided by the Captain. Salmon love to put up a fight, so come prepared! Not only are these fish fun fighters, but they're great eating fish as well. Captain Phil is happy to clean your keepers for you, so bring a cooler! Captain Phil's 31' Tiara sportfisher is outfitted with all the top trolling equipment, including Cannon downriggers and custom Cannon rod holders, a Hummingbird sonar fish finder, and GPS navigation. With the power of the twin 270-HP Crusader engines, you'll be able to get on the fish and start trolling in no time. Phil's boat also has an onboard bathroom and plenty of seating to keep you comfortable all day on the water. Be sure to purchase a fishing license prior to your trip and bring along and food or drinks you may want while fishing. Soft soled shoes are preferred on the boat. Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Grand Haven

Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $675
Fishing in Holland
Fishing in Holland
Fishing in Holland
trip description for Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout Trip in Holland

Get out there with captain Tim and experience the great freshwater fishing that Lake Michigan has to offer! Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth-largest lake in the world, with just over 22,000 square miles of surface area. It's loaded with fish, including fantastic sportfish species such as Steelhead, King Salmon (also known as Chinooks), Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout—all of which you can target on this trip with Captain Tim. If you've ever wanted to fight big freshwater gamefish, this trip has your name on it. You'll primarily be trolling lines to attract big Salmon and Steelhead, which love to hit fast-moving baits and lures. Salmon and Trout are great fighters that will really test your strength, stamina, and skills—so come ready! In addition to their fighting abilities, all of these species are terrific table fare, and Captain Tim is happy to clean them for you. You'll be fishing from the deck of his 33' Wellcraft sportfisher. She's a beautiful boat with all the equipment necessary for a great day of fishing, including twin Yamaha 330-HP engines and a comfortable cabin to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the fall. Your captain will bring everything you need for an ideal trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to bring is a Michigan fishing license with the appropriate stamps, a cooler with snacks and drinks, proper clothing, sunscreen, and a smile! Get out there and enjoy the clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan with Captain Tim! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Holland

Lake Michigan Salmon And Trout Trip

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Winthrop Harbor
Fishing in Winthrop Harbor
Fishing in Winthrop Harbor
trip description for Lake Michigan 4 Hour Twilight in Winthrop Harbor

Head out with Josh and prepare for an action-packed evening of Great Lake fishing with a beautiful sunset view! The massive Lake Michigan is a perfect to place to get the vast experience of ocean fishing while targeting freshwater Salmon and Trout! On this 4-hour sunset trip, Travis will take you into the Lake Michigan waters where you'll be going after Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon. Josh will take you trolling the open waters to attract these picture-worthy fish. Trolling trips are great because the boat and the knowledge of your guide take care of half the work for you. You get to sit back, relax, enjoy the breeze, and rest your arms while you wait for the reel to start screaming and your work to begin! Josh will provide all rods, reels and tackle, and will provide live bait for an additional cost. All you need to bring is sunglasses, sunscreen, warm clothing, an Illinois fishing license with a Salmon stamp, any snacks or drinks you might need, and a cooler to store your catches. Josh will happily clean any keepers for an additional fee. Book your trip today and come home with some tasty fish! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Winthrop Harbor

Lake Michigan 4 Hour Twilight

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
See All Trips 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?

Why should I book a fishing trip in Lake Michigan with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 25 trips in Lake Michigan, and the most popular trips in the area are Lake Michigan 6 Hour Trip guided by Josh, Luxury Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon guided by Steven, and Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon guided by Phil.

Our guides in Lake Michigan are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3286 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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 $677 to $1,075, but the average price for a half day trip in Lake Michigan is $756. The average price for a full day trip in Lake Michigan is $929.

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 62 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 of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Mate Jeremy and Captain Issac were an awesome team. My son, grandson and I caught 9 fish....7 kings and 2 rainbows. Biggest king was 41.5 inches long. Great trip!!

    Skip T. with Dan S. of Whitehall, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely fantastic trip with Shane. He explained everything we needed to know and set expectations before the trip and was easy to find when we got there. Super knowledgable, patient, and fun, his boat was clean and he was extremely efficient. Learned a lot, got on some major trout and salmon action, and had a blast. Looking forward to the next time we can get out there with him!

    Shawna S. with Shane L. of Kenosha, Wisconsin

Top Types of Fishing in Lake Michigan

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Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country 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:

See All Trips in Lake Michigan