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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Get out on the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan for a hands-on fishing trip targeting world class salmon and trout! Fishing out of Port Washington, these trips are built around staying on active fish and making the most of your time on the lake. The scenery is spectacular and the fishing is world class! We often enjoy an amazing sunrise over the water on a morning trip or a peaceful sunset over land on an afternoon/evening trip.

Depending on the season, you’ll be targeting a mix of Chinook and Coho salmon, lake trout, brown trout, and steelhead. Captain Dave and his mate handle the setup, positioning, and adjustments throughout the trip—you focus on fighting the fish and enjoying the experience. We also offer specialized salmon and trout fishing tutorial sessions where we teach you how to set lines and learn the rationale behind why and how we target the fish in the areas we fish. Just let us know if you prefer a personalized tutorial or a more traditional charter fishing experience before you arrive.

The Experience

These trips focus on trolling, a proven and effective method on Lake Michigan that allows you to cover water and find schools of fish throughout the day. Whether you’re a first-timer or experienced angler, the approach is straightforward and productive, with the crew guiding you every step of the way.

You’ll be fishing aboard a 28’ sportfishing boat equipped with modern electronics, downriggers, and a full cabin with an enclosed restroom. The setup is comfortable and well-suited for a full day on the water, with space for up to 4 adult anglers (or up to 6 with children).

All rods, reels, tackle, and lures are included, along with fish cleaning at the end of the trip so you can take your catch home ready to enjoy.

Half Day vs Full Day

Half day trips (5 hours) are the most popular option and a great way to get on the water with steady action. We also offer shorter half day trips (4 hours) on weekdays (Monday thru Friday) at a reduced rate if you're looking for a quick getaway to chase salmon and trout. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with timing adjusted based on conditions and the bite.

Full day trips (8 hours) give you more time to cover water, adjust to changing conditions, and increase your chances at bigger or more consistent fish.

Good to Know

A first mate is typically on board to help run lines and assist throughout the trip. Gratuity of 15–20% is customary.

You’ll need a valid Wisconsin fishing license and Great Lakes trout and salmon stamp for anyone 16 and older. Be sure to bring drinks, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Families are welcome, and kids are encouraged to join, though trips are best suited for those old enough to enjoy and remember the experience.

With an experienced crew, a comfortable setup, and a focus on keeping things productive, this is a great way to experience Lake Michigan fishing.

Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 3 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Languages

English

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	5 hours	8 hours
1 Person	$575.00	$775.00
2 People	$575.00	$775.00
3 People	$575.00	$775.00
4 People	$575.00	$775.00
5 People	$575.00	$775.00

Pay $100 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Dave P.

Independent Guide

Laid-back

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Talkative

Quality

Instructional

About Your Guide

Dave P.

Independent Guide

Captain Dave is a seasoned Lake Michigan charter fishing captain with over 20 years of experience fishing out of Port Washington. Having grown up on these waters, he brings a deep understanding of seasonal patterns, fish behavior, and how to stay on the bite year-round.

From chasing king and coho salmon in the spring and summer to targeting lake trout and steelhead in cooler months, he knows how to adjust to conditions and put anglers in the right position to succeed.

He welcomes anglers of all experience levels and keeps things hands-on, approachable, and focused on catching fish. With a steady track record and a laid-back, professional style, Captain Dave delivers a consistent and enjoyable day on the water.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

30 pound king salmon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Pan fried fish with salad and potato pancakes

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

30 pound king salmon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Pan fried fish with salad and potato pancakes

How did you get started guiding?

Fishing is my passion. My goal has been to become a charter fishing captain to many years.

What makes you different from other guides?

I enjoy people and teaching them how to fish while having a great experience on the water.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Port Washington, Wisconsin

Areas Fished

Lake Michigan

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Lake Michigan Salmon & Trout

Boat Type: Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer: Sea Ray
Year Built: 1987
Boat Length: 28'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer: Sea Ray
Year Built: 1987
Boat Length: 28'
Boat Restroom: Yes
Engine Manufacturer: Mercruiser
Total Horsepower: 410
Number of Engines: 2
Additional Amenities: Toilet, comfortable seats, fish finder, radar, GPS, chart plotter, auto-pilot, dozens of rods and reels, and hundreds of fish catching lures!

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 3 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Languages

English

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

All of the fishing and safety equipment is included. We recommend bringing food, drinks, sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and other personal items. Those who are age 16 and over must bring a paper copy of your Wisconsin fishing license and Great Lakes trout and salmon stamp.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 3 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 3 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.