Lake Michigan Lunkers!

100% (1) Winthrop Harbor, IL 1 - 12 People 6 - 8 Hours From $850 Trip #5628
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

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.

Join Captain Brian for an unforgettable day chasing Chinook Salmon on Lake Michigan! The 6-hour charter is our most popular trip, offering the perfect balance of time on the water and prime fishing action. Whether you prefer a morning or afternoon trip, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hook into some of the Midwest’s finest freshwater fighters.

Morning trips typically leave the dock between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, giving you a shot at the...

About Your Trip

Join Captain Brian for an unforgettable day chasing Chinook Salmon on Lake Michigan! The 6-hour charter is our most popular trip, offering the perfect balance of time on the water and prime fishing action. Whether you prefer a morning or afternoon trip, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hook into some of the Midwest’s finest freshwater fighters.

Morning trips typically leave the dock between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, giving you a shot at the early bite as the lake comes alive. If you’re not an early riser, afternoon trips start between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, offering a relaxing midday experience with plenty of action.

Captain Brian has spent over 20 years fishing these waters, bringing both knowledge and excitement to every trip. He started as a First Mate at age 14 and earned his U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License at 18. With his experience and passion for fishing, you’ll be in good hands whether it’s your first time on the lake or you’re a seasoned angler.

On this trip, you’ll be trolling for Chinook Salmon—known for their power, speed, and incredible fights. Captain Brian uses a variety of techniques, from light and heavy tackle to specialized trolling spreads with artificial lures, ensuring you have the best chance of landing a trophy fish.

You’ll be fishing from a classic 36’ Pacemaker sportfisher powered by twin Crusader engines with 750 total horsepower. This boat is built for comfort and performance, with plenty of space for up to six anglers. Inside, you’ll find a clean restroom, a couch for relaxing between bites, and a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh.

Captain Brian provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you’ll need, and he can clean your catch for an additional fee back at the dock. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks—beer is welcome, just no glass containers.

This trip is great for all skill levels, and Captain Brian loves sharing the experience with families and kids. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you won’t lose your deposit, ensuring a worry-free booking.

Whether you choose a sunrise adventure or a relaxing afternoon on the water, this 6-hour charter is a fantastic way to experience the best of Lake Michigan fishing. With Captain Brian’s expertise and the chance to reel in hard-fighting Chinook Salmon, it’s sure to be a trip to remember.
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 an additional fee.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

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 14 days before the trip.

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

6 hours 8 hours
1 Person
$850.00
$1,050.00
2 People
$850.00
$1,050.00
3 People
$850.00
$1,050.00
4 People
$850.00
$1,050.00
5 People
$850.00
$1,050.00
6 People
$850.00
$1,050.00
7 People (two boats)
$1,700.00
$2,100.00
8 People (two boats)
$1,700.00
$2,100.00
9 People (two boats)
$1,700.00
$2,100.00
10 People (two boats)
$1,700.00
$2,100.00
11 People (two boats)
$1,700.00
$2,100.00
12 People (two boats)
$1,700.00
$2,100.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Brian

Brian G.

Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Quality
Hello, my name is Captain Brian and I have been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. With 20+ years of experience, I bring knowledge and excitement to every charter.

I started as a First Mate at age 14, and received my U.S.C.G Captains License at 18.

I also guide waterfowl hunts in Northeast Illinois from October-January.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Brian

Brian G.

Independent Guide
Hello, my name is Captain Brian and I have been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. With 20+ years of experience, I bring knowledge and excitement to every charter.

I started as a First Mate at age 14, and received my U.S.C.G Captains License at 18.

I also guide waterfowl hunts in Northeast Illinois from October-January.
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
6ft Nurse Shark
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Smoked Ribs

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
6ft Nurse Shark
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Smoked Ribs
What’s your favorite band?
Van Halen
What’s your favorite sports team?
Chicago Blackhawks
What’s your drink of choice?
Lemonade
What was your last halloween costume?
Can’t remember
What do you want for Christmas this year?
For my daughter to have a memorable Christmas
How did you get started guiding?
Started out as a First Mate
What makes you different from other guides?
I prefer to find my own area to fish vs. following the pack
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Start Location & Lodging Options

Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Lake Michigan Lunkers!
Boat photo for Lake Michigan Lunkers!
Boat photo for Lake Michigan Lunkers!
Boat photo for Lake Michigan Lunkers!
Boat photo for Lake Michigan Lunkers!
Boat Type
Pilothouse
Boat Manufacturer
Pacemaker
Year Built
1977
Boat Length
36'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Pilothouse
Boat Manufacturer
Pacemaker
Year Built
1977
Boat Length
36'
Boat Restroom
Yes
Engine Manufacturer
Crusader
Total Horsepower
750
Number of Engines
2
Additional Amenities
Clean Head (Restroom) Cooler & Ice to keep catch cold Couch
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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 an additional fee.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

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 14 days before the trip.

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

Everything Else to Know

Large restroom Restroom (Head)
State of the art Marine Electronics
Rods Reels & Tackle all supplied
Professional cleaning & bagging off catch
Multi-state Fishing Licenses available on boat.
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 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 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.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

Jared

Verified Review

Excellent trip! The boys loved it as well as my dad! They haven't stopped talking about it!

Jared

Verified Review

Excellent trip! The boys loved it as well as my dad! They haven't stopped talking about it!
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Great time, great guide. Can’t wait for the next trip.
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Five stars! Fun trip!

Ray

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Jamie

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Great trip on short notice
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Grant

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Awesome trip!!! Definitely booking again!!!
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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.
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