Afternoon Lake Fishing Trip Portage FISH ON LLC

Extended Half Day Lake Michigan Fishing Trip

Looking for more time on Lake Michigan without committing to a full day? Captain David's extended afternoon fishing adventure hits that sweet spot perfectly. This 6-hour trip launches at 2:00 PM from Portage, Indiana, giving you plenty of morning to sleep in or handle other business before heading out on the water. You'll fish aboard his trusty 27' Stamas Fisherman – a boat that's built for comfort and stability, whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in your technique. Captain David keeps things interactive and educational, sharing local knowledge that'll make you a better angler long after you leave the dock.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical charter where you just drop lines and hope for the best. Captain David runs a hands-on operation, meaning he'll teach you the ins and outs of Great Lakes fishing while you're actually doing it. The afternoon timing works beautifully on Lake Michigan – you'll avoid the morning boat traffic and often hit prime feeding times as the day transitions into evening. His Stamas Fisherman is spacious enough for up to four anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The boat's design handles Lake Michigan's chop with ease, so even if it gets a little bumpy, you'll stay comfortable and focused on fishing. Captain David brings all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, though you're welcome to bring your own favorites if you prefer.

Techniques & Gear Breakdown

Lake Michigan fishing is all about trolling and understanding the thermal layers where fish hang out. Captain David runs downriggers and planer boards to cover different depths and spread your baits across a wider area. He'll show you how to read the fish finder, recognize productive water, and understand why certain lures work better at different times and depths. The beauty of an extended trip is having time to experiment – if one technique isn't producing, you can switch things up and try different approaches. You'll learn about spoon selection, leader length, and boat speed adjustments that make the difference between a slow day and a great day. The afternoon start means you'll often fish through the golden hours when salmon and trout become more active, and Captain David knows exactly where to position the boat to take advantage of these feeding windows.

Top Catches This Season

Chinook Salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These fish can grow massive in the Great Lakes – we're talking 20 to 30-pound fish that'll test your drag system and your patience. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with these salmon feeding aggressively in the thermocline. When you hook into a king salmon, you'll know it immediately. They make powerful runs and aerial displays that get everyone on the boat excited. What makes them special here is how they use the lake's structure and temperature breaks to their advantage, making each fight unpredictable and memorable.

Brown Trout bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These fish are incredibly smart and can be finicky about what they'll eat, but when you dial them in, they're absolutely beautiful fish with amazing colors. Browns in Lake Michigan average 8 to 15 pounds, though larger specimens show up regularly. They're most active during low-light periods, which makes afternoon trips perfect for targeting them. Browns fight differently than salmon – they're more acrobatic and use their intelligence to try wrapping your line around anything they can find. Captain David has dialed in the techniques for consistently catching these stunning fish.

Lake Trout are the native predators of the Great Lakes and catching one connects you to the lake's natural history. These deep-water fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. Lakers typically hold in deeper, colder water, which means you'll often catch them while trolling the thermocline with downriggers. They're powerful fighters that prefer to stay deep, making for a different kind of battle than the surface-jumping salmon. What's really cool about lake trout is their coloration – they have beautiful spotted patterns that vary between individual fish, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain David's extended afternoon trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot. The 2:00 PM departure works perfectly for families with kids who don't do well with early morning starts, or anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxed morning before hitting the water. You'll get the full Lake Michigan experience with plenty of time to learn, catch fish, and enjoy being out on one of the Great Lakes. The base rate covers up to four anglers, and he can accommodate larger groups with advance notice. Don't forget about the weekday discount – 10% off Monday through Friday trips excluding holidays makes this already great value even better. With a flexible cancellation policy that gives you a full refund with a week's notice, there's no reason not to secure your dates. Book now and get ready for an afternoon of world-class Great Lakes fishing with one of Portage's most experienced captains.