Salmon Trout Half Day Lake Trip Portage FISH ON

Half Day Salmon & Trout Trip - Lake Michigan

Looking for a solid afternoon on Lake Michigan without the early morning wake-up call? Captain David's got you covered with this half-day salmon and trout fishing adventure departing at 2:00 PM from Portage, Indiana. Perfect for families who want to sleep in or anglers who prefer fishing the afternoon bite, this 4-hour trip puts you right where the action is. You'll be fishing aboard a 27' Stamas Fisherman – a boat built for Lake Michigan's moods and spacious enough for up to four anglers to fish comfortably. Captain David knows these waters like the back of his hand and loves sharing what he's learned over years of chasing salmon and trout in the southern basin of the Big Lake.

What to Expect on the Water

Your afternoon starts at the Portage Marina, where Captain David will have the boat prepped and ready to roll by 2:00 PM. The timing actually works in your favor – afternoon fishing on Lake Michigan can be fantastic, especially when the morning charter traffic dies down and fish start moving again. The Stamas Fisherman is a top-rated platform for Great Lakes fishing, with plenty of rod holders, a spacious cockpit, and the stability you want when you're battling a big chinook or lake trout in deeper water. Captain David keeps the atmosphere relaxed but informative – he'll show you the ropes whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced angler looking to dial in your Lake Michigan technique. The base rate covers four people, but if you've got a larger crew, just let him know and he can accommodate more anglers for an additional fee.

Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup

Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing is all about trolling – covering water efficiently while presenting lures at the right depth and speed. Captain David runs a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards depending on conditions and what the fish are telling him. You'll be pulling everything from spoons and plugs to flies behind flashers, and he'll explain why certain colors and presentations work better on different days. The afternoon timeframe often means working structure and temperature breaks where fish stack up during the warmer part of the day. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything's provided, from the rods and reels down to the net. Captain David keeps his tackle boxes stocked with proven Lake Michigan producers, and he's always experimenting with new stuff that's working for other successful captains in the area.

Top Catches This Season

Chinook salmon are the main attraction here, and for good reason – these fish are absolute bruisers that can top 20 pounds and will test your drag system to the limit. Lake Michigan's chinooks are typically most active from late spring through early fall, with the afternoon bite often picking up as the day progresses. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and make blistering runs, which is why so many anglers get hooked on salmon fishing after their first trip. Brown trout are another customer favorite, known for their wariness and spectacular jumps when hooked. These fish are beautiful, with golden sides and distinctive spots, and they fight with a different attitude than salmon – more finesse, more aerial displays. Lake trout round out the target species list, and these deep-water natives are the true locals of Lake Michigan. They're typically found in the deeper, colder water and can reach impressive sizes. Lakers fight differently than salmon or browns – they're powerful, stubborn fish that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook salmon, also called "kings," are what most anglers dream about when they think Lake Michigan fishing. These Pacific transplants have adapted perfectly to the Great Lakes environment and can reach weights over 30 pounds, though most fish you'll encounter run between 8-15 pounds. Peak season runs from April through September, with the afternoon hours often producing excellent action as fish move up in the water column to feed. What makes chinooks so exciting isn't just their size – it's their attitude. They hit lures aggressively and immediately let you know you're connected to something special with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps.

Brown trout bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These fish are renowned for their wariness and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Lake Michigan browns typically range from 3-8 pounds, with some exceptional fish pushing into double digits. They're most active during cooler periods, which makes afternoon trips particularly productive as water temperatures moderate. Browns are gorgeous fish with golden-brown coloration and distinct black and red spots, and they're considered excellent table fare by many anglers. Their fighting style is more unpredictable than salmon – one minute they're bulldogging deep, the next they're clearing the water in a series of spectacular jumps.

Lake trout are the true natives of Lake Michigan and represent the deep-water fishing experience that many anglers specifically seek out. These fish live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake and can reach impressive sizes – 10-20 pound fish are common, with some monsters pushing 30 pounds or more. Lakers are most active year-round but can be particularly cooperative during afternoon trips when they move up from the depths to feed. They're powerful, methodical fighters that use their weight and the deep water to test your tackle and patience. Many anglers consider lake trout the ultimate Great Lakes prize because they're perfectly adapted to this environment and represent a connection to the lake's pristine past.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain David's afternoon salmon and trout trips fill up fast, especially during peak season and weekends. The 2:00 PM departure time makes this trip perfect for families, visitors who want to enjoy their morning in the area, or local anglers who prefer the afternoon bite. Remember, you'll save 10% on weekday trips Monday through Friday, excluding holidays – a great incentive to take advantage of the typically less crowded weekday fishing. The cancellation policy is straightforward and fair: cancel