What You Might Expect To Catch
Coho Salmon
The Coho Salmon (Silvers) has made Lake Michigan one of the finest fishing destinations. Coho’s make up more than half of our annual catch. Like all the Salmon, they grow rapidly by consuming Alewives at an amazing rate. The normal life span is 3 years. Spring Coho fishing is excellent and we normally get them in the 2 to 5 pound range by trolling close to the surface. It is not unusual to limit out during the early spring season. By late summer Coho’s can grow to 12 pounds and are true fighters. Coho’s are caught all season long; however best quantities are late April through June.
State Records — IL: 20 lbs. 9 oz. WI: 26 lbs. 2 oz. IN: 20 lbs. 12 oz.
Chinook Salmon (King)
The Chinook Salmon (or King as they are usually called) often have a life span of 4 years. The King is the largest Salmon & fastest growing fish in Lake Michigan. The mature adult typically weighs between 15 and 30 pounds. They are truly the best fighting fish on the lake. They are like torpedoes in the water. Caught year-round, but the biggest are caught in July through the end of September. We call these “screamers” because once caught they try to get away, pulling line off the reel so fast the reel makes a screaming sound.
State Records — IL: 37 lbs. WI: 44 lbs. 15 oz. IN: 38 lbs.
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelheads) are one of the most exciting game fish in North America. This is not the Rainbow Trout you normally see in the streams that fly fishermen wade after. The size range from 6 to 10 lbs. When hooked, they come leaping out of the water. The best time for catching Steelhead is June, July & August. Sometimes called "Jumpers" they never seem to stop fighting.
State Records — IL: 31 lbs. 6 oz. WI: 27 lbs. 2 oz. IN: 26.6 lbs.
Brown Trout
The Brown Trout (Browns) has a very spooky nature and is caught less frequently than other species. The average size is between 6 and 30 lbs. They are excellent fighters and never give up. The best times to catch Browns are early spring next to shore. Some Brown Trout are shaped like footballs, with large spots on the top half of its body and a square tail. They are a fun fish to catch.
State Records — IL: 36 lbs. 11 oz. WI: 35 lbs. 2 oz. IN: 24.2 lbs.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout (Lakers) are native to Lake Michigan and originally they were the main predator on the lake. Lake Trout will live a long time growing slower than salmon but getting very big. The average size of Lakers is between 6 and 14 lbs. The best time to catch Lakers usually starts in August and goes through November.
State Records — IL: 38 lbs. 4 oz. WI: 47 lbs. IN: 29 lbs. 4 oz.
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