What to expect
Upon arriving at the marina you can expect to see 3 HUGE Charter fishing boats which are clean, well maintained and equipped with the absolute best Tackle and equipment.
We fish 2 charters per day on each boat. Morning trips start between 5 and 6 am depending on sunrise time. Our 2nd trips start between 10 am and 1 pm depending on what time the morning charters end. We also offer a limited number of evening charters which usually start between 3 and 5 pm.
As soon as we hit the water you will immediately know that these vessels are equipped for maximum comfort and ability to catch fish consistently.
Salmon fishing the Great Lakes is a unique experience geared towards those who are looking for more of a fishing adventure and hands on experience.
Although most clients allow our Captains to choose the species to fish, if you have a preference just let us know when you book the trip and we will do our best to provide a trip to fit your desires.
Whether catching Acrobatic Steelhead, Reel Screaming Kings, Arm Busting Lakers, Huge Brown Trout, or Spring Coho Salmon, it is all just a click away.
The Jackpot Fishing Experience is unlike any other and once you have tried it, you’ll be hooked.
The only disappointed clients we have are the ones that wait too long to call only to find out the date they want is already booked!
Where we fish
The Lake Michigan waters of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin are without a doubt the most consistantly productive salmon and trout fishery in the world.
As a result, we usually catch fish within 1 to 4 miles of our harbor. However if we need to run further, We won’t hesitate to burn the extra fuel. The Jackpot fleet are fast, smooth-riding boats to get you to the fish faster.
Being full-time charter captains, we constantly monitor the fishery allowing us to spend less time looking for fish and more time catching them.
What do we fish for?
We catch Chinook Salmon (Kings), Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Brown Trout and Lake Trout.
Meet your captains
Captain Matt Porter
I am a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master Captain and the Owner of Jackpot Fishing Charters. I was raised 4 blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan. I have been fishing the Illinois and Wisconsin areas of Lake Michigan for Salmon and Trout since they were first stocked in the 1960’s.
That’s over 40 years of Lake Michigan fishing experience.
As a full-time Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout Fishing Charter Captain, working with a network of charter captains from four harbors, I am able to stay on top of the fish EVERY DAY.
I invite you to come aboard the Jackpot and experience the finest salmon and trout fishing that the Great Lakes has to offer. I work hard every day to guarantee you a successful charter. Your enjoyment is my #1 priority, which is proven on every trip. Once you fish Jackpot Fishing Charters, you’ll come back again and again.
Captain Zach McFarland
Captain Zach grew up just a few blocks from the lake and began working as a first mate on Charter Fishing boats when he was just a kid. Zach joined the Jackpot team in 2017 as a first mate and has since become a full fledged U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master Captain.
Zach runs over 200 charters every year aboard the Jackpot II and his experience shows in the ease with which he handles the boat and the gear while helping customers to land fish and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Zach is a great fisherman and an even greater guy.
With Zach as your Captain you are sure to have a great time and catch plenty of fish.
Captain Joe
Captain Joe was raised fishing and hunting on the chain o lakes in northern Illinois.At the age of 15 I was offered a job as a first mate on a Salmon Fishing Charter boat and thought “Wow! This really is a dream come true!”.
On my 18th birthday I graduated from Captains school and earned my Captains license. I thought this was pretty cool since you have to be 18 to be a Captain. A few seasons later at the age of 25 I received my Masters License and towing endorsement.
My favorite part of my job is taking out the kids and catching a fish as big as they are!
Captain Curt
Captain Curt is an avid lifelong sportsman. He’s been fishing Lake Michigan for over 30 years.
His passion for catching big Salmon and Trout led him to get his Captain’s License and turn his passion into a career.
Curt will work hard every day to put you on the fish and help you to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Captain Jake
Jake was raised just blocks away from Lake Michigan and has been fishing the Lake his whole life.
His lifetime of experience and his strong work ethic are evident on every charter.
Jake’s fishing skill and and easy going demeanor make every charter one to remember.
Jake puts customer satisfaction first and will go to any lengths to assure you have a great time and can’t wit to come back and fish with the Jackpot team again and again!
Our Boats
The Jackpot
The Jackpot charter fishing boat is a massive 33 foot, three-tiered charter fishing boat with a huge rear deck for salmon and trout fishing, a large fly bridge, and a fully enclosed cabin for your comfort in all weather conditions. The Jackpot has been completely refurbished, from all new electronics, auto-pilot, down-riggers, rods, reels, and tackle to being completely re-painted and re-powered with 2 brand new high output 5.7 liter engines.
The Jackpot is actually in better condition, with superior equipment than the day she came from the factory. All the equipment aboard the Jackpot is the absolute best that the marine industry has to offer. Although the boat isn’t as important as the captain, it’s still an integral part of your total fishing experience.
The two most important aspects of a fishing boat are the size and the condition. The size of the boat is relative to your comfort, it’s seaworthiness and space. Although boats under 32 feet can catch fish, and smaller groups of 4 or less may have enough room, they will generally bounce around a bit more and be less stable and comfortable. The 33 to 35 foot class of fishing boats are considered the cream of the crop when it comes to comfort, stability, ride, and plenty of room to make your excursion the most enjoyable possible. The heavier the boat, called displacement in nautical terms, the better it will generally ride. Typical displacements for larger boats are 16,000 to 22,000 pounds.
Chris Craft boats like the Jackpot have been the benchmark for large sportfishing boats for over forty years – Unlike many charter boats which are pleasure boats modified for fishing. The Jackpot was designed specifically for fishing, and to ride comfortably in all seas, at the speeds required for trolling.
The Jackpot II
This huge 36 foot Trojan Yacht is one of the finest charter fishing vessels ever designed. The expansive enclosed cabin and it’s 13 foot wide rear deck combined with a weight of over 24,000 pounds make an incredibly comfortable and stable Lake Michigan charter fishing boat.
You are sure to enjoy the view with windows that surround the cabin for a full 360 degrees and the custom built interior for your comfort and efficiency.
She is powered by new 700 horsepower Crusader engines and is equipped with state of the art Sonar, Radar, Chart Plotters, downriggers and marine radios. The Dual display fishfinders allow you to see all the fish and bait below while fighting fish from the back deck.
She is outfitted with a rail surrounding the back deck for your safety and comfort which also provides mounted rod holders to help kids (and adults) land big fish even after their arms get tired from the battle.
Of course all our boats are equipped with full sized clean restroom facilities.
Book your trip today and join us for some exciting Lake Michigan Charter Fishing!
The Jackpot III
This huge 36 foot Trojan Yacht is nearly identical to the Jackpot II and is also one of the finest charter fishing vessels ever designed. The expansive enclosed cabin and it’s 13 foot wide rear deck combined with a weight of over 24,000 pounds make an incredibly comfortable and stable Lake Michigan charter fishing boat.
You are sure to enjoy the view with windows that surround the cabin for a full 360 degrees and the custom built interior for your comfort and efficiency.
She is powered by big block Chrysler engines and is equipped with state of the art Sonar, Radar, Chart Plotters, downriggers and marine radios. The Dual display fishfinders allow you to see all the fish and bait below while fighting fish from the back deck.
She is outfitted with a rail surrounding the back deck for your safety and comfort which also provides mounted rod holders to help kids (and adults) land big fish even after their arms get tired from the battle.
Of course all our boats are equipped with full sized clean restroom facilities.
Book your trip today and join us for some exciting Lake Michigan Charter Fishing!
What customers are saying
"I have been doing Jackpot Charters for the past 3 years and this year I will be doing 2 trips! This is a great opportunity for the inexperienced to the expert fisherman. Captain Matt really knows his stuff and you won’t be disappointed. Jackpot Fishing all the way!"
-Carlos