Salmon Charter Lake Michigan: Your Ultimate Fishing Adventure
What to expect
Upon arriving at the marina at your Salmon Charters on Lake Michigan trip, you’ll immediately notice three massive charter fishing boats. These boats are not only clean and well-maintained, but they’re also equipped with the absolute best tackle and equipment to ensure a top-notch experience.
We offer Salmon Fishing at Lake Michigan charters twice a day on each boat. Morning trips typically start between 5 and 6 am, depending on sunrise, while the second trip of the day begins between 10 am and 1 pm, depending on how long the morning charter runs. For those interested in a more relaxed outing, we also offer a limited number of evening charters that usually start between 3 and 5 pm.
Once we hit the water, you’ll quickly see that these vessels are designed for maximum comfort and are equipped to catch fish consistently. Our boats provide the perfect platform in Lake
Michigan for Salmon Fishing, giving you a smooth ride and a comfortable environment while you pursue your prize catch.
Salmon Fishing on the Great Lakes: A Unique Adventure
Salmon Fishing at Lake Michigan is a unique experience tailored for those who want more than just a typical fishing trip. It’s an adventure that puts you right at the heart of action with plenty of hands-on opportunities. While most clients allow our experienced captains to choose the species to fish, we’re happy to accommodate any preferences. Just let us know when you book, and we’ll do our best to tailor the trip to your needs.
Whether you’re after the acrobatic fight of Steelhead, the reel-screaming action of Kings (Chinook Salmon), the arm-busting thrill of Lakers (Lake Trout), the excitement of Huge Brown Trout, or the spring bounty of Coho Salmon, it’s all possible on your adventure for Salmon Fishing Lake Michigan.
The Jackpot Fishing Experience stands out from the rest, offering a level of excitement and satisfaction that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The only disappointment we’ve encountered is when clients wait too long to book and find their preferred dates already taken!
Where we fish
The waters of Lake Michigan, particularly those in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, are world-renowned for their consistency and productivity in salmon and trout fishing. This area is one of the most reliable fisheries in the world for species such as Kings, Coho Salmon, and Steelhead, making it the perfect destination for your Salmon Fishing Lake Michigan adventure.
Typically, we catch fish within 1 to 4 miles of our harbor, but if the fish are running further out, we’re always prepared to go the distance. The Jackpot fleet of fast, smooth-riding boats ensures we can quickly reach the fish, getting you to the action faster.
As full-time charter captains, we keep a close eye on the fishery to maximize your chances of success. This allows us to spend more time catching fish and less time searching for them, ensuring your Salmon Fishing Lake Michigan experience is as productive as possible.
What do we fish for?
On your trip at Salmon Charters Lake Michigan, you’ll have the opportunity to catch a variety of prized species including:
· Chinook Salmon (Kings)
· Coho Salmon
· Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
· Brown Trout
· Lake Trout
Our Boats
The Jackpot
The Jackpot charter fishing boat is a massive 33-foot, three-tiered vessel, ideal for Salmon Charters at Lake Michigan on excursions. With a spacious rear deck perfect for salmon and trout fishing, a large fly bridge, and a fully enclosed cabin to ensure comfort in all weather conditions, the Jackpot is built for the ultimate fishing experience. Recently refurbished with all new electronics, autopilot, down-riggers, rods, reels, and tackle, the boat also boasts newly re-painted exteriors and re-powered with two high-output 5.7-liter engines.
The Jackpot is in better condition now, equipped with superior technology, than the day she left the factory. All onboard equipment is top-of-the-line, making this boat a true marvel of the marine industry. While the boat plays a critical role in your overall experience, Salmon Fishing Lake Michigan is all about the right combination of captain and vessel.
When it comes to charter fishing, the two most important factors are boat size and condition. While smaller boats under 32 feet can catch fish, they typically offer a less comfortable experience for groups larger than 4 people. Boats in the 33–35-foot range, like the Jackpot, offer superior stability, ride quality, and ample space, making them the ideal choice for your Salmon Fishing adventure. The weight or displacement of the boat directly impacts the ride, with larger boats, typically ranging from 16,000 to 22,000 pounds, providing a smoother, more stable journey. Chris Craft boats, like the Jackpot, have set the standard for large sportfishing vessels for over forty years. Unlike many charter boats that are converted into pleasure boats, the Jackpot was meticulously designed for fishing and offers an incredibly comfortable ride in all conditions—perfect for Salmon Charter Lake Michigan trips.
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