Wisconsin Salmon Fishing Charters
Fishing Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan Coast for Salmon: May Through August
Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline is a salmon angler’s paradise from May through August. This stretch of the fishing season is packed with action as king and coho salmon make their way along the coast, chasing schools of baitfish and offering anglers thrilling opportunities to hook into some of the best freshwater sportfish (and some of the most delicious) in North America.
Our salmon season usually starts near Port Washington and Sheboygan in May and early June and moves north along the coast to the waters around Door County. We mostly fish around Kewaunee and Sturgeon Bay as we follow the migrating salmon with Sturgeon Bay being our main port of departure. Sometimes, mid-summer Sturgeon Bay charters have the option to depart from Marinette, weather permitting.
Reach out to Captain Brandon Sislo to plan your Wisconsin salmon charter for this season!
Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing: As Good As Anywhere Else
The king (Chinook) and coho salmon in Lake Michigan are prized not only for their fierce fighting ability but also for their exceptional table fare. These fish are known to test an angler’s skill with strong runs and head-shaking battles, making every hookup a heart-pounding event. With average weights ranging from 10 to 20 pounds—and trophy kings tipping the scales at over 30 pounds—these salmon deliver big on both challenge and reward.
Hooking into a Lake Michigan salmon is an adrenaline rush. As soon as the rod doubles over from a hit, the reel screams as line peels off, and the battle is on. King salmon, in particular, are known for their long, drag-burning runs and dogged resistance, while coho salmon bring acrobatic jumps and bursts of speed to the fight.
Lake Michigan’s sheer size and productivity support a robust salmon fishery, and Wisconsin’s well-managed stocking programs ensure healthy populations year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, the excitement of salmon fishing here is second to none.
Seasonality: Where and When to Fish
Our salmon season begins in May, as warming waters draw baitfish closer to shore. Early in the season, we focus on the waters around Port Washington, where salmon tend to concentrate as they feed. As spring transitions into summer, the fish gradually migrate northward along the coast, following baitfish into cooler, deeper waters. By mid-June through August, we’re often fishing off Sheboygan, Kewaunee, and Sturgeon Bay.
This progression ensures consistent opportunities throughout the summer months, allowing us to follow the fish and stay on top of the action.
Tactics For Success With Lake Michigan Salmon
Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is all about trolling. This method covers a large amount of water while presenting baits at various depths, mimicking the schools of baitfish salmon hunt. Here’s how we do it:
Downriggers: These devices allow us to fish at precise depths, targeting salmon as they move through the water column. Downriggers are crucial during the warmer months when kings retreat to cooler, deeper waters.
Planer Boards: These extend our trolling spread, allowing us to cover more water and run multiple lines without tangles. They’re especially effective for coho salmon, which often feed higher in the water column.
Dipsy Divers: These weighted devices are ideal for targeting mid-depth salmon and are highly effective for both coho and kings.
Our charters employ a mix of spoons, plugs, and flasher-and-fly combinations, tailored to the conditions and salmon preferences on any given day.
Plan Your Wisconsin Salmon Fishing Charter
Our charters are designed to maximize your time on the water and ensure a successful, enjoyable experience. With years of expertise fishing Lake Michigan, we know where the salmon are and how to get you hooked up. Our fully equipped boats feature the latest in trolling technology, providing a safe, comfortable, and productive fishing environment.
From the scenic harbors of Port Washington to the expansive waters of Green Bay, Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coast offers some of the best salmon fishing anywhere. The season is short, and dates fill quickly—don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of a Lake Michigan salmon charter.
Give us a call or reserve online to book your trip!
Charter Pricing
May – August King/Coho Salmon
6 Hour Trip
$500 for 2, $600 for 3
8 Hour Trip
$700 up to 3, $800 for 4
+$50 per Person, Max of 6 People
Single person bookings may be available upon request at a rate of $300 for 6 hours and $350 for 8 hours.
“Best guide service we have had yet, Brandon not only put us on the fish and gave us incredible service he gave us tips and tricks and showed us how to fish. Never fishing for salmon or trout before with his help we were able to go out on our own and put fish in the boat every day for a solid week of our trip.“
– Eddie D.
Book A Trip Today
Reserve your Wisconsin salmon fishing charter on Lake Michigan with Captain Brandon Sislo! Booking your trip is a breeze with our online calendar, or use the form to ask questions or call us directly at the number below. We appreciate your interest in fishing with us!
CALL/TEXT: (715) 923-2025
Trip Details
What To Bring
We provide all top notch fishing gear needed for all of our trips! Pack your food & drinks for the day, appropriate clothing/rain gear, a cooler if you plan to take any fish home, and a paper copy of your fishing license (see below). If you have a favorite rod or bait you want to bring that’s fine with us, just let us know ahead of time!
Cancellation Policy
Security deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made within 7 days of the trip, as well as no-shows, will be charged the full trip amount. If the Captain determines it’s unsafe to proceed with the trip, your deposit can be transferred to a rescheduled date. Trips that are cut short due to sea sickness must still be paid in full.
Meeting Locations
Because we have a variety of nearby launches, we’ll be in contact with you 24-48 hours before your trip to finalize the last minute details! This gives us the ability to watch our weather and depart from the port that will set us up for the best possible success! If you have any questions prior to your trip please reach out to us directly!
Fishing Licenses
A paper copy of your fishing license with a Great Lakes trout stamp is required by law. You can purchase licenses online below:
Wisconsin DNR: We recommend the 2-day license which includes your Trout & Salmon stamp.
Michigan DNR: Daily license works! Make sure you choose the correct date of your charter.
Fish Cleaning
We include fish cleaning and bagging with every trip—except for ice fishing trips—so you can leave with your catch ready to enjoy.
Gratuities
Tips for your captain are not included in our trip rates. We work hard for our clients… and you’ll notice it for yourself! We appreciate your business and hope you’ll fish with us again.
