Best Lures and Bait for Salmon Trolling in Saugatuck Waters

Posted on by June 23, 2025
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Everything You Need to Know Before Hitting the Water on a Lake Michigan Salmon Charter

If you’re heading out on a Lake Michigan salmon charter out of the beautiful port of Saugatuck, Michigan, you’re about to experience one of the most exciting freshwater fishing adventures in the country. But success on the water doesn’t come from luck alone—it comes from experience, preparation, and using the right tackle to trigger bites from powerful, elusive salmon.

One of the most common questions we get on board is: “What kind of lures and bait do you use?” That’s a great question—because on Lake Michigan, trolling for salmon is a game of precision. Every lure has a purpose, every bait presentation has a season, and every color pattern tells a story.

In this post, we’ll break down the go-to lures and bait we use when trolling the waters out of Saugatuck. From spoons to flashers, trolling flies to cut bait, we’ll explain what works, why it works, and when we use each setup throughout the summer and fall seasons. Whether you’re new to salmon fishing or a seasoned angler looking to learn more about our local techniques, this will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and strategies we use every day.

Spoons: Versatile, Effective, and Always in the Spread

Spoons are the foundation of our salmon trolling program, especially early in the season. These curved, flashy lures are designed to mimic injured baitfish, fluttering and wobbling as they move through the water column. Because salmon are predators that often key in on sight and vibration, spoons are an excellent way to cover water and locate active fish.

We typically run spoons on a mix of downriggers, copper lines lines, and copper lines, depending on water depth and temperature. In early summer—June and July—we target Chinook (King) salmon, cohos, and steelhead that are feeding aggressively and suspended in the upper 50–80 feet of the water column. This is spoon season at its finest.

Some of our favorite spoon brands include Dreamweaver, Silver Streak, and Moonshine Lures, known for their durability and consistent action at trolling speeds between 2.2 and 2.8 mph.

Top Producing Spoon Colors:

  • UV Blue Dolphin – Great for bright mornings or slightly stained water.
  • Green Jeans – Excellent all-purpose choice with high visibility.
  • Orange Crush – A go-to for steelhead and cohos, especially in sunny weather.
  • NBK (Nasty Boy Killer) – Deadly in overcast or deeper water.
  • Glow Bloody Nose – Excellent early morning or low-light option.

As a general rule, we start our spreads with bright UV or glow patterns in the early morning and shift to more natural or metallic finishes as the sun rises. The bite can change quickly, so we’re always rotating spoons in and out to stay ahead of the fish.

Flashers and Flies: The Big Fish Setup

When it comes to targeting mature Kings—especially from late July through September—nothing beats a flasher and fly combo. This two-part rig mimics a baitfish being chased or fleeing, and it’s often the ticket when you want to attract salmon from a distance and get them to commit.

The setup includes a rotating flasher (typically 8 to 11 inches in length), followed by a trolling fly tied on a short leader. The flasher creates a spinning or swinging motion that flashes light in all directions, acting like a dinner bell in deep water. The fly trails behind and finishes the job.

Best Flasher Colors Out of Saugatuck:

  • White Fish Scale – Excellent all-around color that works in many water conditions.
  • Green/Crush Glow – A proven killer in stained or early-morning conditions.
  • Chrome Mountain Dew – Especially effective in sunny, deep-water conditions.

Top Trolling Flies:

  • Green Crinkle – A favorite with its subtle flash and action.
  • Hypnotist – A consistent producer during staging runs.
  • No-See-Um – Simple but deadly, especially when paired with a bright flasher.

We run these rigs deep, usually on wire diver rods, copper lines, or deep downriggers. Leader lengths vary, but most flies are tied on 18 to 24 inches of 50–60 lb fluorocarbon. The action and color combo can make a huge difference, so we pay attention to water clarity, sky conditions, and fish behavior throughout the trip.

On many days, we’ll stack these flashers and flies across the spread, from the middle of the column down to the bottom, to give fish plenty of chances to engage.

Meat Rigs and Cut Bait: When Subtle Presentation Wins

As summer turns to late summer and the Kings start staging for their spawning run, they become less aggressive and more selective. Their metabolism slows, and they often ignore fast-moving lures in favor of something slower, more natural, and easier to eat. That’s where cut bait and meat rigs come in.

Meat rigs use real herring strips inserted into special bait heads that spin slowly through the water. These rigs are usually run behind large flashers to create movement and flash while the bait provides a scent trail and lifelike action. This combination is highly effective when targeting stubborn, big Chinook salmon in August and September.

We use Rhys Davis and John King-style bait heads, often paired with Big Weenie Brand or Pro-Troll flashers.

Favorite Meat Rig Colors:

  • Glow White/Green Dot
  • UV Green/Chartreuse
  • Black Mamba with Chrome Head

When fishing meat rigs, trolling speed is crucial. We slow it down to around 1.8–2.2 mph to maximize the spin and make the bait look like a wounded alewife or shad. Kings key in on scent and profile at this stage, and a well-tuned meat rig can outperform spoons and flies hands-down.

These setups are fished deep—sometimes right near bottom in 90–120 feet of water. Patience pays off here, and when that rod finally doubles over, you know it’s likely a heavy King.

Color Strategy: Light, Water, and Conditions Matter

Color selection isn’t just about picking what looks cool—it’s about understanding how salmon see and respond to their environment.

  • Low light (early morning, cloudy days): Glow, UV, and high-contrast colors like black/green or chartreuse.
  • Bright light (midday, sunny skies): Chrome, silver, blue/silver, and natural patterns that mimic alewives.
  • Stained or rough water: High-contrast and bright UV colors.
  • Clear water: Natural finishes and subtle action lures.

We monitor water clarity and light conditions constantly. Onboard, we might change lures every 15–30 minutes early in the day until we dial in a pattern. Once we know what’s working, we double down.

Don’t be surprised to see a deckhand pulling a lure that just caught a fish—because we might be experimenting with something better. The key to consistent success is adaptation.

A Day on the Water: What You’ll Experience

When you book a charter with us out of Saugatuck, you’re stepping onto a boat with hundreds of collective hours of seasonal experience, local knowledge, and gear refined through trial and error.

Here’s what your day typically looks like:

  • Early start: We usually leave the dock before sunrise to take advantage of the morning bite.
  • Setting lines: We’ll run 8–12 rods using a mix of downriggers, divers, and planer boards. You’ll see spoons on copper lines or copper, flashers and flies on divers, and meat rigs on the deepest rods.
  • Constant adjustments: Our crew is always working—changing depths, swapping out lures, tracking temperature breaks with our electronics, and watching for baitfish or fish marks on sonar.
  • Hands-on experience: Once we get a hook-up, it’s your turn. You’ll fight the fish and experience firsthand what makes these salmon so fun to chase—long runs, deep dives, and a battle you won’t forget.
  • Learning along the way: We’re happy to explain our gear, teach you how to rig a meat head, or show you how to read a temperature probe. Just ask—we love to share.

By the end of your trip, you’ll not only have fresh salmon in the cooler—you’ll have a much better understanding of how Lake Michigan salmon fishing works.

Seasonal Timing: When to Expect the Best Action

Salmon fishing out of Saugatuck is a dynamic experience that changes throughout the summer and into fall. Here’s a rough guide to what to expect:

  • June–July: Fast action with spoons and flashers. Kings are on the move, feeding heavily in cooler offshore waters (100–200+ ft). Steelhead and cohos are also common.
  • August: Kings begin staging closer to shore (60–120 ft). Flashers and flies dominate. Cut bait starts producing as fish get more selective.
  • September: Peak time for staging Kings. The biggest fish of the year are caught now, often on meat rigs or large flies. Fish are nearshore and sometimes in shallow water near river mouths.
  • October (if still running): Late-season cohos and steelhead move into the picture. Water cools rapidly and fish begin transitioning toward river runs.

Each period has its strengths, but we tailor every trip to the conditions and target species.

Final Thoughts: Why Gear Matters on a Salmon Charter

Trolling for salmon on Lake Michigan isn’t as simple as dragging a few lures behind a boat. It’s a strategic, ever-changing pursuit that blends local knowledge, seasonal timing, and carefully chosen equipment.

From flashy spoons that draw steelhead strikes on a sunny July morning, to slow-spinning herring strips that tempt a stubborn 25-pound King in the late August fog, every lure and bait in our tackle box has earned its place.

And when you fish with us out of Saugatuck, you’re not just coming along for the ride—you’re part of the team. You’ll see how we think, how we adjust, and how we use lures and bait not just to find fish, but to trigger them to strike.

So bring your questions, bring your excitement, and let’s go fishing. Whether you’re looking to fill a cooler or land a trophy King, we’ve got the tools and techniques to make it happen.

Tight lines—and see you at the dock!

Understanding Salmon Behavior in Lake Michigan: Seasonal Patterns That Affect Your Catch

Posted on by June 23, 2025
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When you’re heading out on a salmon fishing charter from the scenic port of Saugatuck, Michigan, it’s more than just casting lines and hoping for a bite—it’s about understanding the seasonal rhythms of Lake Michigan’s prized sportfish: Chinook (King) and Coho salmon. These magnificent fish follow distinct migration and feeding patterns throughout the year, and knowing how they behave in relation to water temperature, baitfish movement, and weather shifts can make or break your catch. In this blog post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of what’s happening beneath the surface and show you how we use that knowledge to put fish in the box on every trip.

The Seasonal Journey of Salmon in Lake Michigan

Spring Awakening: The Ice Breaks and the Bite Begins

As winter releases its grip and the icy waters of Lake Michigan begin to warm, Chinook and Coho salmon emerge from deeper waters to feed. This is the pre-spawn feeding frenzy—a time of high energy and opportunity for anglers.

In early spring (April through early May), salmon are typically found in the warmer, shallower waters near shore, especially around river mouths where runoff creates nutrient-rich zones that attract baitfish like alewives and smelt. Coho salmon are usually the first to move in, often in large schools, feeding aggressively on the abundant forage. Chinook follow, slightly deeper but still accessible.

For charters running out of Saugatuck, this means tight-line trolling in close to shore with small spoons, crankbaits, and body baits. Surface water temperatures in the 40°F to 50°F range are key—anything warmer usually means the salmon are pushing farther offshore or deeper in the water column.

Summer Structure: Deep Waters and Thermoclines

By mid to late June, the lake has stratified. This means that a thermocline—a layer of rapidly changing water temperature—has formed, typically between 40 to 70 feet deep. Salmon, especially Chinook, love this stable zone because it offers ideal temperatures (around 50°F) and a consistent food supply.

This is when downriggers, divers, and copper lines lines become essential. Salmon will hold at specific depths depending on the location of the thermocline and the presence of baitfish. Alewife schools will often show up as dense clouds on the sonar, and where the bait goes, the salmon follow. Kings are particularly notorious for staying locked in on these deep bait balls, making precision trolling essential.

Off the port of Saugatuck, we target these fish with larger spoons, meat rigs, and flasher-fly combos in a deep spread. Downriggers are set from 60 to 100 feet, with divers working the mid-depths and copper lines or copper lines reaching into those less-pressured thermal zones.

Late Summer Frenzy: The Pre-Spawn Push

As August rolls into September, the action starts to heat up again—literally and figuratively. Chinook salmon begin their annual spawning migration, moving toward their natal rivers. Though the Kalamazoo River near Saugatuck isn’t a major spawning tributary for Kings, the area still sees heavy migratory traffic as the fish push south along the coast.

These fish are driven by instinct more than hunger at this point, but they’ll still strike out of aggression, territoriality, or habit. Their bodies start to change—they darken, their flesh softens, and they’re no longer the chrome-bright salmon of early summer. But they’re big, strong, and offer some of the most adrenaline-pumping action of the year.

Trolling speed slows during this period. Flashers and flies take center stage, and anglers might use glow-in-the-dark patterns or UV-enhanced baits to trigger strikes in lower light or murky water conditions. It’s not uncommon to find big Kings in 30 to 50 feet of water near shore, and early morning trips are especially productive.

Fall and Beyond: Coho Come Back and Kings Fade Out

While Chinook salmon are nearing the end of their lifecycle in the fall, Coho salmon take the spotlight. They run later and often stay in shallower water longer. By October, they’re congregating near river mouths and harbors, especially after heavy rains that raise river flows and cue the spawning run.

Coho are a blast to catch this time of year—acrobatic, aggressive, and still silver-bright. Their preferred water temperatures are slightly cooler than Chinook, and they’re more tolerant of shallower, changing environments. We often switch to smaller presentations and troll slower, keeping our spread tight to structure and current breaks near the Saugatuck shoreline.

Temperature: The Great Underwater Traffic Light

Temperature is one of the most powerful forces driving salmon behavior in Lake Michigan. Salmon are cold-water fish, and their ideal temperature range is generally between 45°F and 55°F. They’ll follow that comfort zone both horizontally and vertically through the lake.

In spring, warming surface temps draw bait and salmon shallow. In summer, they descend to the stable comfort of the thermocline. In fall, as surface temps cool, they rise again and push toward rivers. Our charter fishing success is directly tied to reading temperature trends—using onboard temp probes, sonar, and years of experience to dial in where the fish will be.

When water temperatures spike above 65°F near the surface in summer, we know to go deep. But if we get a cold-water upwelling or stormy conditions that mix the water column, the fish can move quickly. That’s why we constantly adjust our trolling spread based on what our electronics and lines are telling us.

Baitfish: Follow the Food, Find the Fish

Salmon don’t move at random. Their behavior is largely dictated by the movement of baitfish—primarily alewives, smelt, and shad in Lake Michigan. When large schools of baitfish stack up in a given area, salmon won’t be far behind.

In spring, baitfish cluster near river mouths and warmer water, drawing Coho and Chinook in shallow. During the summer, baitfish move offshore and deeper, often hovering around drop-offs, temperature breaks, and underwater structure. We look for “bait balls” on sonar and set our trolling gear just above them, as salmon typically attack from below.

In the fall, baitfish start thinning out or migrating themselves, and salmon shift to pre-spawn behavior. At this stage, even though food is less of a motivator, we still find that matching the hatch—using spoons and flies that mimic the current baitfish profile—produces more strikes.

What This Means for Your Charter Fishing Experience

So what should you expect when you climb aboard one of our Saugatuck salmon charters? Here’s a seasonal breakdown:

  • Spring (April-May): Nearshore fishing with lighter tackle. Expect fast Coho action and occasional early Kings. Shorter runs, lots of bites, and plenty of excitement.
  • Summer (June-August): Deeper trolling with a full spread of downriggers, copper lines, and divers. Targeting mature Chinook in open water. Long runs, deep fish, and big rewards.
  • Late Summer (September): Kings on the move! Nearshore trolling for heavy, aggressive Chinook ready to spawn. Slower speeds, but explosive strikes.
  • Fall (October): Coho mania near the piers and river mouths. Smaller gear, more finesse, but lots of action—especially for families and newer anglers.

The Big Picture: Fishing With Knowledge

At the heart of every successful salmon charter is a deep understanding of fish behavior. We don’t just troll aimlessly—we read the water, study the sonar, watch the weather, and use years of local experience to predict where the fish will be and what they’ll respond to.

By understanding the migration patterns, feeding behavior, and seasonal cues of Chinook and Coho salmon, we put you in the best possible position to have a memorable trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing a trophy King or a first-timer hoping to feel the thrill of a salmon on the line, our knowledge of salmon behavior is what makes it all come together.

So next time you step aboard with us in Saugatuck, know that there’s a science behind the action—and you’re fishing with a crew who knows exactly how to turn the lake’s seasonal cycles into your next great catch.

Ready to book your charter and chase some silver? Contact us today and let’s get out there—because the fish are always moving, and so are we.

Downriggers, Divers, and copper lines: Choosing the Right Setup for Lake Michigan Salmon

Posted on by June 22, 2025
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If you’ve booked a salmon fishing charter out of Saugatuck, Michigan, you’re in for an unforgettable day on the water. From the moment we leave the pier and point the bow toward deeper water, the crew is focused on one mission: putting you on fish. And while it may look like magic watching a dozen lines go out without chaos, what you’re really seeing is a refined system built around experience, technology, and three critical trolling tools: downriggers, divers, and copper lines line.

Each of these tools plays a specific role in the fishing strategy. They help us target salmon at different depths, cover a wide horizontal spread behind the boat, and maximize the chances of hooking up with Lake Michigan’s legendary kings, cohos, and steelhead. This blog post will walk you through how each setup works, when and why we use it, and what to expect when you’re on the charter. You’ll also learn some pro tips we use to stack lines, avoid tangles, and create a high-efficiency spread that’s both smart and deadly effective.

Why Multiple Tools Matter in Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing

Lake Michigan is a deep, dynamic fishery that changes dramatically throughout the year. Water temperatures, baitfish locations, light levels, and even boat traffic affect where salmon are and how they behave. To consistently catch fish, we need to cover the water column from the surface to over 100 feet deep, often simultaneously.

That’s where the trio of downriggers, divers, and copper lines line comes in.

Think of these as tools in a toolbox. Some work best in cold, deep water during late summer. Others shine in spring when fish are feeding aggressively near the surface. By combining them into one organized spread, we ensure we’re hitting the right depths at the right times, giving each bait presentation the best chance to trigger a strike.

Let’s break each tool down, starting with the workhorse of deep trolling: the downrigger.

Downriggers: Precision Depth Control

What They Are and How They Work

A downrigger is a winch system mounted on the boat, equipped with a long boom and a heavy cannonball weight (typically 8 to 12 pounds) attached to a steel cable. The fisherman attaches their main fishing line to the weight via a release clip, which holds the line in place under tension.

As the weight is lowered to a set depth—controlled via a depth counter—the bait or lure follows. When a fish strikes, the line pops free from the clip, and you’re directly connected to the fish with no added resistance. That makes for a clean, exciting fight.

When and Why We Use Them

Downriggers are essential during mid to late summer, when salmon move deeper to stay in colder water below the thermocline—often between 60 and 120 feet. Kings and cohos can be lethargic in warmer surface temps, so getting baits down to them precisely is critical.

Downriggers allow us to present lures at exact depths, monitor them on sonar, and make real-time adjustments based on fish activity. We can change depth within seconds, chase marks we see on the screen, and run lures right through thermal breaks where salmon are stacked.

Tips for Stacking Lines on a Downrigger

We sometimes “stack” multiple lines on the same downrigger cable to increase our coverage vertically. For example, we may clip one line at 60 feet and another at 45 feet. This technique lets us double up on productive areas without needing more equipment.

Stacking tips:

  • Use light-tension clips for higher baits and medium for the deeper one.
  • Stagger line lengths back to prevent tangling during a strike (e.g., 25 ft back on the top line, 15 ft back on the bottom).
  • When a fish hits the top line, we quickly clear the bottom to avoid a crossed mess.

With practice, this setup becomes smooth and efficient, and customers are often amazed at how fast we can have two lines back down after a double.

Divers: Covering the Mid-Depth Strike Zone

What They Are and How They Work

Divers, like the popular Dipsy Diver or Slide Diver, use a disc-shaped mechanism that planes outward and downward when trolled through the water. These devices attach directly to the fishing line and are adjustable based on how deep and wide you want to fish. The deeper the set number (typically 0 to 3), the farther out and down they’ll dive.

Divers are designed to pull your bait away from the boat’s path and down into the mid-depth zone. They “trip” or release from their diving angle when a fish strikes, allowing for an easier fight.

When and Why We Use Them

Divers are great for covering the mid-range depths—roughly 30 to 70 feet, depending on the diver and trolling speed. This makes them especially effective from early to mid-summer, when salmon may be suspending off bait balls or hanging in transition zones before dropping deeper.

They also let us spread our lines horizontally, widening our troll and keeping baits out of the boat’s wake. This is particularly helpful when fish are boat-shy in clear conditions or after heavy traffic.

Avoiding Tangles and Maximizing Performance

To keep divers from interfering with downriggers or other lines:

  • Use longer rods (9–10 feet) to help guide the diver away from the boat.
  • Keep diver rods set at different angles on the rod holders—steeper on inside divers, flatter on outside divers.
  • Adjust drag and trip tension correctly to match your lure’s resistance.

Divers also work extremely well when paired with flasher/fly combos or meat rigs—especially when you want to add some action to draw in big kings from the depths.

Copper Line: Deep Reach with Silent Precision

In addition to downriggers, divers, and copper lines, we often incorporate copper line into our trolling spread—especially when targeting salmon holding deeper in the water column with minimal disturbance. Copper line offers a stealthy, weight-based solution for running baits at depths of 60 to over 100 feet without the need for downriggers or divers.

Copper is denser than copper lines and sinks more effectively. A 300-foot section of copper line, for example, can get your bait down to about 75–90 feet, depending on speed and lure size. We spool copper onto large, high-capacity reels and use planer boards to spread these lines wide from the boat, avoiding the prop wash zone and increasing coverage.

Running copper takes finesse. Because it’s stiffer and more prone to kinks than other lines, we handle it carefully when deploying and retrieving. But its payoff is worth it—deep, silent presentations that are often the ticket to enticing pressured or finicky fish in warm water or after a front.

Copper lines are often paired with flashers and fly rigs, meat rigs, or spoons, depending on the day’s bite. We typically run 200-, 250-, 300-, and even 400-foot copper setups, spaced with appropriate boards and rod angles to keep lines from tangling.

On our Saugatuck charters, copper is a game-changer when the salmon are holding deep but skittish. It’s one more tool in our arsenal to help you land the big one.

When and Why We Use It

Copper lines are most effective in spring and early summer, when salmon are actively feeding in the upper layers of the water. It’s also deadly when targeting steelhead and coho near the surface.

Because it runs higher in the water, we use planer boards to pull copper lines lines out to the side of the boat. This lets us cover a wide swath of the water horizontally while avoiding prop wash and keeping the fish from spooking.

We may run 2–4 copper lines setups on a given trip—10-color, 7-color, 5-color, and even 3-color lines—each targeting a specific depth layer and spreading the baits wide.

Pro Tips for copper lines Success

  • Watch your turns. On a turn, the inside board slows down and sinks while the outside speeds up and rises. This can trigger strikes but also causes tangles if not managed properly.
  • Mix in spoons, body baits, or small flashers depending on conditions and species.
  • Use line counters on reels or marks on boards to track exactly how much line you’ve let out.

copper lines may be silent in the water, but it’s one of the most consistent producers in our spread, especially in the early morning light or after storms push fish higher in the column.

How It All Comes Together: The Spread

Here’s what a typical trolling spread might look like on our charter boat out of Saugatuck:

  • 2–4 downriggers running at 60, 80, 100, and 120 feet, with a couple of stacked lines in the 40–60 foot range.
  • 2–4 divers set to 1.5 and 3 on each side, covering 40–70 feet with large attractors or flies.
  • 4 copper lines (3-, 5-, 7-, and 10-color) on planer boards running wide and high, from 15 to 60 feet.

This setup allows us to hit multiple depth layers and maximize horizontal coverage—critical when salmon are scattered, suspended, or feeding in different zones.

When fish are concentrated, we may double up certain depths and swap in copper line or weighted steel to fine-tune presentations. But this core system works on 90% of trips and consistently puts fish in the boat.

Avoiding Tangles: The Art of Line Management

One of the biggest challenges in running this many lines is avoiding tangles, especially when fighting a fish or turning the boat.

Here’s how we manage it:

  • Stagger lines in both depth and setback (distance behind the boat).
  • Use different angles and rod holders to physically separate lines.
  • Communicate clearly when a fish hits. The crew calls out the rod (“10-color starboard!”), clears nearby lines, and ensures the angler can fight the fish clean.
  • On turns, slow and smooth is key. Avoid oversteering and monitor the speed to keep inside and outside lines balanced.

After years of experience, our crew makes this look easy, but every move has a purpose.

What You’ll Experience Aboard Our Saugatuck Salmon Charter

As a customer aboard our Lake Michigan charter boat, you’ll see this entire system in action. From the moment we set lines, you’ll witness a carefully choreographed dance of rods, reels, weights, boards, and bait. You’ll learn what we’re targeting and why—based on sonar marks, wind conditions, water temps, and time of day.

You’ll help set lines if you want, or just relax and watch the pros work. When a rod goes off, the adrenaline kicks in—and you’re on the reel fighting a salmon that might weigh 15 to 25 pounds or more.

Each trip is different, and we adjust our setup constantly. One day it might be a diver bite; the next, all the fish are hitting stacked downriggers or 5-color boards. Part of the fun is figuring out the pattern and dialing in a hot program.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Setup Means More Fish and More Fun

Downriggers, divers, and copper lines aren’t just tools—they’re strategic solutions to a moving target. Lake Michigan salmon aren’t static. They move with water temps, bait schools, and light conditions. To stay on them, we use every option available to cover water intelligently.

Whether you’re a seasoned Great Lakes angler or it’s your first time on a salmon charter, understanding the “why” behind our spread will deepen your appreciation of the experience. You’ll learn what makes Lake Michigan such a rich and rewarding fishery—and why so many anglers come back year after year.

So come aboard with us out of Saugatuck, bring your cooler and your camera, and let’s put some chrome in the boat using the right tools, the right way, at the right time.

Top Trolling Techniques for Catching Lake Michigan Salmon: What to Expect on Your Saugatuck Charter Adventure

Posted on by June 23, 2025

If you’re planning a salmon fishing charter on Lake Michigan out of the scenic port of Saugatuck, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or casting lines for the first time, one of the key techniques we use to chase down monster Kings and Coho salmon is trolling. Trolling is the gold standard for salmon fishing on Lake Michigan — and it’s more strategic than you might think.

Here’s a breakdown of the top trolling techniques we use on our charters and what you can expect to see (and catch!) when you come aboard.

Speed Control: The Art of the Perfect Pace

Speed can make or break a trolling run. Salmon are fast, reactive predators, and our trolling speed has to match their mood.

  • In early spring, when water temperatures are cold and salmon are less aggressive, we slow down to around 1.8–2.2 mph.
  • As the water warms up in mid to late summer, we often bump up to 2.5–3.0 mph to entice more active fish.

You’ll notice that we’re constantly adjusting our speed — often by small increments — because even a change of 0.2 mph can be the difference between a quiet rod and a screaming reel.

We’ll often watch how the lures are working in the spread or use a downrigger-mounted probe to monitor speed at depth, where the salmon actually are. What feels like 2.5 mph on the surface can be much slower 50 feet down due to current.

Trolling Angles: It’s Not Always Straight Ahead

Salmon aren’t always going to chase bait head-on, which is why we don’t troll in a straight line all day. Changing our trolling direction relative to current and wind is crucial. Angling the boat:

  • With the current can keep our lures moving more slowly through the water column.
  • Against the current can add extra action to the lures.
  • Cross-current or diagonal trolling often hits the sweet spot, mimicking a wounded baitfish trying to escape.

When a rod fires, we take note of the boat’s angle at that exact moment. Repeating productive passes at that same angle often brings in more fish.

The S-Curve Strategy: Triggering Reaction Strikes

One of the most reliable trolling patterns we use is the S-curve. Instead of driving the boat in a straight line, we make slow, sweeping curves — picture the shape of a lazy “S” across the water.

Why it works:

  • The inside lures momentarily slow down during the turn.
  • The outside lures speed up and rise slightly.
  • This variation in action often triggers salmon into striking, especially those that have been following but haven’t committed yet.

On your charter, you’ll see this in action — especially during slow periods. It’s amazing how a simple boat turn can suddenly light up the rods.

Depth Targeting: Finding the Right Water Column

Salmon are temperature-sensitive and depth-driven. To be successful, we have to present lures in the exact zone they’re feeding.

  • In spring, we often target water less than 30 feet deep, near the shoreline or river mouths, where Coho salmon and immature Kings hunt.
  • By summer, thermal layers (thermoclines) develop, and mature Kings go deep — often 60 to 100 feet down, sometimes even deeper on hot August days.
  • In fall, pre-spawn salmon stage in mid-depths, and we’ll run a wide spread to cover 20 to 80 feet and key in on patterns.

We use a combination of downriggers, dipsy divers, copper lines, and copper line to present lures at multiple depths. You’ll see your captain and crew working the rods constantly — adjusting, resetting, and fine-tuning based on fish marks on the sonar or how each rod is performing.

How These Techniques Change Through the Season

Every season on Lake Michigan offers a unique salmon-fishing experience:

  • April–May: Nearshore trolling for aggressive Coho and steelhead. Flat lines, high-speed dodgers, and bright spoons.
  • June–July: Kings move deeper. More sophisticated spreads with longer leads, flasher/fly combos, and a focus on depth control.
  • August: Trophy time. Big mature Chinook push offshore and deep. Patience, persistence, and sharp trolling technique matter most.
  • September: Staging salmon come in closer again before spawning. Surface temperatures drop, and we adjust to more erratic bite windows.

As your charter captain, we bring local knowledge and experience to these seasonal shifts — so no matter when you book, we’ll be using the most productive approach for that time of year.

Get Hooked on the Experience

When you book a salmon charter out of Saugatuck, you’re not just going fishing — you’re joining a tactical hunt across one of the Great Lakes’ richest fisheries. Every rod spread, every boat turn, and every speed adjustment is part of the strategy. And nothing beats the thrill of watching a rod slam down, drag screaming, and knowing you’ve got a Lake Michigan salmon on the other end.

Whether you’re after your first King or chasing a personal-best catch, you’ll walk away with an unforgettable story — and likely some fresh fillets too.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your Saugatuck salmon charter today and join us on the water. Tight lines!

Unleashing the Power of Divers for Salmon Fishing in Lake Michigan

Posted on by June 22, 2025

Lake Michigan is a treasure trove for anglers seeking the thrill of salmon fishing. While downriggers have long been a popular tool, divers have emerged as an equally effective and versatile method for targeting salmon in this vast freshwater lake. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of using divers to enhance your salmon fishing experience on Lake Michigan. By understanding the types of divers available, selecting the right gear, and employing effective techniques, you can increase your chances of landing the prized salmon.

Understanding Divers

Divers, also known as diving planers, are specialized devices designed to dive deep into the water column while towing your bait or lure behind. They are typically made of plastic or metal and feature an adjustable mechanism that determines the depth at which they dive. Divers work by creating drag, which pulls them downward, allowing your bait to reach greater depths than traditional trolling methods.

Selecting the Right Divers

Choosing the appropriate divers is crucial for a successful salmon fishing expedition on Lake Michigan. There are various types of divers available, including inline divers, jet divers, and diving planers. Inline divers, such as the popular Dipsy Divers, are versatile and easy to use. Jet divers, like the Luhr-Jensen Jet Diver, are excellent for targeting specific depths. Diving planers, such as the Off Shore Tackle OR-12, are ideal for precise depth control. Consider the depth you wish to fish, the size of your target salmon, and the trolling speed when selecting the right divers for your setup.

Preparing Your Gear

To effectively use divers, ensure your fishing rod, reel, and line are suitable for salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. Opt for a medium-heavy or heavy-action rod capable of handling the weight and fight of salmon. Pair it with a high-capacity reel equipped with a smooth drag system. Spool your reel with a high-quality monofilament or braided line, ensuring it has the appropriate strength to withstand the challenges posed by salmon.

Setting Up the Divers

Begin by attaching the diver to your main fishing line using a high-quality snap or swivel. Ensure the connection is secure to prevent any mishaps during the fishing process. Adjust the tension on the diver according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the desired diving depth. Consider the prevailing conditions, such as water temperature and wind direction, which may affect the diving performance. Additionally, you can experiment with the distance between the diver and your bait to optimize your presentation.

Deploying and Presenting Your Bait

Once your divers are properly set up, attach your chosen bait or lure to a leader line and connect it to the diver. Begin trolling at a slow to moderate speed, typically around 2 to 3 miles per hour, allowing the divers to dive to the desired depth. Pay attention to your rod tips for any signs of a strike, as salmon are known to hit aggressively. Experiment with different colors, sizes, and types of bait or lures to entice the salmon to bite.

Fine-Tuning Techniques and Tips

To maximize your success with divers, it’s important to fine-tune your techniques. Vary the distance between the divers and your bait to cover different depths and increase your chances of attracting salmon. Adjust the tension on the divers to fine-tune their diving behavior and presentation. Use a depth finder or fish finder to locate productive areas, such as drop-offs, shoals, or structure, where salmon are likely to congregate. Always be prepared for sudden strikes by keeping……………..