The Best Months for Salmon Fishing Out of Saugatuck—and Why

If you’re considering booking a charter salmon fishing trip on Lake Michigan out of Saugatuck, Michigan, one of the most common questions you’ll ask is: When is the best time to fish? The short answer? There’s great salmon fishing to be had from April through September—but the species you’ll target, the techniques you’ll use, and even how deep you’ll be trolling will evolve throughout the season.

At our Saugatuck charter operation, we fish all season long and adapt our strategies as conditions change. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best months for salmon fishing, break down what’s biting when, and explain how our trolling methods evolve through spring, summer, and early fall.

April: Cold Water, Coho Action

As Lake Michigan thaws in early spring, the action begins in earnest. April marks the unofficial start of the salmon season, and while water temps are still frigid (often in the 40s), one species loves these early season conditions: coho salmon.

What to Expect

Coho are aggressive feeders and tend to school in the shallower, warming waters near shore. Out of Saugatuck, we often find them in 10 to 40 feet of water, typically south of the pier heads or just outside the river mouth.

This is also a time when brown trout and lake trout may be caught while targeting coho, adding variety to your cooler.

Trolling Techniques

Trolling speeds are slower—around 2.0 to 2.3 mph—because of the cold water. We often run small orange or red spoons, stickbaits, and thin trolling flies behind planer boards to spread out the presentation. Short lead cores or even flat lines work well this time of year, and it’s not unusual to have double or triple hookups when the cohos are thick.

May: Mixed Bag and Moving Offshore

As May rolls in, water temperatures slowly rise, and more of Lake Michigan’s sport fishery comes to life. This is when the kings start to show up, mixing with coho, steelhead, and lake trout.

What to Expect

By mid-May, the coho salmon start moving deeper, and king salmon (Chinook) begin appearing in larger numbers, particularly on warmer years. We’ll troll from 40 to 100 feet of water depending on conditions, and start seeing more diversity in the catch.

This is also when steelhead start to cruise the top of the water column, offering acrobatic fights that make them fan favorites.

Trolling Techniques

We begin incorporating more lead core and copper lines to reach deeper depths. Downriggers and divers come into play as we start targeting mid-water fish. Larger spoons, meat rigs, and flasher/fly combos start becoming effective, especially for kings.

Planer boards are still essential, but spreads become more complex as we cover multiple depths. Speed can be increased slightly—around 2.2 to 2.6 mph.

June: Kings Are Here

June is a transition month where things really start to heat up—literally and figuratively. Surface temps climb into the 50s and 60s, and king salmon begin to dominate our catches.

What to Expect

June can bring some of the best big-fish action of the season. Chinook in the 10-20 lb range become more common, with some bruisers pushing past 25 pounds. You’ll also still catch a mix of steelhead and coho, with the occasional lake trout near bottom.

Thermoclines begin to form—this is the point in the water column where temperature drops rapidly and where salmon often stack. Locating the thermocline becomes key to success.

Trolling Techniques

This is when our full spread gets serious. We deploy a variety of tools—downriggers, Dipsy divers, long lead core, copper lines, and deep-set planer boards. Flasher/fly combinations in green, blue, and chrome shades dominate, though spoons and meat rigs still work well, especially for kings.

We start fishing in the 80-150 foot depth range, and focus on thermocline depth—usually 50 to 80 feet down.

July: Peak Salmon Season

July is when king salmon fishing peaks, and if you’re looking for action, size, and consistent limits, this is the month you don’t want to miss.

What to Expect

By mid-July, mature Chinook are feeding heavily as they prepare for their August/September spawning run. We fish deeper water (120–180+ feet) but often target depths from 60 to 100 feet down.

Steelhead and coho are still around but tend to stay higher in the water column or in slightly warmer water. Lake trout, meanwhile, hang near bottom and offer steady action for those who want to bottom bounce.

Trolling Techniques

This is big-boy trolling season. We use full 300+ foot copper lines, 10-color lead cores, deep Dipsy divers, and downriggers set 80-100+ feet deep.

Speed and depth control become crucial, and we use temperature probes and sonar to locate the thermocline precisely. Bait selection leans toward meat rigs and large flasher/fly combos in white, green, and UV patterns. Scent attractants become helpful for enticing strikes from wary salmon.

A big king will scream line off a reel and test your arms and your gear. Expect battles that last several minutes—and smiles that last much longer.

August: Monster Kings and Early River Moves

August is big fish month. The kings you’ll catch now are fully mature and on the move toward spawning tributaries—including the Kalamazoo River right here in Saugatuck.

What to Expect

This is the best month to catch your biggest Chinook salmon. Fish in the 20-30 lb range are common, with occasional 35+ lb trophies landed each year. Some salmon begin staging near the river mouth, while others are still feeding out in deeper water.

Steelhead and lake trout are still present but play second fiddle to the kings.

Trolling Techniques

In early August, we’re still fishing offshore in 100–160 feet of water. By late August, we often move shallower—50 to 100 feet—especially near the river mouth or pier heads. This is staging season, and salmon become more aggressive but also more finicky.

Meat rigs really shine now, often fished slowly behind big flashers. Glow patterns work well early in the morning or on overcast days. Wire Dipsy divers, deep copper lines, and riggers are the workhorses of August.

The fights are intense. Hook up with a staging king and prepare for a 15-minute tug-of-war.

September: Shoreline Fireworks

September fishing out of Saugatuck is unique—many kings enter the river system to spawn, but many still linger just offshore. This can lead to phenomenal pierhead trolling, especially for customers who prefer shorter boat rides but still want action.

What to Expect

This is the best month for nearshore, high-intensity king salmon action. The fish are darker in color and may not be as prime for eating, but they fight harder than ever as they prepare to spawn. Most are males, and they are aggressive.

Steelhead start making a bit of a comeback, and lake trout are still available in deeper water.

Trolling Techniques

Trolling right outside the river mouth or along the shoreline becomes the main tactic. We often fish in just 20 to 60 feet of water using short lead cores, divers, and flat lines.

Bright spoons, J-plugs, and glow baits excel now, particularly early in the morning or at dusk. Troll speeds slow down again, often around 2.0 mph or slower.

This is also a great time for new anglers or families, as the short runs mean more time fishing and less time cruising.

October: End of the Run

While our charter season typically winds down in September, there can still be fishable action into October—particularly for those who want to target steelhead or chase a few late kings.

What to Expect

Most Chinook salmon have entered the rivers or are finishing their spawn. The pierheads and river mouth may still offer some bites, but many of the kings are spent.

However, fall steelhead (also known as “chromers”) begin to return to shoreline areas, and this can lead to exciting action. These fish are silver-bright, aggressive, and aerobatic.

Trolling Techniques

Light tackle trolling with small spoons or crankbaits near the surface works well, especially mid-morning when the sun warms the upper layers. It’s also a great time to use planer boards for wide, stealthy presentations.

Putting It All Together: When Should You Book?

Here’s a summary table of what’s best and when:

Month Primary Species Best For
April Coho Salmon, Browns Early season action, shallow trolling
May Coho, Kings, Steelhead Mixed bag, deeper waters, active bites
June Kings, Steelhead, Lakers Thermocline sets up, bigger fish show up
July Chinook Kings (Peak) Heavy limits, deep water, big fish battles
August Chinook Kings (Largest) Trophies, staging fish, intense fights
September Kings, Steelhead Nearshore trolling, short trips, high action
October Steelhead Late runs, silver bullets, bonus fishing

 

What You’ll Experience on a Saugatuck Salmon Charter

When you book a salmon charter with us out of Saugatuck, here’s what you can expect:

  • All gear provided: Rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all included. 
  • Comfortable vessel: Our charter boat is fully equipped for trolling, safety, and comfort. 
  • Experienced captain and crew: We know these waters inside and out. 
  • Hands-on fishing: Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, we’ll get you into the action and show you the ropes. 
  • Cleaning and bagging: At the end of the trip, we’ll clean and bag your catch so you can take it home (or to the nearest grill).

Each month offers its own unique experience for salmon fishing out of Saugatuck. Whether you’re chasing spring coho, summer kings, or staging bruisers in late August, there’s always something biting on Lake Michigan.

The key is understanding how the fish—and the lake—change with the seasons. And that’s exactly what we do every day on our charters: read the water, track the thermocline, adjust the spread, and get our guests on the fish.

Ready to experience the best of Lake Michigan salmon fishing? Book your charter today and let’s put some fish in the box.

An Introductory Discussion on Using Downriggers for Salmon Fishing in Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is renowned for its thriving salmon fishery, attracting anglers from all over the world. One essential tool that has revolutionized salmon fishing on this majestic lake is the downrigger. This device allows you to precisely control the depth at which your bait or lure is presented, increasing your chances of landing a prized salmon. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of effectively using downriggers for salmon fishing on Lake Michigan.

Understanding Downriggers

Before diving into the specifics of using downriggers, it’s important to understand how they work. Downriggers are mechanical devices that are typically mounted on the stern of a fishing boat. They consist of a spool and a weight, which is attached to a cable. The weight is lowered to the desired depth and can be raised or lowered throughout the fishing process. The fishing line, with a bait or lure, is attached to a release clip on the cable, allowing you to present your offering at the desired depth.

Selecting the Right Downrigger

Choosing the right downrigger is crucial for a successful salmon fishing expedition. Factors such as weight capacity, ease of use, and durability should be considered. Electric downriggers are the most popular choice due to their convenience and ability to handle heavy weights. Hydraulic and manual downriggers are also options to explore, depending on your budget and preferences. Continue reading

Summer fishing keeps the action going!

Summer fishing is in full swing and with 14 fish in the box today, we kept the action going through the morning. A mix of salmon and trout, we found the fishing was setting up nicely between 100-150 feet of water this morning.

Water temperatures are still unseasonably cold with temperatures around 55 degrees today on the surface, so swimming might be something out of the mix, but the fishing is steady and active. We have week of calm lake conditions forecasted ahead of us, so join us if you are in the area!

Exploring the Use of Planer Boards in Salmon Fishing on Lake Michigan

When it comes to freshwater fishing, few experiences can rival the thrill of salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. The combination of picturesque landscapes, abundant salmon populations, and the strategic use of planer boards creates a perfect recipe for an exciting angling adventure. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of planer boards and uncover why they are a valuable tool for any salmon angler on Lake Michigan.

Understanding Planer Boards

Planer boards are specialized devices used in trolling, a fishing technique commonly employed in large bodies of water like Lake Michigan. These boards are designed to spread out fishing lines and keep them away from the boat, creating a wider fishing area and reducing the chances of spooking fish. They consist of a mast, a flag, and a keel, which work together to ensure optimal performance.

Benefits of Planer Boards in Salmon Fishing

Using planer boards offers several advantages in salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. They allow anglers to cover a larger expanse of water, effectively increasing the chances of encountering active salmon. By spreading out multiple lines, fishermen can target different depths and distances from the boat, presenting bait in a more appealing manner. They also help in reducing line tangles. With the lateral positioning of the lines, they are less likely to cross over one another, reducing the risk of knots and the frustrating task of untangling lines.

Another benefit is that planer boards provide visual cues to detect fish strikes. When a fish strikes the bait, the pressure on the line causes the flag on the board to pop up, signaling a potential catch. This allows anglers to easily spot which line has been hit and swiftly reel in the fish. Continue reading

Mastering Trolling Techniques: Unlocking Success in Salmon Fishing on Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, renowned for its abundant salmon populations, offers anglers an exhilarating experience through trolling techniques. Trolling is the most widely practiced and effective method for targeting salmon in this vast and diverse lake. Let’s explore some of the basics of the art of trolling and delve into essential strategies that will enhance your chances of success in salmon fishing on Lake Michigan.

Selecting the Right Equipment

To embark on a successful trolling adventure, it is crucial to equip yourself with the appropriate gear. Start with a sturdy and reliable trolling rod and reel combination designed for salmon fishing. Opt for medium to heavy-action rods with a line capacity capable of handling the weight and strength of salmon; this probably means something in the 17-20 lb test range. Choose reels with a smooth drag system for seamless line retrieval. Additionally, ensure that your tackle box includes a variety of trolling lures (most commonly spoons), plugs, flashers, and dodges along with flies, all in different sizes, colors, and patterns. This assortment allows you to match the prevailing conditions and imitate the preferred prey of salmon in Lake Michigan. Greens and blues are the most commonly productive colors in the summer fishing season. Continue reading