Early Morning vs. Late Afternoon: Best Times to Troll for Salmon Out of Saugatuck

If you’ve ever dreamed of landing a trophy salmon on the pristine waters of Lake Michigan, especially out of the charming port of Saugatuck, you know timing is everything. As a seasoned charter fisherman, I often get asked: When is the best time to troll for salmon—early morning or late afternoon? Both have their advantages and quirks, shaped by salmon feeding behavior, water temperature shifts, and the unique light conditions of Lake Michigan’s big waters.

In this post, I’ll break down the science and the experience behind these two prime fishing windows so you can decide the best time to plan your trip for peak success.

Understanding Salmon Feeding Behavior on Lake Michigan

Before we dive into the specific time-of-day details, it’s essential to understand the feeding patterns of the main salmon species we target here: Chinook (King) Salmon and Coho Salmon. Both species are opportunistic feeders that follow the movements of their prey—primarily alewives, smelt, and other baitfish.

Why Time of Day Matters

Salmon feeding activity is highly influenced by:

  • Light conditions
  • Water temperature
  • Baitfish movement

These factors shift throughout the day, creating windows when salmon are actively hunting or resting.

Early Morning Trolling: The Dawn Advantage

What Makes Early Morning Special?

Early morning trolling, typically from sunrise until about 10 a.m., is a classic favorite among anglers for a good reason. The cool, low-light conditions at dawn trigger a natural feeding frenzy among salmon. Here’s why:

1. Cooler Water Temperatures

During the night, surface waters cool down significantly. As the sun rises, the water temperature starts to increase but often remains in the salmon’s preferred range of about 50 to 60°F during early morning hours.

Salmon are cold-water fish, and they thrive in cooler temperatures. Early morning waters offer the perfect comfort zone, which often makes salmon more active and willing to chase bait.

2. Low Light Conditions

The low-angle sunlight and dim lighting of dawn provide salmon with a stealth advantage. They use their excellent vision to ambush baitfish that are also more active near the surface during low light.

This contrast helps salmon feel more secure hunting near the top of the water column, which is why trolling with shallow-running lures or flashers during early morning can be incredibly productive.

3. Baitfish Activity

Many baitfish species follow a daily vertical migration pattern, moving toward the surface at dawn to feed on plankton and insects stirred up by the increasing light. Salmon track this movement closely.

Because the baitfish are near the surface and active, salmon follow, creating prime feeding opportunities.

Early Morning Trolling Tips for Salmon Out of Saugatuck

  • Use shallow-running lures: Since salmon are feeding higher in the water column, use spoons, flasher-fly combos, or plugs set to run around 10-20 feet deep.
  • Start trolling right at first light: The bite often heats up quickly at sunrise and can slow as the sun rises higher.
  • Focus on the thermocline edge: Early morning is a great time to locate the thermocline (the temperature layer that separates warmer surface water from cooler deep water). Salmon often patrol the edges, so target those depth transitions.
  • Keep your trolling speed steady: Around 2.0-2.5 mph is ideal to entice active salmon without spooking them.

Late Afternoon Trolling: The Evening Surge

Why Late Afternoon is Another Prime Time

Late afternoon fishing, roughly from 3 p.m. until sunset, offers another excellent window to troll for salmon. While the environment changes throughout the day, salmon often show a resurgence of feeding activity in these hours.

Here’s why:

1. Cooling Surface Waters

After the heat of midday, surface water temperatures begin to cool again in the late afternoon. This cooling effect often triggers salmon to move upward from the depths to feed actively once more.

2. Changing Light Conditions

Similar to early morning, the lower angle and softer light of the late afternoon create ideal conditions for salmon to hunt near the surface. The fading light reduces glare and improves salmon’s ability to spot baitfish, encouraging feeding behavior.

3. Baitfish Movement and Behavior

Baitfish, like alewives, tend to move shallower in the cooler, dimmer light, making them more vulnerable targets. Salmon take advantage of this predictable behavior, increasing their feeding activity.

Late Afternoon Trolling Tips for Salmon Out of Saugatuck

  • Go deeper if water temps are warm: Salmon often adjust depth to stay within their preferred temperatures. Use downriggers or lead-core lines to get your lures down to 40-80 feet depending on the season and water temp.
  • Switch up lure colors: As light fades, try bright or reflective lures that catch and reflect the ambient light to attract salmon.
  • Adjust trolling speed: Slower trolling speeds (1.5-2.0 mph) can entice salmon during less active feeding periods.
  • Look for structure: Salmon often patrol near drop-offs, humps, and underwater ledges during late afternoon. Use your GPS to mark these hotspots.

Comparing Early Morning and Late Afternoon: Which is Better?

The honest answer: both early morning and late afternoon can produce excellent results — but conditions and salmon behavior vary by season, weather, and lake conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of pros and cons for each time window to help you decide:

Factor Early Morning Late Afternoon
Water Temperature Cooler, more comfortable for salmon Cooling after peak heat, good activity
Light Conditions Low light, excellent for surface strikes Low light, reflective lures work well
Salmon Feeding Usually a strong feeding window Often a second feeding surge
Baitfish Behavior Near surface, active Moving shallower again
Typical Depth Shallow to mid-depth Mid to deep depending on temps
Fishing Pressure Lower, fewer boats early Can be higher as more anglers join

How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Best Time to Troll

The best time to troll can also shift with the season:

Spring and Early Summer (May – Early July)

  • Water temps are generally cooler throughout the day.
  • Salmon tend to feed actively during early morning and remain active longer into the afternoon.
  • Early morning trips are often very productive as salmon adjust from cold winter depths.

Mid to Late Summer (July – August)

  • Surface waters warm significantly during the day.
  • Salmon often move deeper during midday and early afternoon to avoid warmer temperatures.
  • Late afternoon can be better as the water cools down, bringing salmon back toward the surface.
  • Early morning still offers good shallow feeding before the sun warms the lake.

Fall (September – October)

  • Water temperatures start cooling overall.
  • Salmon become more aggressive feeders, especially before their spawning runs.
  • Both early morning and late afternoon fishing can be fantastic, with salmon chasing bait aggressively near the surface.
  • Late afternoon trips may catch the “last bite” before nightfall.

What You Can Expect on Your Saugatuck Charter Trip

When you book a salmon trolling charter out of Saugatuck, here’s a taste of what you’ll experience during these prime fishing times:

Early Morning Experience

  • Setting out before dawn: There’s something magical about pushing off from the dock as the sky lightens, the water still calm, and the world quiet except for the hum of the boat motor.
  • Watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan: The early morning light plays off the waves, and the cool air feels refreshing.
  • The thrill of first strikes: The bite often comes fast and furious in early morning—reels screaming, lines tightening as salmon chase your lures.
  • Less boat traffic: Early risers tend to have the water more to themselves, which means less disturbance and better conditions.

Late Afternoon Experience

  • Relaxed pace after a busy day: You’ll head out when the sun begins to lower, the lake breezes cool off, and the golden hour casts long shadows.
  • Beautiful lighting for photos: The softer light of late afternoon is perfect for snapping pictures of your catch and the stunning lake scenery.
  • Active fish returning to feed: Salmon are often aggressive in these hours, giving you a great shot at multiple bites.
  • Social atmosphere: More boats may be out, so you can enjoy the camaraderie with other anglers while still focusing on fishing.

Final Recommendations: When to Hit the Water for Peak Success

If you’re looking to maximize your chances for a trophy salmon catch out of Saugatuck, here’s my advice:

  • Choose early morning trips if:
    • You prefer cooler temperatures and calm water
    • You want to enjoy peaceful solitude on the lake
    • You want to target salmon feeding near the surface
    • You want to experience the iconic Lake Michigan sunrise
  • Choose late afternoon trips if:
    • You prefer milder temperatures after a warm day
    • You want to take advantage of a second feeding surge
    • You’re prepared to troll deeper and use varied lure techniques
    • You enjoy the social vibe of a busier time on the water

Pro Tips for Both Times of Day

Regardless of when you choose to fish, these tips will help:

  • Pay attention to weather and lake conditions: Wind, cloud cover, and barometric pressure can all affect salmon feeding times.
  • Be flexible and ready to adjust: Salmon can be unpredictable, so changing trolling depths and speeds can make all the difference.
  • Bring a variety of lures: Different colors and styles work better depending on light conditions and fish mood.
  • Trust your guide’s experience: Local captains know the nuances of Lake Michigan’s salmon runs and will adjust tactics to give you the best shot.

Trolling for salmon out of Saugatuck on Lake Michigan is an unforgettable experience, and choosing the best time to fish can greatly increase your chances of success. Early mornings bring cooler water, low light, and active surface feeding, while late afternoons offer another prime feeding window as water cools and salmon resume their chase.

Whether you prefer the peaceful serenity of dawn or the dynamic energy of the evening bite, both times offer unique advantages and memorable fishing moments. When you join us on a charter trip, you’ll learn firsthand how to read the lake, interpret salmon behavior, and make the most of your time on the water.

So pack your gear, get ready for action, and let’s hit the water in Saugatuck—because salmon fishing here is about timing, technique, and a bit of Lake Michigan magic.

Tight lines!

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