Family-Friendly Salmon Fishing on Michigan Lakes

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Lake Michigan
$575 price range

Summary

Looking for a laid-back family fishing trip? Join Captain Glenn Spaulding for a 6-hour morning adventure on White Lake or Muskegon Lake. You'll set out from Montague at 6:30 AM aboard a spacious 826 Angler Qwest Tritoon – perfect for groups with kids or mixed skill levels. The captain provides all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on enjoying the peaceful scenery and trying your luck with salmon or trout. This calm-water trip runs from July 20 to October 30, offering a relaxed vibe that's great for making memories together. Up to 6 guests can join for $575, plus a 20% mate's fee. Just remember, anyone fishing needs a valid Michigan license. Whether you're casting a line or just taking in the views, it's a fun way to spend a summer or fall morning on the water.

Family-Friendly Salmon Fishing on Michigan Lakes

Lakeside Catches

Hooked up and smiling on Lake Michigan

Perfect days spent chasing fish on the lake

Three people fishing on the shores of MI

Cool breezes and steady rods all day

Wide open water and endless fishing opportunities

Family-Friendly Salmon & Trout Trip on Michigan Lakes

Ready for a laid-back morning of fishing with the whole crew? Captain Glenn Spaulding's got you covered with this 6-hour guided trip on White Lake and Muskegon Lake. Launching at the crack of dawn from Montague, you'll cruise these calm Michigan waters aboard a spacious Angler Qwest Tritoon. It's the perfect setup for groups with kids or mixed skill levels – plenty of room to move around, and stable enough that even the littlest anglers can join in on the fun.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical cramped fishing boat experience. The 826 Angler Qwest Tritoon is like a floating living room, with comfy seating and lots of deck space. Captain Glenn provides all the rods and tackle, so you don't need to lug any gear. He'll share local tips and tricks as you troll for salmon and trout. The early morning light on the lake is something special – keep an eye out for loons or maybe even a bald eagle while you wait for that first bite. With a 6:30 AM start time, you'll be back on shore by lunchtime with plenty of day left for other activities.

Fishing Know-How for Newbies

Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing – this trip is perfect for beginners. Captain Glenn will show you the ropes of trolling, which is basically dragging lures behind the boat as you cruise. He'll set up downriggers to get your bait down where the fish are biting. You might use spoons, which are flashy metal lures, or maybe some cut bait if that's what's working. The captain will handle all the technical stuff, so your job is just to hang on when a fish strikes and reel it in. Kids especially get a kick out of watching the rod tips for any action.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Rainbow Trout: These acrobatic fighters are a blast to catch. They'll often leap clear out of the water when hooked. Look for them near drop-offs or around structure. They average 2-5 pounds but can get much bigger. Rainbow trout have a gorgeous pink stripe down their sides – great for photos before you release them back.

Coho Salmon: Known as "silvers," these salmon are prized for their tasty orange flesh. They're typically in the 5-10 pound range and put up a scrappy fight. Cohos often hit lures aggressively, making for an exciting catch. They start showing up in good numbers by mid-summer.

Chinook Salmon: Also called "kings," these are the bruisers of the salmon world. A 20-pounder isn't uncommon, and they can top 30 pounds. Chinooks are the hardest-fighting salmon in the Great Lakes. When one of these grabs your line, hang on tight! Peak season is usually August through September.

Lake Trout: These deep-water predators can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. They're not as flashy as some other species, but they're a worthy opponent on light tackle. Lake trout prefer cooler water, so you might target them deeper, especially as summer heats up. Their white flesh is prized for smoking.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The combo of calm lake waters and potential for big fish makes this trip a winner. You're not getting tossed around in big waves, so it's comfortable for all ages. Yet you've still got a shot at hooking into a trophy salmon or trout. The tritoon setup is clutch – plenty of space to move around, and it's way more stable than a typical fishing boat. That means less seasickness and more fun for everyone. Plus, being able to wrap up by lunchtime leaves the rest of the day open for other adventures around Montague or Muskegon.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're after a chill morning on the water with a chance at some impressive fish, this is your ticket. At $575 for up to six people (plus the mate's fee), it's a solid deal for a private charter, especially when you factor in all the gear and local know-how you're getting. Remember, the season runs from July 20th to October 30th, so plan accordingly. Don't forget to grab your Michigan fishing license before you show up. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want a relaxed day out with friends, Captain Glenn's got you covered. Give Summer Skool Sportfishing a call and lock in your date – the fish are waiting!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the giants of the salmon world. They can top 30 pounds in our lakes, with a trophy potential of 40+. These powerhouses prefer cooler, deeper water. Look for them near bottom structure or suspended in the water column. Fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning run. Anglers love targeting kings for their brute strength and tasty, rich meat. They're not called kings for nothing - the fight can be epic. To improve your odds, try trolling with downriggers early morning or evening when they're most active. A local trick: use scent on your lures, as kings have an excellent sense of smell. Landing a big king is a true accomplishment and will leave you with fishing stories for years to come.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch. They average 8-12 pounds but can get up to 30 in the Great Lakes. Look for them in calm areas near debris or in deep pools. These fish are known for their acrobatic fights and sudden bursts of speed. Late summer through fall is prime time as they move into rivers to spawn. Anglers love coho for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. Their bright orange meat is a real treat. To up your chances, try swinging colorful spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in slower pools. A local tip: coho can jump up to 6 feet, so keep your rod tip low when they're near the boat. Whether you're a seasoned pro or first-timer, hooking into a coho is sure to get your heart racing.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the bruisers of the char family, often hitting 15-40 pounds. You'll find them in the deep, cold parts of the lake, especially during summer. These fish grow slowly but can live for decades. Spring and fall are great times to target them in shallower water. Anglers love lake trout for their hard-fighting nature and rich, oily flesh. They're not the fastest, but they've got stamina to spare. To improve your chances, try jigging with big soft plastics or blade baits near underwater structure. A local tip: use your electronics to find schools of baitfish - the lakers won't be far behind. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to tangle with a freshwater giant, lake trout offer a unique and rewarding challenge.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a fun catch, typically ranging from 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in cool, clear water near riffles and pools. These beauties have a distinctive pink stripe along their sides. They put up an acrobatic fight, leaping out of the water when hooked. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Rainbows are popular for their tasty, pink flesh. To improve your odds, try drifting small nymphs or eggs through likely holding spots. A local trick is to use a light leader - these fish have keen eyesight. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to enjoy some scenic fishing, rainbow trout offer an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels.

About the Angler Qwest

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Hop aboard the spacious 826 Angler Qwest Tritoon for a laid-back morning of fishing on White Lake or Muskegon Lake. This roomy pontoon boat is perfect for families and groups, with plenty of deck space for up to 6 guests to spread out comfortably. The stable design makes for smooth cruising on calm lake waters - ideal if you've got kids or less experienced anglers along. Captain Glenn provides all the fishing gear you'll need and shares local knowledge to help you land some salmon or trout. With cozy seating and 360-degree views of the scenic shoreline, it's a relaxing way to spend a summer or fall morning on the water. The boat launches at 6:30 AM from Montague, giving you prime time to fish as the sun rises over the lake.

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