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36' Tiara Lake Michigan Fishing Our Reel Heroes
Lake MichiganWhat you will be catching:
Brown Trout
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
Steelhead Trout
- Five-hour private trolling charter on 36' Tiara for up to six guests
- All fishing equipment provided; targets seasonal salmon, trout, and steelhead
- Captain cleans and packages catch for convenient take-home service
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
5-Hour Lake Michigan Charter on 36' Tiara
Captain Brian's 36-foot Tiara is your ticket to some of the best salmon and trout fishing Lake Michigan has to offer. This isn't some cramped boat where you're bumping elbows with strangers – you get the whole vessel to yourselves for five solid hours of trolling the lake's most productive waters. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of big water fishing or you're a group of buddies looking to load the cooler, this charter delivers the space, comfort, and fish-finding expertise that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
What to Expect on the Water
The moment you step aboard Captain Brian's Tiara, you'll notice the difference a quality boat makes. There's plenty of room for up to six people to spread out and fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, running to the spots where the fish are actually biting rather than just hoping for the best. You'll cover serious ground during your five hours, working different depths and structures as conditions change throughout the day. The best part? You don't need to worry about bringing anything except your Michigan fishing license, some snacks, and whatever you want to drink. Captain Brian has invested in quality rods, reels, and tackle that can handle everything from scrappy Coho to monster Kings. At day's end, he'll clean and package your catch so you can head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets ready for the grill.
Trolling Techniques & Gear
Lake Michigan trolling is an art form, and Captain Brian has it dialed in. You'll be running a spread of downriggers, planer boards, and leadcore lines to cover different zones of the water column where fish are feeding. The boat's electronics help locate baitfish schools and temperature breaks where predators congregate. Depending on what's working that day, you might be pulling spoons, plugs, or cut bait at various speeds and depths. The Tiara's smooth ride and stable platform make it easy to work fish, even when you hook into a big King that wants to make multiple runs. Captain Brian handles the technical stuff – setting lines, adjusting depths, and reading the fish finder – while you focus on the fun part of fighting and landing fish. The gear is tournament-quality stuff that won't let you down when that fish of a lifetime decides to test your drag system.
Top Catches This Season
Coho Salmon are the bread and butter of Lake Michigan fishing, and for good reason. These silver rockets typically run 3 to 8 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. Coho are most active from late spring through early fall, often found in the top 40 feet of water chasing alewives and smelt. What makes them so exciting is their acrobatic fight – expect multiple jumps and screaming runs that'll have your drag singing. They're also excellent table fare with firm, pink meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Steelhead Trout are the wild cards that can make any trip memorable. These chrome-bright fighters range from 5 to 15 pounds and are notorious for their powerful runs and aerial displays. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're staging near shore before heading to tributaries. Steelhead have incredible stamina and will test your patience with long, bulldogging fights that seem to go on forever. Their meat is similar to salmon but with a slightly more delicate flavor that many anglers prefer.
Brown Trout are the smart guys of the lake, often requiring finesse and patience to fool. These golden-brown beauties can grow huge in Lake Michigan's fertile waters, with fish over 20 pounds caught every season. They're most active during low-light conditions and cooler months, making them a prime target for early morning trips. Browns are notorious for their powerful initial run and stubborn fighting style. Their rich, flaky meat is considered by many to be the best eating of all the Great Lakes trout and salmon.
Lake Trout are the deep-water giants that provide arm-burning fights from the depths. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes in Lake Michigan's cold, deep waters. They're typically found in 60 to 200 feet of water, making downriggers essential for reaching them consistently. Lakers are built for endurance rather than speed, providing long, steady battles that'll have your arms burning by the time you see color. Their firm, white meat has a unique flavor that's excellent when prepared fresh or smoked for later enjoyment.
Time to Book Your Spot
This top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the salmon are running thick and the action is red-hot. Captain Brian's combination of local knowledge, quality equipment, and spacious boat creates the perfect recipe for a world-class fishing experience. You're not just booking a fishing trip – you're investing in five hours of pure Great Lakes adventure with fish cleaning included and memories that'll last long after the fillets are gone. The lake's waiting, the fish are biting, and your spot on the Tiara is just a phone call away. Don't let another season slip by wondering what you missed out on.
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout in Lake Michigan are smart, cautious fish that reward patient anglers with some of the best fights you'll find. These golden-brown beauties average 8-24 inches but can surprise you with specimens pushing 39 inches. They prefer cooler, deeper water during summer but move shallow during spring and fall feeding periods. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're the most selective of our trout species, making them a real challenge. The payoff is worth it though; they fight hard and taste amazing with that mild, sweet flavor. Browns love structure like drop-offs and rocky areas where they ambush baitfish. Here's a local secret: overcast days and low light conditions are your best bet - these fish hate bright sunlight and feed most actively when the sky is gray.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are one of the most exciting fish you'll encounter on Lake Michigan. These silver bullets typically run 12-30 inches and pack serious fight into their 8-12 pound frames - they're famous for their acrobatic jumps and can leap up to 6 feet out of the water. You'll find them cruising the open waters during spring and fall when they're most active. What makes cohos special is their aggressive nature and willingness to hit lures, plus that bright orange meat makes for excellent eating. They'll follow baitfish into various depths, so we adjust our trolling depth based on water temperature. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but give them room to jump - trying to muscle them in too fast usually means a lost fish.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the giants of our char family and the deepest dwellers in Lake Michigan. These prehistoric-looking fish with their grey-green bodies and cream markings typically run 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds, though the lake holds some true monsters. You'll find them in the coldest, deepest water - often 80-200 feet down in summer, following the thermocline where oxygen levels stay high. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they move shallower. Lakers are prized for their size and the challenge of fishing deep water. They're not flashy fighters like salmon, but their sheer weight and stubborn nature make for memorable battles. The meat is rich and flaky when prepared right. Key tip: use your electronics to find suspended fish and work jigs or spoons in that same zone - they rarely chase baits very far.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the marathon runners of Lake Michigan - these chrome-bright fighters average 24 inches but can stretch past 45 inches and weigh up to 55 pounds in rare cases. They're actually the same species as rainbow trout, but their time in the big lake makes them stronger and more silvery. You'll typically find steelhead in cooler water near structure or following baitfish schools. Mid-fall through spring offers the best action when they're most aggressive. What sets steelhead apart is their stamina - they'll make long runs and test your drag like no other trout. The meat is fantastic too, with that classic pink color. One key trick: when fighting a steelhead, let them run but keep consistent pressure - they tire themselves out with those powerful bursts.
About the 36' Tiara 1988
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Crusader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 24
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350
