Lake Michigan fishing Salmon & Trout descriptions. Chicago, Waukegan, ILL

Coho Salmon (Silver)

The Coho Salmon has single made Lake Michigan one of the finest fishing destinations in the world. Coho’s make up between 55 to 70 percent of our annual catch reports. Like its big brother the King it grows rapidly by consuming Alewives (Small Shad-Like Fish) at an amazing rate. Summer catches of Coho’s are normally accompanied by a mouth full of Alewives . The Coho’s life span is 3 years and really enters the fishery in its third year. Springtime fishing is excellent for catching Coho’s in the 2 to 5 pound range while trolling the surface. By August these Coho’s grow to an amazing 9 to 12 pounds and are true fighters. One year of note was 1999 – called the year of the Coho by many an outdoor writer because they were abnormally large and in August averaged 13 to 15 pounds with many caught up to 19 1/2 pounds . Coho’s are caught all season long however I recommend early Spring through early June for the best quantities.

Illinois State Record 20lbs 9oz.
Wisconsin State Record 26lbs 2oz.
Indiana State Record 20lbs 12ozs.

Chinook Salmon (The King)

This species is caught year round however there are better times than others to target Kings, especially big 4-year old fish. The Chinook Salmon or King as we call it has a life span of only 4-years but that is not relative when it comes to its size. The King is the largest Salmon & the fastest growing fish in Lake Michigan. The mature adult 4-year Kings typically weigh between 15 to 30 pounds. They are truly the best fighting fish on the lake. Two year old and 3 year old fish also provide great fighting action. They are like torpedo's in the water. The best time for the King Salmon usually starts in July and goes through the end of September. These fish truly make for a memorable trip.

Illinois State Record-37lbs.
Wisconsin State Record 44lbs 15oz.
Indiana State Record 38lbs.

Rainbow Trout ( Steelheads)

Rainbow Trout or Steelheads as we call them are one of the most exciting game fish in North America. These acrobatic underwater missiles come leaping out of the water with a great desire to fly whenever they are hooked. Steelhead range in size from 6 to 10 lbs average. The best time for catching Steelhead are the months of June, July & August (Also the best weather of the year). We call them “JUMPERS” because they spend so much time jumping out of the water. They never seem to stop fighting.

Illinois State Record 31lbs 6.72oz.
Wisconsin State Record 27lbs 2oz.
Indiana State Record 26.62lbs

Brown Trout

This fish is caught less frequently than others because of a very spooky nature. They happen to be excellent fighters and never seem to give up. The average size is between 6 & 10lbs however certain genetic strains of Browns can exceed 30lbs. The best times to catch Browns are early spring or during spawning time which is in August. The brown Trout are shaped like a football with large spots on the top half of their body with a square a tail. They make great looking mounts.

Illinois State Record 36lbs 11 1/2oz.
Wisconsin State Record 35lbs 1.9oz.
Indiana State Record 24.18lbs

Lake Trout

Lake Trout are native to Lake Michigan and originally they were the main predator on the lake until the invasion of the Lamprey Eel virtually wiped them out. Since then great efforts have been made to bring this fishery back and the Lakers are in great abundance. Unlike the Salmon the Lake Trout will live a long time and grows a lot slower. This does not mean that the Lakers do not get big because they do. The average size of Lakers is about 6 to 14lbs. The best time to catch lakers usually starts in August and goes through November.

Illinois State Record 38lbs 4oz Caught August 1999 (Pending)
Wisconsin State Record 47lbs.
Indiana State Record 29lbs 4oz.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!
BON-SHELL CHARTER CAPT. RON MIHEVC
CALL DAYS 847-309-3224
EVENINGS 847-746-3225