Salmon, Steelhead and Lake Trout in deep water in Saugatuck, Freshwater Fishing Report

A very nice week of fishing with some catches from 10 to 15 fish per trip. With the warm water in front of the piers, we have moved out to 90 to 200 foot of water and found 2, 3 and some 4 year old chinook salmon, 10 to 14 pound coho, and some steelhead and lake trout. With the strong east and south east winds the best direction was a 240 or a 300 degree troll from 100 to 190 foot of water with the best depth being 135 to 160 foot.

Almost all of the fish came on flashers and flies although we did take a couple of coho on Stingray spoons (blue mixed veggie with white back). Both silver Stinger Echip flashers (mixed veggie, silver UV, silver mountain dew) or white bladed Echip flashers (blue wiggle, and white double glow) with the Rapture green dude, wild fern, speed weed and the blue bubble fies. Yesterday the blue wiggle flasher and blue bubble fly was hit at least 6 times at 95 foot down. We ran 300 and 450 foot of copper and the dipsies were run at 100 and 180 foot out, downriggers at 80, 90 and down to125 foot.

Although our season is winding down, the fishing should continue to be good in the deeper water. If we get another shot of cold water, we should see some more 4 year old salmon stage in front the piers. For more fishing information or for charter reservations, email me at captron@chartermichigan.com.

About the Author:

Captain's Bio: I have run my charter service out of the Port of Saugatuck for the last 36 years. I started the service just after the coho salmon were planted in Lake Michigan and have seen the ups and downs in the fishery through out its history.

With my son as a fishing partner, we offer a "hands on" experience and we enjoy taking out families and introducing young people to the enjoyment of salmon fishing.