Fishing Charters in Michigan

Browse fishing charters in Michigan that can help you catch chinook salmon.

Northern Coast Outdoors - Northern Coast Outdoors
Northern Coast Outdoors

Northern Coast Outdoors

Traverse City, Michigan

Northern Coast Outdoors LLC offers guided fishing and hunting trips. Licensed and insured. Land consultation and management.

inshore
Traverse City, Michigan
Michigan Charter Boat Association - Jim Fenner
Jim Fenner

Michigan Charter Boat Association

Kaleva, Michigan

With over 25 professional captains, Ludington Charter Boat Association is your home for some awesome salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. Ludington is also known for the reefs and drop-offs near the port. The mature salmon return to the Ludington waters each summer prior to their spawning runs.

freshwaterSalmon
Kaleva, Michigan
Hemlock River Guide Service - Hemlock River Guide Service
Hemlock River Guide Service

Hemlock River Guide Service

Crystal Falls, Michigan

Jeff Joseph can be your personal fishing expert for float trips on Upper Michigan Rivers. Professional fish guide at Hemlock River Guide Service in Crystal Falls.

freshwater
Crystal Falls, Michigan
Cf River Products - Cf River Products
Cf River Products

Cf River Products

Frederic, Michigan

freshwater
Frederic, Michigan
Mj Charters - Mj Charters
Mj Charters

Mj Charters

Marquette, Michigan

Catch Trophy "Red Fin" Lake Trout on Spinning Tackle - Journey into the Heart of Lake Superior and Experince Fishing the way it was meant to be...

freshwaterSpeckled TroutLake Trout
Marquette, Michigan
U P North Fishing Charters L L C - U P North Fishing Charters L L C
U P North Fishing Charters L L C

U P North Fishing Charters L L C

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

U.P. North Fishing Charters L.L.C. is a veteran-owned business and operates on a fully equipped Thunder Jet 210 Luxor Pro charter boat located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

inshore
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Pull Hard Fishing - Pull Hard Fishing
Pull Hard Fishing

Pull Hard Fishing

Ludington, Michigan

inshore
Ludington, Michigan
Kc 1 Sportfishing - Kc 1 Sportfishing
Kc 1 Sportfishing

Kc 1 Sportfishing

Muskegon, Michigan

Fishing on Lake Michigan for salmon and trout out of the beautiful port of Muskegon,

freshwaterSpeckled TroutSalmon
Muskegon, Michigan
Margie J Sport Fishing Charters - Margie J Sport Fishing Charters
Margie J Sport Fishing Charters

Margie J Sport Fishing Charters

Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon Charter Boats - Muskegon sport fishing charter service for Salmon Coho Steelhead Brown Trout Lake Trout. Only charter boat to fish Muskegon for over 30 years. Family run with 3 generation catching fish for you. Located where the Muskegon to Milwaukee Lake Express Ferry is docked. Let our family take you sport fishing from the Salmon fishing port of Muskegon, Michigan with Margie J Sport Fishing Charters.

freshwaterSpeckled TroutBrown Trout
Muskegon, Michigan
Steelhead Nation Outfitters River And Lake Michigan Charters - Steelhead Nation Outfitters River And Lake Michigan Charters
Steelhead Nation Outfitters River And Lake Michigan Charters

Steelhead Nation Outfitters River And Lake Michigan Charters

Wellston, Michigan

We FISH!   As a Michigan-based business, we love to share our passion of the outdoors and our profound, deep love for the sport of fishing, especially Steelhead Fishing. 'Chromers' as they call them.  If you are anything like us, this passion burns a joyous mark on your soul - for all of your life!  We pride ourselves

freshwaterSteelhead
Wellston, Michigan
Cast Away Guide Service - Adam Mcnamara
Adam Mcnamara

Cast Away Guide Service

Baldwin, Michigan

Pere Marquette River fishing guide services for salmon, steelhead & trout, located in Baldwin, Mi. Experienced fly fishing guide for the PM.

freshwaterfly fishingSpeckled TroutSteelhead
Baldwin, Michigan
Mike In The Keys - Mike In The Keys
Mike In The Keys

Mike In The Keys

Lewiston, Michigan

inshore
Lewiston, Michigan

Best Time to Catch Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon can be caught year-round in Petoskey. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Chinook Salmon Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

both

If you're looking for a Great Lakes Chinook adventure, Petoskey, Michigan, offers some prime territory. The fall salmon run up the Bear River is the highlight, drawing anglers from across the region. Kings stage off the mouth of the river before heading upstream to spawn. Early morning and late evening are usually the most productive times. Try drifting skein under a float or casting deep-diving crankbaits in the river. Lake Michigan itself can also be productive, especially during the summer months, when Chinooks are actively feeding. Trolling with spoons or flasher/fly combinations is a popular tactic. A public access point is located near the mouth of the Bear River, but be prepared for crowds during peak season. Remember to check the Michigan DNR website for current regulations and fish consumption advisories. Water temperatures and clarity significantly impact Chinook behavior, so adapt your presentation accordingly.

How to Catch Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon Fishing Regulations in Michigan

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

5 per day (in combination with other salmon and trout)

Size Limit

No minimum size limit

License Required

Michigan Fishing License

Specific regulations may vary by water body; check the Michigan Fishing Guide for details.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Michigan state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to target Chinook Salmon near Petoskey?

Chinook Salmon fishing is typically best during the fall months as they migrate upstream to spawn. Focus your efforts in rivers and near the mouths of rivers flowing into Lake Michigan.

What's the daily limit for Chinook Salmon in Michigan?

You can keep up to 5 salmon and trout in any combination, but be aware of specific regulations on certain rivers. There is no minimum size limit for Chinook Salmon.

What kind of bait or lures work well for Chinook Salmon in the Petoskey area?

Popular choices include spawn sacs, crankbaits, and spoons. Experiment with different colors and sizes to see what the salmon are biting on.

Do I need a license to fish for Chinook Salmon in Petoskey, Michigan?

Yes, you need a valid Michigan Fishing License to fish for Chinook Salmon and other species in Michigan's waters.

Are there any specific rivers near Petoskey that are known for Chinook Salmon fishing?

The Bear River and the Little Traverse Bay are popular spots to target Chinook Salmon during their spawning runs. Check local fishing reports for the most up-to-date information.

More Chinook Salmon Fishing in Michigan

Other Species to Fish in Petoskey

Ready to Catch Chinook Salmon in Petoskey?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.