When it comes to freshwater salmon fishing, Lake Michigan is one of the best destinations in the country. Anglers from across the Midwest and beyond come here to experience the thrill of landing powerful, beautiful salmon and trout in the deep, cold waters of this Great Lake. If you’re planning a charter fishing trip with me out of South Haven, Michigan, you’re in for a treat.

One of the keys to a successful salmon fishing trip on Lake Michigan is knowing your fish. Lake Michigan offers a variety of salmonid species, each with its own unique traits, behaviors, and best times to catch them. Understanding how to tell these fish apart helps you appreciate the experience even more and also gives you an edge on the water.

In this blog, I’ll introduce you to the four main salmon species you’ll encounter on a Lake Michigan charter: Chinook (King) Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and Lake Trout. I’ll explain their size ranges, distinguishing features, typical catch times during the summer, and share photos to help you identify them easily on your trip.

Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)

The King of Lake Michigan

Chinook salmon, often called “King Salmon,” are the largest and arguably the most prized salmon species in Lake Michigan. They’re renowned for their size, fighting ability, and excellent taste — making them a top target for anglers on South Haven salmon charters.

Size Expectations

Chinook salmon in Lake Michigan typically weigh between 8 to 25 pounds, with some trophy specimens reaching 30 pounds or more. They can grow up to 40 inches in length, and larger kings are not uncommon, especially later in the summer.

Distinguishing Features

• Color: Chinook have a blue-green back that fades to silver on the sides and white belly. When spawning, they darken considerably, developing a purplish or reddish hue.
• Spots: They have black spots on their back and both lobes of their tail fin, which is a key identification point.
• Mouth: Their mouth contains black gums, which is a quick way to distinguish Chinook from Coho.
• Body Shape: They have a robust, thick body with a large head and a pronounced hooked jaw (kype) in males during spawning season.

Typical Catch Times in Summer

King salmon begin entering Lake Michigan from the rivers in late spring and early summer, but the best lake fishing for them out of South Haven is typically from June through August. During these months, they’re actively feeding on baitfish like alewives and smelt in the warmer surface waters. Early morning and late evening are prime times, but they can be caught throughout the day.

Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)

The Silver Bullet of Lake Michigan

Coho salmon are smaller but very aggressive fighters and a favorite for anglers seeking fast action. They’re often called “Silvers” because of their bright, shiny silver sides.

Size Expectations

Coho salmon average between 4 and 10 pounds in Lake Michigan, though larger fish approaching 12 pounds occasionally show up. They are generally shorter and slimmer than Chinooks, measuring around 24 to 28 inches.

Distinguishing Features

• Color: Coho have a bright silver body with a slight bluish or greenish back. Unlike Chinooks, they lose most spots on their back by the time they reach the lake.
• Spots: Coho have small black spots only on the upper half of their tail fin (not on both lobes).
• Mouth: Their gums are white or pale, a simple way to tell them apart from Chinook.
• Body Shape: Coho have a more slender, streamlined body compared to the thick-bodied Chinook.

Typical Catch Times in Summer

Coho salmon generally enter the lake a bit later than Chinook, with prime fishing out of South Haven happening from July through September. They tend to school around the surface or mid-depths chasing baitfish and can be very responsive to spoons, flies, and downrigger presentations. Early morning and dusk are great times to target them.

Steelhead Trout (Rainbow Trout)

The Fighting Freshwater Rainbow

Steelhead are the lake-run form of rainbow trout and are prized for their spectacular fight and acrobatic leaps. While not true salmon, they’re part of the same family and are commonly caught on Lake Michigan charters.

Size Expectations

Steelhead in Lake Michigan typically range from 3 to 8 pounds, with some larger specimens reaching 10 to 12 pounds. They generally measure 20 to 28 inches long.

Distinguishing Features

• Color: Steelhead have a silvery body with a faint pink or red stripe running along the lateral line, with a darker, greenish or bluish back.
• Spots: Their back and upper tail fin are covered with small black spots, but unlike Chinook, these spots are more numerous and evenly spread.
• Mouth: Steelhead have a white gum line.
• Body Shape: More slender and streamlined than Chinook, with a noticeably forked tail.

Typical Catch Times in Summer

Steelhead are most commonly caught during spring and fall runs, but many remain in the lake over the summer months. Summer fishing for steelhead in Lake Michigan is possible, especially in deeper, cooler waters near reef structures or drop-offs. Expect to catch them in June through August, often trolling or jigging.

Lake Trout (Mackinaw)

The Native Deepwater Predator

Lake trout are native to Lake Michigan and are adapted to live in the cold, deep waters year-round. They are known for their excellent flavor and strong fight, making them another great target on a charter trip.

Size Expectations

Lake trout typically weigh between 5 and 15 pounds in Lake Michigan, with trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds. They can reach lengths of 24 to 30 inches, with larger individuals found in the deep offshore waters.

Distinguishing Features

• Color: Lake trout have a dark green to gray back with light-colored spots scattered across their body.
• Spots: Their entire body, including the tail fin, is covered with light, pale spots that contrast with the darker background.
• Tail: The tail fin is deeply forked, and unlike Chinook and Coho, there are no black spots on the tail.
• Mouth: Lake trout have a large mouth with sharp teeth and white gums.
• Body Shape: They have a thick, robust body with a more elongated shape than Chinook.

Typical Catch Times in Summer

Lake trout prefer cold water and are most active in the deeper parts of Lake Michigan during the summer. You’ll catch them best when trolling deep with downriggers or using jigging methods. Their prime summer season is June through August, with many anglers targeting them near offshore humps and reefs.

How to Tell These Salmon Apart at a Glance

Species	Typical Weight	Tail Spots	Gum Color	Body Color/Markings	Season Peak (Summer)
Chinook	8-25 lbs	Black spots on both lobes	Black	Blue-green back, silver sides, black spots on back	June-August
Coho	4-10 lbs	Black spots on upper half only	White	Bright silver, few spots on back	July-September
Steelhead	3-8 lbs	Black spots all over back and tail	White	Silvery body with pink stripe, many black spots	June-August
Lake Trout	5-15 lbs	No black spots, pale spots all over	White	Dark green back with pale spots	June-August

 

Final Tips for Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing

• Know your fish: Learning to identify Chinook, Coho, Steelhead, and Lake Trout enhances your experience and fishing success.

• Timing is everything: Early summer favors Chinook, mid to late summer is great for Coho, and steelhead and lake trout can be caught throughout the summer with the right technique.

• Use the right gear: Trolling spoons, plugs, flies, and baitfish patterns work best for different species.

• Stay patient: Salmon fishing can be a waiting game, but the fight and reward are worth it.

Ready to chase these incredible salmon and trout on Lake Michigan? Book your South Haven charter with me, Captain Eric Schippa, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure!

If you want, I can also help create a custom infographic or quick identification chart for your guests. Just let me know!