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Premium Salmon Fishing Trip in Mackinac Straits
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Michigan
- $750 - $950 price range
Summary
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Straits Salmon Catches
Salmon fishing at its finest!
Big fish, big fun!
Another day, another salmon!
fish On!
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Another one for the cooler!
Hard-fighting King Salmon action!
Fishing, fun, and unforgettable memories!
The excitement of the catch!
Success on the water!
Salmon fishing at its finest!
Big fish, big fun!
Another day, another salmon!
fish On!
null
Another one for the cooler!
Hard-fighting King Salmon action!
Fishing, fun, and unforgettable memories!
The excitement of the catch!
Success on the water!
Salmon fishing at its finest!
Big fish, big fun!
Another day, another salmon!
fish On!
Reel in Big Salmon on the Straits of Mackinac
Get ready for some world-class salmon fishing in one of Michigan's most picturesque settings. Our 5-hour trip takes you right to where the big ones are biting in the Straits of Mackinac. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Dennis Gorsuch and the Osprey VI have got you covered for an awesome day on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll set out bright and early to hit the prime fishing spots. The Straits offer some of the best salmon action you'll find anywhere, with King Salmon and Atlantic Salmon as the main targets. You'll be fishing aboard the Osprey VI, a 27-foot Tiara Pursuit that's decked out with all the gear you need. It's a comfortable ride with plenty of room for four anglers to cast and reel without getting in each other's way. As we troll the deep waters, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning views of Mackinac Island off in the distance. The Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a productive day of fishing.
Fishing Techniques & Gear
We primarily use trolling techniques to target salmon in the Straits. The boat's equipped with downriggers and planer boards to get our lures down where the fish are hanging out. We'll be using a mix of spoons, plugs, and cut bait to entice those big salmon to strike. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing - the Captain will walk you through everything you need to know. He'll help you set up your lines, show you how to work the gear, and give you tips on detecting strikes and fighting fish. All the rods, reels, and tackle are provided, so you just need to bring your excitement and maybe a lucky hat.
Species You'll Want to Hook
King Salmon: These bruisers are the crown jewels of Great Lakes fishing. Also known as Chinook, they can tip the scales at over 30 pounds. Kings are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're most active in the Straits from July through September, with peak action usually in August. Nothing beats the thrill of battling one of these silver-sided monsters!
Atlantic Salmon: A bit of a newer player in these waters, Atlantics have really taken off in recent years. They're known for their incredible fighting ability and tendency to go airborne multiple times during a fight. They average 5-10 pounds but can get much bigger. Atlantics tend to hang out a bit higher in the water column than Kings, so we often catch them while fishing for other species.
Lake Trout: While not our primary target, we often hook into some hefty lake trout during our salmon trips. These deep-water natives can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. They're not the fastest fighters, but they put up a stubborn, bulldog-like battle that'll test your arms. Lake trout are available year-round, but we tend to catch more of them in the cooler months.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
The Straits of Mackinac offer a fishing experience you just can't get anywhere else. Where else can you battle trophy salmon while taking in views of one of the most famous islands in the Great Lakes? The fishing action is consistently good throughout the season, but the scenery alone is worth the trip. Many of our repeat customers tell us this is their favorite salmon fishery in Michigan. The combination of big fish, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to learn from a seasoned captain keeps folks coming back year after year.
A Day in the Life on Board
We'll meet up at the dock about 15 minutes before departure time to get everyone situated. Once we're out on the water, the Captain will give a quick rundown of safety info and what to expect for the day. As we head to our first fishing spot, you'll have time to get your sea legs and maybe spot some local wildlife like eagles or loons. When we start fishing, it's all hands on deck! Everyone takes turns on rod duty, so be ready when that reel starts screaming. Between bites, you can relax, swap fishing stories, or just soak in the incredible surroundings. Don't forget to bring snacks and drinks to keep your energy up - fighting big salmon works up an appetite!
What to Bring Along
To make the most of your trip, here's a quick packing list: - Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key on the water) - Sunscreen and sunglasses - Camera or phone for photos - Snacks and drinks (no glass containers, please) - Motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness - Cooler to take your catch home (we'll clean the fish for you) - Fishing license (available online or at local shops)
Remember, all fishing gear is provided, so no need to lug your own rods and tackle unless you really want to.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to get in on some of the best salmon fishing the Great Lakes has to offer? Our 5-hour trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with delicious salmon or just want to experience the thrill of hooking into a big King, this is the trip for you. Give us a call or book online to reserve your spot on the Osprey VI. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and get ready for an awesome day on the Straits of Mackinac. We can't wait to see you out there!
Learn more about the species
Lake Trout
Rainbow trout are a favorite around here, known for their colorful appearance and acrobatic fights. They typically range from 1-5 pounds in the Straits, with some monsters pushing 10+ pounds. You'll find them in cooler, well-oxygenated waters, often near drop-offs or structure. These fish are active year-round, but spring and fall are prime seasons. They feed heavily as the water warms up after winter and again before it cools down in fall. Look for them near the surface in cooler weather and deeper as it warms up. Rainbows are opportunistic feeders, which makes them fun to catch. They'll hit everything from small flies to larger lures. Spinners, spoons, and small crankbaits all work well. For a real thrill, try topwater fishing with poppers or dry flies when they're surface feeding. Anglers love rainbows for their spirited fights and tasty, pink flesh. Here's a local trick: when you see them chasing baitfish, try a silver-sided lure with erratic retrieve. Mimicking a wounded baitfish can trigger some explosive strikes.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon, or "humpies," are the smallest of the Pacific salmon but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Adults usually weigh 3-5 pounds and run every other year in the Straits. They're silver in the ocean but develop a pale green back with large black spots when spawning. You'll find pinks in cold coastal waters and rivers. They don't venture too far offshore, so we can target them close to shore. August and September are prime time when they're staging to run up the rivers. These fish are aggressive and will hit just about anything. Try small, bright lures - pink is a favorite color. A simple setup with a bobber and jig works great too. Drift fishing with roe is another solid bet. Anglers enjoy pinks for their scrappy fight and their numbers. You can catch a lot in a day when they're running. They're also excellent smoked or canned. Pro tip: use light tackle for more sport. A 4-6 pound test line on a light rod makes for a fun fight with these smaller salmon.
Rainbow Trout
Lake trout are the big boys of the char family, often hitting 15-40 pounds. They love cold, deep water with lots of oxygen. In the Straits, we find them suspended in the middle of the basin, sometimes at serious depths. These fish are slow growers but can live a long time. Spring after ice-out is prime time to target lakers. They'll be in shallower water then. As it warms up, they head deep. Overcast days are your friend - these guys aren't fans of bright light. Jigging is the way to go for lake trout. Try a Rapala Jigging Rap or something that looks like a wounded baitfish. Soft plastics on a jig head work great too. If you're trolling, let those crankbaits get down deep. Anglers love lake trout for the fight and the eating. The meat is firm and flavorful. My tip? When you hook one, be patient. They've got stamina and will make several runs. Keep steady pressure and you'll get them to the boat.
About the E.U.P. Fishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Crusader engines
Maximum Cruising Speed: 24
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 270
