World-Class Fishing on Lake Michigan's Best Waters

Published Date: October 17, 2025
Fishing

$220 - $550 price range

Summary

Captain Jon Chizmadia offers a full-day fishing adventure on Lake Michigan, departing from Berrien County Sportsman's Club. You'll spend 8 hours on the water aboard the St Joe Angler, a 16-foot ClackaCraft that's set up for comfortable fishing. The trip focuses on steelhead trout, Atlantic salmon, and smallmouth bass – three of the most exciting species in these waters. Jon's hands-on approach means you'll learn as you go, from proper casting techniques to landing your catch. It's great for beginners or experienced anglers looking to sharpen their skills. The boat can accommodate up to two guests, so you'll get plenty of personal attention. Remember to grab your Michigan fishing license before the trip. A 20% deposit holds your spot, and then you're all set for a day of action on Lake Michigan.

World-Class Fishing on Lake Michigan's Best Waters

Lake Michigan's Finest

Cast, wait, catch, repeat

Where the water meets adventure

One rainbow trout caught while fishing in MI

Rainbow Trout on the fly—unforgettable

Lake Michigan magic on the line

Lake Michigan's Finest: Full Day Fishing Adventure

Ready for a real Michigan fishing experience? Captain Jon Chizmadia's got you covered with an 8-hour guided trip on Lake Michigan that'll have you reeling in steelhead trout, Atlantic salmon, and smallmouth bass. This isn't your average day on the water - it's a hands-on adventure where you'll learn the ropes from a pro. Leaving from Berrien County Sportsman's Club, you and a buddy will hop aboard the St Joe Angler, a 16-foot ClackaCraft that's kitted out for serious fishing and comfort. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Jon's personalized guidance will have you casting and landing fish like a champ in no time.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step on board, you're in for a treat. Captain Jon knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about sharing that knowledge. You'll cruise out onto Lake Michigan, taking in the stunning Southwest Michigan shoreline as you go. The beauty of this full-day trip is that you've got time to really dial in your technique and explore different fishing spots. You might start off trolling for salmon, then switch gears to cast for bass near some structure. As the day progresses, you could find yourself battling a chrome-bright steelhead - talk about an arm workout! And don't worry if you're new to this; Captain Jon's patient teaching style means you'll be picking up pro tips all day long.

Gearing Up for Success

On the St Joe Angler, you're fishing with top-notch gear that's perfect for tackling Lake Michigan's diverse fishery. The 16-foot ClackaCraft is a fishing machine, stable enough to handle the big lake but nimble for working close to shore. You'll be using a mix of techniques throughout the day. For salmon and trout, expect to do some trolling with downriggers and planer boards to cover different depths. When targeting smallmouth bass, you might switch to casting crankbaits or working soft plastics along the bottom. Captain Jon's got all the rods, reels, and tackle you need, rigged and ready to go. Just remember to grab that Michigan fishing license before you show up, and you're good to go.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Michigan's Southwest corner is a fish factory, and you've got a shot at some real beauties on this trip. Let's break down what you're after:

Atlantic Salmon: These acrobatic fighters are a relatively new addition to Lake Michigan, and they're making quite a splash. Atlantics are known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. They average 5-8 pounds but can push into the teens. Spring and fall are prime time for these silver missiles, and hooking one is like hitting the fishing lottery - they're that special.

Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. Lake Michigan's smallmouth are chunky and aggressive, often hanging around rocky points and drop-offs. You might tangle with bass in the 3-5 pound range, with some topping 6 pounds. These bronze backs are most active from late spring through fall, and their acrobatic fights will have you grinning from ear to ear.

Steelhead Trout: These chrome rockets are what Great Lakes dreams are made of. Lake Michigan steelhead can top 10 pounds, with some monsters pushing 15 or more. They're available year-round, but spring and fall see big pushes of fish. Hooking into a fresh steelhead is like tying into a runaway freight train - they'll peel line off your reel faster than you can say "Fish on!" Their combination of raw power and stunning beauty makes them a bucket list fish for many anglers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though they're a big part of it. What sets this trip apart is the total package. You've got the vast expanse of Lake Michigan as your playground, with its ever-changing moods and stunning scenery. There's the thrill of never knowing what might hit your line next - will it be a hard-charging steelhead or a bulldogging bass? And then there's Captain Jon's expertise. He's not just there to put you on fish; he's passionate about teaching and making sure you have a blast. By the end of the day, you'll have picked up new skills, made some great memories, and probably caught the Lake Michigan fishing bug. Don't be surprised if you're planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to experience some of the best fishing Southwest Michigan has to offer, this full-day trip with St Joe Angler is your ticket. Remember, it's just you and one other person on the boat, so you're getting tons of personalized attention. That 20% deposit locks in your date, and trust me, prime days can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, learn some new techniques, or just spend a day on beautiful Lake Michigan with a knowledgeable guide, Captain Jon's got you covered. So why wait? Grab your fishing buddy, secure that date, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, reel-screaming action on Lake Michigan. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet them?

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon are the prized catch of Lake Michigan, typically reaching 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. These silvery fighters are anadromous, spending years at sea before returning to freshwater to spawn. Unlike Pacific salmon, they can breed multiple times. Look for them in deeper, cooler waters during summer months. Fall is prime time as they move into rivers. Anglers love the challenge - these acrobatic fish put up an impressive fight when hooked. For best results, try swinging flies downstream at a 45-degree angle and let the current do the work. Match fly color to water conditions, going bigger and darker on cold, murky days. While wild populations are protected, our stocked fishery offers a great opportunity to tangle with these legendary fish.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are the scrappy fighters of Lake Michigan, usually 18-20 inches and 2-6 pounds. You'll find them around rocky areas and rubble bottoms in clear, cool water. These bronze beauties with dark vertical stripes love structure - fallen trees, boulders, you name it. Spring and fall are prime, with early mornings and evenings best in summer when they head deep to stay cool. Anglers prize smallies for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Light tackle with 6-10 lb test is ideal. For a local trick, try weightless soft plastics on top when fish are shallow, or switch to a drop shot rig to reach them deep in summer. Whether you're casting flies or spinning gear, hooking into a smallmouth is always a blast.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the ocean-going cousins of rainbow trout, typically 24-30 inches and packing a punch. These silver bullets with pink stripes and black spots spend years at sea before returning to Lake Michigan tributaries. Look for them in streams from fall through spring, using cover like logs and boulders. Anglers love steelhead for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. They'll test your gear and skills like few other fish. For best results, try drifting eggs or swinging flies in deeper pools and runs. A 13-foot 7-weight Spey rod is perfect for covering water. When they're in, steelhead fishing can be red hot. Just remember, patience and persistence pay off - these fish can be moody, but the reward is worth it.

About the St Joe Angler

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Ready for an awesome day of fishing on Lake Michigan? Captain Jon Chizmadia's got you covered with his 16-foot ClackaCraft, the St Joe Angler. You and a buddy can hop aboard for 8 hours of reeling in steelhead trout, Atlantic salmon, and smallmouth bass. Jon knows these waters like the back of his hand and he'll show you all the tricks - from casting to landing those big ones. It's a hands-on trip where you'll learn tons while having a blast. The boat leaves from Berrien County Sportsman's Club, so it's easy to find. Just remember to grab your Michigan fishing license before you come. Put down a 20% deposit and you're all set for an amazing day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, Captain Jon will make sure you have a great time chasing fish in beautiful Southwest Michigan.

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