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Caught a Lake Trout River Fishing in Stanwood
Lake Trout Fishing in Stanwood, Michigan
4.9
20 Reviews
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The Salvelinus Namaycush belongs to the order Salmoniformes and family Salmonidae. It typically measures between 25 and 59 inches in length, with a weight range from 5 to 15 lbs. - Habitat: lake and cold river systems - Largest member of the char family - Grey to green coloring with lighter belly - Yellow to cream colored markings on body and fins
Fishing Guide by Guide Matt Brejcha in December
Meet your Guide Matt Brejcha
- Full Time Professional Fishing Guide
Summary
Guide Matt Brejcha of On Target Fishing Guide Service on Sunday September offers exceptional river fishing charters targeting lake trout, brown trout, and Chinook salmon in Stanwood's pristine Michigan waters. This 4-hour private fishing charter accommodates up to two anglers aboard a heated 18/60 custom jet boat, perfect for drift fishing and bottom bouncing techniques. All essential gear including rods, tackle, and bait are provided, making this trip ideal for anglers of all skill levels. Michigan rivers provide fantastic opportunities during fall when fish are active and feeding, with clear conditions and comfortable heated boat ensuring an incredible day on the water targeting these chrome footballs in amazing Michigan waters.
Fishing Charter with Guide Matt Brejcha – Rates & Booking
Guide Matt Brejcha of On Target Fishing Guide Service on Sunday September provides a comprehensive 4-hour private fishing charter experience targeting lake trout, brown trout, and Chinook salmon. This licensed guide brings local expertise to Michigan's scenic rivers, with all essential fishing gear including rods, tackle, and bait provided. The trip accommodates two anglers with an option for a third, fishing from a heated 18/60 custom jet boat or drift boat equipped for comfort during colder months. Book online to secure your spot for this hands-on guided experience suitable for all skill levels.
Highlights of Half Day Michigan River Brown Trout and Chinook Salmon Fishing Charter
This charter stands out for its combination of expert guidance and prime Michigan river access. The heated boat ensures comfort while working the best spots using proven drift fishing, bottom bouncing, and spinner fishing techniques. Michigan rivers offer second-to-none action with current breaks and structure perfect for these methods. The fall season provides optimal conditions when fish are active and feeding, creating fantastic opportunities for landing multiple species during your half-day adventure.
Local Species Insights: Lake Trout
Lake trout thrive in Michigan's cold river systems, particularly during fall when they move into shallower waters for feeding. These powerful fighters prefer deeper pools and current breaks where they ambush prey. The combination of drift fishing and bottom bouncing proves highly effective for targeting these chrome footballs, especially when water temperatures drop and fish become more aggressive. Michigan's river structure provides ideal habitat for lake trout, making Stanwood waters a premier destination for anglers seeking this prized species.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter includes a heated 18/60 custom jet boat or drift boat, all fishing equipment, and expert guidance from Matt Brejcha. The 4-hour morning trip starts early to take advantage of prime feeding times, with capacity for two anglers plus an optional third. The heated boat ensures comfort during cooler months while you learn local techniques and work the most productive river sections. Safety equipment and hands-on instruction are provided, making this an ideal choice for both experienced anglers and those new to Michigan river fishing.
Fishing in Michigan: Lake Trout
Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) represent the largest member of the char family within the Salmonidae family and Salmoniformes order. These impressive fish display distinctive grey to green coloring with lighter bellies and characteristic yellow to cream colored markings across their bodies and fins. In Stanwood waters this September, lake trout provide exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers targeting Michigan's premier cold-water species.
Lake Trout Overview
Lake trout are prized gamefish known for their powerful fights and impressive size potential. These cold-water specialists prefer deep, oxygen-rich environments and are considered slow-growing fish that mature late in life with relatively low reproductive rates compared to other gamefish species. Their predatory nature and strong fighting ability make them a favorite target for serious anglers.
Lake Trout Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in cold, deep waters throughout the Great Lakes region and connected river systems. In Michigan, lake trout inhabit both large lakes and the deeper pools of connecting rivers, particularly during seasonal migrations. They prefer water temperatures below 60°F and require high oxygen levels, making Michigan's pristine river systems ideal habitat.
Lake Trout Size and Weight
Adult lake trout typically range from 25 to 59 inches in length, with weights commonly between 5 and 15 pounds. Trophy specimens can exceed these ranges significantly, with some Michigan waters producing fish over 20 pounds. Their slow growth rate means larger fish represent many years of survival and feeding.
Lake Trout Diet and Behavior
Lake trout are opportunistic predators feeding on smaller fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. They often hunt in deeper water during daylight hours and may move to shallower areas during low-light periods. Their feeding behavior makes them excellent targets for drift fishing and bottom bouncing techniques, especially near current breaks and structure.
Lake Trout Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in fall when water temperatures drop, typically over rocky substrates in deeper water. During this period, lake trout become more active and aggressive, making fall an excellent time for targeting them in Michigan rivers. The cooler September and October temperatures trigger increased feeding behavior.
Lake Trout Fishing Techniques
Effective methods include drift fishing with live bait, bottom bouncing with heavy jigs, and trolling with spoons or plugs. In river systems, focus on deeper pools, current breaks, and areas with rocky structure. In September, anglers around Stanwood find success using spinner rigs and drift fishing techniques near underwater ledges and drop-offs where these fish ambush prey.
Lake Trout Is It Good to Eat?
Lake trout offer excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat and a mild flavor. The flesh is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it both delicious and nutritious. Popular cooking methods include grilling, baking, and smoking, with the firm texture holding up well to various preparation styles.
Lake Trout Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for lake trout?
A: Live minnows, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs work well, along with spoons, jigs, and spinner rigs. In rivers, drift fishing with natural baits near structure produces consistent results.
Q: Where can I find lake trout near Stanwood?
A: Focus on deeper river pools, current breaks, and areas with rocky structure. Lake trout prefer cooler water and often hold in the deepest available areas during warmer periods.
Q: Is lake trout good to eat?
A: Yes, lake trout provide excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat and mild flavor. They're rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making them both tasty and nutritious.
Q: When is the best time to catch lake trout?
A: Fall months like September and October are prime time when cooler water temperatures trigger increased activity and feeding behavior, making them more aggressive and easier to target.
More species you can explore on this trip
On Target Fishing Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Our heated 18/60 custom jet boat handles Michigan rivers with ease, keeping you comfortable during those crisp fall mornings when the fishing is hot. The shallow draft design lets us access prime spots other boats can't reach, while the reliable jet drive navigates current breaks and structure where lake trout, brown trout, and Chinook salmon hold. With seating for up to three anglers and plenty of storage for gear, this boat is built for serious river fishing. The onboard heater makes all the difference when you're drift fishing in cooler weather, letting you focus on the action instead of staying warm. Perfect for working those deeper pools and current seams where the big fish lurk.
