Frankfort Fishing Charters - Lake Michigan
Fishing out of Frankfort, Michigan, is renowned for its productive waters, especially on Lake Michigan, where anglers target a variety of species throughout the year. Here’s a detailed look at what makes fishing in Frankfort special:
1. Key Species
• Chinook (King) Salmon: Frankfort is one of the top destinations for catching Chinook salmon. The peak season typically runs from late July through September as the salmon begin their pre-spawn migration toward the Betsie River. These fish can weigh over 20 pounds, providing an exhilarating fight.
• Coho Salmon: Alongside the kings, coho salmon are abundant, particularly in late summer and early fall.
• Lake Trout: Available almost year-round, lake trout are a staple of the Frankfort fishery. They’re often caught in deeper waters, especially in the summer months.
• Steelhead (Rainbow Trout): Steelhead fishing is great in the spring and fall as these acrobatic fish are often found near the surface.
• Brown Trout: Spring is an excellent time for brown trout near Frankfort, often targeted near the shoreline or river mouths.
2. Tactics and Techniques
• Trolling: The most common method out of Frankfort, trolling involves using downriggers, lead-core lines, and divers to present spoons, plugs, and flashers with flies at various depths. This is especially effective for targeting salmon and trout in deeper waters.
• Pier Fishing: Frankfort’s large breakwater piers also offer productive fishing, particularly for anglers casting spoons for salmon during their migration.
• Inshore Fishing: In spring, browns and lake trout can be caught in shallow waters near the shoreline, making for an exciting fishery before the water warms and the fish move deeper.
3. Seasonal Patterns
• Spring (April-June): Brown trout and lake trout are common early in the season when the water is still cool. Steelhead can also be found moving through the area.
• Summer (July-August): This is prime time for targeting King salmon and lake trout. The deeper water fishing is at its peak, with salmon staging for their spawning runs.
• Fall (September-October): Coho and Chinook salmon dominate the fishery as they gather in Frankfort before heading to the Betsie River. This is also when anglers start seeing more steelhead in the mix.
• Winter: Ice fishing becomes popular in nearby inland lakes, but Lake Michigan fishing slows down due to harsher conditions.
4. Fishing Charters
Frankfort is a hub for charter fishing, with many experienced captains offering trips for anglers of all skill levels. These charters are equipped with the gear and local knowledge to put you on fish, whether it’s targeting salmon, lake trout, or steelhead.
5. The Betsie River
The Betsie River flows into Lake Michigan near Frankfort and offers great fishing opportunities, especially for salmon and steelhead in the fall and early spring. Anglers often wade or use drift boats to fish this productive river.
6. Scenery and Experience
Frankfort’s picturesque harbor, charming downtown, and access to Lake Michigan make it a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re fishing on a boat or from the piers, the combination of great fishing and beautiful views adds to the experience.
Have you had some good trips out of Frankfort yourself?
1. Key Species
• Chinook (King) Salmon: Frankfort is one of the top destinations for catching Chinook salmon. The peak season typically runs from late July through September as the salmon begin their pre-spawn migration toward the Betsie River. These fish can weigh over 20 pounds, providing an exhilarating fight.
• Coho Salmon: Alongside the kings, coho salmon are abundant, particularly in late summer and early fall.
• Lake Trout: Available almost year-round, lake trout are a staple of the Frankfort fishery. They’re often caught in deeper waters, especially in the summer months.
• Steelhead (Rainbow Trout): Steelhead fishing is great in the spring and fall as these acrobatic fish are often found near the surface.
• Brown Trout: Spring is an excellent time for brown trout near Frankfort, often targeted near the shoreline or river mouths.
2. Tactics and Techniques
• Trolling: The most common method out of Frankfort, trolling involves using downriggers, lead-core lines, and divers to present spoons, plugs, and flashers with flies at various depths. This is especially effective for targeting salmon and trout in deeper waters.
• Pier Fishing: Frankfort’s large breakwater piers also offer productive fishing, particularly for anglers casting spoons for salmon during their migration.
• Inshore Fishing: In spring, browns and lake trout can be caught in shallow waters near the shoreline, making for an exciting fishery before the water warms and the fish move deeper.
3. Seasonal Patterns
• Spring (April-June): Brown trout and lake trout are common early in the season when the water is still cool. Steelhead can also be found moving through the area.
• Summer (July-August): This is prime time for targeting King salmon and lake trout. The deeper water fishing is at its peak, with salmon staging for their spawning runs.
• Fall (September-October): Coho and Chinook salmon dominate the fishery as they gather in Frankfort before heading to the Betsie River. This is also when anglers start seeing more steelhead in the mix.
• Winter: Ice fishing becomes popular in nearby inland lakes, but Lake Michigan fishing slows down due to harsher conditions.
4. Fishing Charters
Frankfort is a hub for charter fishing, with many experienced captains offering trips for anglers of all skill levels. These charters are equipped with the gear and local knowledge to put you on fish, whether it’s targeting salmon, lake trout, or steelhead.
5. The Betsie River
The Betsie River flows into Lake Michigan near Frankfort and offers great fishing opportunities, especially for salmon and steelhead in the fall and early spring. Anglers often wade or use drift boats to fish this productive river.
6. Scenery and Experience
Frankfort’s picturesque harbor, charming downtown, and access to Lake Michigan make it a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re fishing on a boat or from the piers, the combination of great fishing and beautiful views adds to the experience.
Have you had some good trips out of Frankfort yourself?
2022 Hewescraft Ocean Pro 220
250 Suzuki Motor 9.9 Suzuki Kicker 112 Lb Thrust Terrova Trolling Motor Cannon Downriggers Equipped with the latest Electronics Bench Seats Full enclosure for those cold days Buddy Heater Fish Species Available:
June: June is a great time of year because the boat pressure is not bad. Lake Trout are everywhere and Kings can be found, sometimes in really good numbers. Steelhead are also around. July: This time of the year is great for multi species fish. There is a large amount Lake Trout in shallow water. Mid to late July we start seeing more Kings. Species available are King Salmon, Steelhead and Lake Trout. August: This time of year is when the biggest fish of the year are caught. Coho fishing also gets better as August progresses as the fish head up to Platte Bay. We intercept them coming home to spawn in the rivers. Species available are Kings Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Lake trout and Brown trout. September: As fishing pressure decreases, there is still a lot of great fishing to be had when we can get out between weather fronts. The kings continue to come home and the fishing around the Frankfort Piers can be awesome. The cohos continue to stack up in Platte bay. October: As fall sets in the fish put on the feed bag. All the adult fish have headed up there home river. We start to target the steelhead and the young salmon. This time of the year can be very good fishing depending on the year. Trip Times
All trip times are from dock to dock. Trips leave at 5 - 6 Am and 4:30 - 5 PM June and July trips do have a mid day trip available after the morning trip. Trips start June 3 and run til the end of October when ever Captain decides to pull the boat. Fall Trips depend on your date that you book and low light times. Custom Trips are available upon request. Want to go for a boat ride but don't want to fish? View the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes from the water. *Although tips are not necessary, they are very much appreciated and help us get through the winter months. Rescheduling and Cancellations I require a $100 dollar deposit on all trips. If you need to cancel the date 30 or more days before the trip, we will try to work on another date. If that is not possible, I will refund your money. If for any reason a trip needs to be cancelled within 15 days, your deposit will be put towards a future trip or it will be forfeited. If for any reason, weather related we can not go fishing, I will refund all your money. Payment for full trip is required before we leave the slip. We accept cash or checks. |