Kenosha fishing charters have the highest catch-per-hour rate in Wisconsin according to Kenosha Charter Boat Association. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, this beautiful city is widely recognized as the “Trout and Salmon Capital of Wisconsin.”

The city was originally known as Pike Creek and was later renamed to Southport. It then became “Kenosha,” which means “Northern Pike” in Potawatomi Indian. Safe to say, this is a town that revolves around the water — and the fish inside it.

Kenosha is not only a goldmine of crème de la crème freshwater species. It’s famous for summer music festivals, amazing restaurants with fantastic cuisine, and a myriad of outdoor activities. When you think about fishing in Wisconsin, give Kenosha a try. You will surely blow your mind!

Any Kenosha fishing charter starts and ends on Lake Michigan. The waters of this Great Lake are home to a large variety of fish species that can satisfy your angling wishes. Kenosha’s fishing menu includes Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Lake Trout to name a few.

The season opens with Coho Salmon running from the warmer waters south to the lake. If you book a trip out of Kenosha this time of year, you can easily opt for a mixed bag of young Cohos, Brownies, Lakers, and Steelhead. If you are lucky enough, you can hook into a 30-pound King that are patrolling the shoreline. 

Come summer, and every Kenosha charter captain and Lake Michigan guide begins catching stable numbers of large Cohos, Lake Trout, Kings, and Steelhead. As the temperature rises, you can head further from the shoreline to Lake Michigan’s “hills.” It’s right there in the valleys of the hills where big and mature Salmon hang out in deep cool waters. Those Salmon can easily weigh somewhere from 16 to 35 pounds.

The season reaches its peak in August when large Coho and Chinook Salmon roam the waters in their full force. But it’s not only about late summer Kings - Steelhead, Brownies, and Lake Trout are biting heavily as well. July and August are considered to be the busiest months of the season for the local captains and guides.

Naturally, Salmon fishing Wisconsin-style doesn’t end in summer. Fall fishing on Lake Michigan is all about bigger fish and bigger challenges. The waves are high and the water begins to cool down, which attract Salmon. The spawning Cohos are gathering in the colder shallow waters close to shore, ready for the run upstream. You can get your hands on mature Kings, Lake Trout, Brownies, Chinooks, and Steelhead within just a mile from shore.

Wrapping up the season in October, you will be targeting King Salmon in the deeper waters offshore, along with Steelhead and Lakers. Brown Trout are also found nearshore throughout the fall.

Kenosha fishing charters use light and heavy tackle for better results. Trolling is the most popular method. Miles and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline provide great opportunities to spread your lines.

As you drift past the harbor, you will be able to enjoy the sun breaking through the clouds, the spectacular shoreline, and beautiful waters. While your captain focuses on finding fish, you will be able to get yourself ready for a rod-bending adventure.

Salmon are ferocious fighters and will jump and leap until one of you gives up. Cohos are arguably the most aggressive Salmon on Lake Michigan and, having no fear of the boats, love to take lures. In the spring and summer months, your guide will take you fishing the upper 20’ of water with planer boards, dipsy divers, or downriggers. Your bonus to the feisty Cohos on those trips will be Lakers and Kings.

When targeting Coho Salmon, you will most likely use bright colors, although those fish are not picky.

Trout fishing on Kenosha’s Lake Michigan is also done by trolling. Depending on the season, your guide will be using different trolling speed and types of lures. As a Great Lake troller, he will definitely know which style is better!

Wisconsin ice-fishing trips on the shores of Lake Michigan are a great idea for a winter morning. Find yourself the right guide and head to the Harbor for Brown Trout.

If you want to fish from a pier, go to the Inner Harbor. Cast spoons, lures, and jigs and fish with bait under bobbers. You will mainly be targeting Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout anytime from November through April. Ice fishing is also available when the waters are frozen.

Anyone who is 16 years of age or older needs to obtain a valid fishing license prior to the trip. You can purchase it online.