Rods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
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Lakes & Reservoirs
Spin, Cast & Bait
Lake Michigan (Grand Haven) Fishing Guide
Michigan
Lake Michigan off Grand Haven, where the DNR lists Chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, and steelhead as summer targets.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Michigan (Grand Haven) for lake trout, steelhead, chinook salmon and coho salmon. October is off-peak for the main species here. There are 5 shops within 25 miles; the closest is Lakeview Marine & Tackle in Grand Haven, about 2 mi away. Pere Marquette River is also nearby if you want to make a trip of it.
Season at a Glance
Lake Trout
Steelhead
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
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What You'll Catch
Lake Michigan (Grand Haven) Species
Lake Trout
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Jun to Aug
Steelhead
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Jun to Aug
Chinook Salmon
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Jun to Aug
Coho Salmon
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Jun to Aug
Images: Timothy Knepp, USFWS; USFWS; Michael Humling, USFWS. Public domain.
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
2 picks for October.
Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Lake Trout · Jigged deep.
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Lake Trout · Shallow after ice-out.
Shop This Lure
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Lake Trout
Fly 8 to 9 wt rod with a full-sink line when fish are shallow after ice-out.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20 to 30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader, or downrigger trolling gear.
Steelhead
Fly 11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.
Chinook Salmon
Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.
Coho Salmon
Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Lake Michigan (Grand Haven)
Spinners
Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner
A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.
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Acme Kastmaster Spoon
A dense spoon that casts a mile and flutters on the fall.
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Within 25 Miles
Shops Near Lake Michigan (Grand Haven)
Within 25 Miles
Guides and Charters Near Lake Michigan (Grand Haven)
Charter
Legacy Charters of Grand Haven
Grand Haven, Michigan· Under 1 mi
18275 Berwyck St Dock D-9 269-420-7068
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Rivers & Streams · Michigan
Pere Marquette River
A wild, free-flowing river with salmon in fall, steelhead in winter and spring, and resident browns.
Steelhead · Chinook Salmon · Brown Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan · About 67 mi
Lake Michigan (St. Joseph)
Lake Michigan off St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, where the DNR lists salmon and steelhead through most of the year and yellow perch in summer and fall.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Steelhead