We are planning a trip to lake Michigan, probably portage Indiana area, idiana dunes state park. still early in the planning. Cam just wants to fish, any good charters that any one knows of that area? Hows the fishing early August?

Couple years ago we stayed at a place in new buffalo Michigan. And went to dunes state park. I was not impressed. On lake saw very few fishing boats. I could not find a guide service on that side of lake.. saw a few locals fishing but was unable to talk to them. Could not find anything around. Hope the locals help as I just enjoyed family and watched grandkids. Swim in rented pool. Which was nice but you have to know the women I raised and live with. They never plan. Kind of
the reason I never got hearing aids. Glad you’re planning and good luck. Would have to say it’s real nice country though and a lot of friendly locals. In your search if you find a guide service on PM me. I would like to know if you have better luck than me. Maybe I just missed the boat. One of the few vacations I been on that I never got my line wet good luck. If I remember correctly we went in July or August

Haven’t been for a few years but august was when we went it was slow but caught fish. They said it was too late for steelheads but that’s what I caught so it is what it is and don’t remember the outfit

Here's my disclaimer----I havent been on the Big Lake in awhile and things change so the following might not be accurate at the moment. But historically the charters start chasing the fish in those southern harbors this time of year and move north as season progresses and depending on species, etc

If I was going to get a charter I would go to "Best Chance" out of Saugatuck. At one time Dave had won more fishing tournaments on the Lake than anyone and the boys grew up on the boats. As a side plus, back in the day the family was comprised of some of the better trappers in the area.

late august Manitowoc , two rivers , Kewanee or north up the peninsula would be a good place to look.

but I only know the WI side.

If you look at GCP's post, those northern ports on the other side of the Lake start around Ludington and will run you up thru Manistee, Traverse, Charlevoix, Petosky

One thing that is almost always true---if you want a particular date in the future out of a particular port or charter service, you need to be looking sooner rather than later. Lots of dates are booked up a year out from regulars

It’s been a long time but if I went out on the lake it would be in the spring. If I wanted to fish that time of the year I’d find a guide to take me on Trail Creek in Michigan City which is right next to the Dunes State Park.

Thanks, guys.

Michigan city off Google search had a few different charters, not sure ifbthey will be in that area come August. Its something I just need to call around and see if they are, what would be running, and maybe even book.