Family, Friends, Fishing and Manistee Kings - July 28th, 2024 Lake Michigan Fishing Report

Family, Friends, and Unforgettable Manistee Kings

Some trips just hit different, and this Lake Michigan salmon fishing adventure was pure magic from start to finish. With perfect weather conditions and steady winds off Manistee, we ran the same successful program as the previous day. Why fix what isn't broken when you're landing kings left and right? Here's a throwback report from last year to give you more insights into what to expect this season!

Early Morning Salmon Action on Lake Michigan

The kings didn't make us wait. Before we could even set all our lines for our Lake Michigan fishing charter, the rods started firing. By 6:06 AM, we had five fish on at the back of the boat, and the energy was off the charts! This kind of fast-paced action is what makes Manistee one of the premier salmon fishing destinations on the Great Lakes.

A First-Timer's Dream Come True

The absolute highlight? Watching my grandpa - who had never been salmon fishing before - light up as chrome-bright kings came flopping over the transom one after another. The look on his face was priceless. Pure joy, awe, and maybe just a hint of "what the heck did I just get into?" These are the moments that make guiding fishing charters so rewarding.

We stacked the floor boxes with beautiful kings and sent everyone home grinning ear to ear, coolers packed full of salmon ready for the grill and the smoker.

When Plans Change, Adventure Follows

Here's a funny twist to this fishing story: Only one person from the original group ended up making it. But cancel the trip? Not a chance. He looked at me dead serious and said, "I'm going fishing. Canceling isn't in my vocabulary."

Respect.

So, we rallied the troops - called in my grandpa, dad, and a close family friend - and somehow everything lined up perfectly. This was literally the only weekend I had open on my calendar, and it turned into one of those trips you talk about for years.

And yes, we absolutely sent pictures to the guys who bailed… just to rub it in a little. 😏

Proven Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing Techniques

What Was Working on July 28th:

Here's the exact setup that had these Manistee kings on lock down:

• Location: Made a run further south and set up for a north troll

• Depth: Targeted 100-120 feet of water and set our baits based on the marks

• Presentation:

  • Moonshine spoons (absolute fire for summer kings)

  • Silver Hoard/Ace-hi plugs

  • Dreamweaver flasher flies

This combination has been consistently producing limits throughout July in the Manistee area. For more details on seasonal patterns, check out the Michigan DNR's salmon fishing guide or explore Great Lakes fishing reports for real-time updates.

Book Your Lake Michigan Salmon Adventure

Days like this are what Lake Michigan fishing is all about - unforgettable mornings, unbeatable crews, and incredibly special memories with first-time salmon anglers. Whether you're an experienced angler or looking to create your own first-time salmon story, check out our latest fishing reports to stay updated on current conditions.

Ready to experience the thrill of Lake Michigan salmon fishing for yourself? Book your charter today and let's create some memories on the water!