Jim Hirt

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/24/09

By Capt. Jim Hirt

West wind has not changed the fish location or attitude. A lot of cold water has moved the fish high in the water column. Shore, gap and near shore action for pier and small boat anglers remains steady and consistent. Anglers are enjoying some big Chinook with all sizes and species active. Most presentations are working magnum spoons have been best. This father and son duo of Jack and Tom Hansen were excited to land this 18 pound 4 ounce Chinook on a Reaper Magnum Big Joe Silver spoon.

Patterns and program for the harbor and gaps.

The areas around the harbor break walls and gaps have been most productive at first and last light of the day. Magnum spoons trolled or jigged are working. Shore anglers are getting fish with Vulcan regular size Glow spoons before sunrise or live bait.

Patterns and program 30 to 60 feet

The temperature break to 42 degrees is at 20 feet down in most areas. The deepest we have caught fish is 40 feet down with the majority of our fish coming above 25 feet. I start off the main gap in 40 feet of water and work northeast. The last couple of days I have seen more 4-year-old Chinooks gathering for their run up the river.

You will find action on mostly Chinooks with two, three and five color leadcore with Badger Tackle Vulcan and Reaper Magnum spoons. Downriggers or leadcores 10 to 40 down are taking all size Chinooks big Coho, Browns and Lake Trout. I use Church Walleye Planner Boards for all my lead cores.

Some of our best producing spoons have been Vulcan Magnum Silver Lizard, Magnum Silver Sky, Reaper Magnum Peacock Silver, and Magnum Fish n Chip. For small spoons the Vulcan Dolphin Green Silver and combinations of silver spoons with green or blue accent colors. Run the boat speed at 1.6 to 2.1 MPH. Vulcans, Nestor Wobblers and Reapers are sold only on the web at http://www.badgertackle.com Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2009, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Fish Species: Chinooks
Bait Used:
Tackle Used:
Method Used:
Water Depth:
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:



Do you want to leave a comment? Login or register now to leave a comment.


No comments so far

Jim Hirt

About The Author: Captain Jim Hirt

Company: Blue Max Charters

Area Reporting: Lake Michigan Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bio: Please allow Captain Jim and his wife Anita, to entertain you and your guests with exciting Lake Michigan fishing or a relaxing cruise. We have over twenty years on the water experience and we will make every effort to provide a safe and enjoyable trip. Let us know if you require special accomodations so we can provide the services you need. We enjoy hearing your feedback. Please contact us via phone or email with your comments, questions or concerns. The captain is Coast Guard and state of Wisconsin licensed and insured.

414-828-1094
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Jim Hirt