Species Spotlight-Chinook (King) Salmon

There’s nothing quite like the rush of battling a King Salmon on Lake Michigan — and when you’re launching out of North Point Marina with Storm Force Sportfishing, you’re putting yourself right in the heart of some of the most exciting freshwater fishing in the Midwest.

Located in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, just a short drive from Chicago and Milwaukee, North Point Marina is the largest marina on the Great Lakes. But more importantly for anglers, it’s a prime launching spot for reaching deep, productive waters quickly — especially during the late summer King Salmon run.

Meet the Target: King Salmon

King Salmon, also known as Chinook, are the undisputed heavyweights of Lake Michigan. These fish routinely push past 20 pounds, with some topping 30 or even 35. They’re aggressive, powerful, and fast — testing both gear and anglers in explosive battles that can last 10 to 30 minutes or more.

As the water cools in late summer and early fall, mature Kings start to stage near river mouths like the nearby Waukegan and Kenosha tributaries, preparing for their annual spawning run. This puts them within easy reach of Storm Force Sportfishing’s boats — and right in the strike zone for anglers looking to hook into something legendary.

Storm Force Sportfishing: Serious About the Catch

With Storm Force Sportfishing, you’re not just getting on a boat — you’re getting on board with one of the most experienced, professional charter crews on Lake Michigan. Their team is made up of a seasoned captain who knows the water, the patterns, and the fish.

Every trip is fine-tuned for success: from state-of-the-art electronics and fish-finding sonar, to top-quality rods, reels, and tackle. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, the crew works hard to give you the best shot at filling the cooler — and landing the fish of a lifetime.

And since they run out of North Point Marina, one of the best-kept and most accessible ports on the lake, you’re on the fish faster, with less time traveling and more time fishing.

The Fishing Experience

A typical King Salmon trip with Storm Force starts early. The sun’s just peeking over the horizon as the boat motors out into deeper water, rods rigged with spoons, flies, or meat rigs behind downriggers and planer boards. The anticipation is real — and it doesn’t take long.

When a King hits, you’ll know. The rod slams down, the drag screams, and the fight is on. These fish don’t give up easily — they’ll run deep, shake their heads, and dive under the boat in long, heart-pounding battles. It’s equal parts strength, strategy, and luck.

The crew is there every step of the way — coaching, netting, and making sure every hookup turns into a successful catch.

Why North Point Marina?

North Point Marina is the ideal home base for salmon fishing in northern Illinois. Its location puts you close to both shallow staging areas and deeper offshore structure, giving you options depending on the day’s conditions. Plus, the marina itself is clean, well-maintained, and offers plenty of parking, restrooms, and fish cleaning stations.

For visitors, there are local dining options, accommodations, and easy access from major highways — making it a smooth experience from dock to dinner table.

When to Go

The prime time for King Salmon fishing runs from late June through August , when the biggest fish are staging near shore. Earlier in the season, you can also catch lake trout, steelhead, and coho — but the big Kings are the true stars of late summer.

Booking in advance with Storm Force is strongly recommended during this time — especially for weekends, as word gets around quickly when the bite is hot.

What to Bring

Storm Force Sportfishing supplies all rods, reels, bait, and tackle, as well as safety gear — but you’ll want to bring:

• A valid Illinois fishing license with a Lake Michigan Salmon/Trout stamp

• Weather-appropriate clothing (early mornings can be chilly, even in August)

• Snacks and drinks (coolers welcome, just no glass)

• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen

• A cooler for your cleaned and bagged catch

Reel in the Memory

If you’re ready for a real freshwater adventure, few things compare to hooking into a King Salmon on Lake Michigan. With Storm Force Sportfishing out of North Point Marina, you’re not just taking a fishing trip — you’re stepping into one of the best salmon fisheries in the country, with pros who know how to put you on the fish.

So whether you’re checking off a bucket-list catch or just looking to fill the freezer with fresh fillets, grab your gear, call your crew, and get ready — the Kings are waiting.