RESERVATIONS

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Brown Trout

Identification: The interior of the mouth is entirely white. Lake run brown trout usually are silver, just like coho. However, once out of the water the typical large round spots, accented by a light colored hollow, begin to show. Normally the anal fin has only 9-10 rays, which separate it from other trout and salmon with the exception of the occasionally caught Atlantic salmon.

Habitats: In the Great Lakes brown trout are near-shore fish and are taken by shallow water trolling, surf casting or pier fishing. Usually brown trout in the Great Lakes are plumper than their inland lake and stream counterparts (similar to football shape) because of the super abundance of forage in the Great Lakes.

RESERVATIONS

Lake Trout

Identification: Color pattern is mostly gray above and white below with creamy white mottling on the back, grading to spots on the side – no red or pink. The tail is distinctly forked.

Habitats: Preeminently a deep-water and cold-water fish. In spring and during fall spawning season, when water is still very cold, lake trout may be taken in lake edge shallows. They too will run up rivers in the fall, and become quite accessible to anglers below the large dams which block and concentrate the runs. Summer and winter, they are taken by trolling and still fishing or “bobbing” in 50 to 200 feet of water. Large inland lakes near the Great Lakes are also likely sites. Some large lakes, well inland, maintain populations with annual plantings.

RESERVATIONS

Steelhead (Rainbow Trout)

Identification: The interior of the mouth is white, unlike either coho or Chinook. Also, the entire tail area is potted. Cheek plates and sometimes a line along the side are a rosy pink. Normally, the anal fin has 10-12 rays.

Habitats: Steelhead spawn in the spring, as early as March, but they begin entering the spawning streams as early as the preceding September. A recently introduced summer-run strain of steelhead may enter the streams in mid-summer. Special early and late seasons are held to take advantage of these runs. Stream fishing is prime in October, November, March and April. In late spring and summer, steelhead can be found in big water, usually within a mile of shore at depths of less than 50 feet.

RESERVATIONS

Coho (Silver Salmon)

Identification: Tail spots are concentrated on the top of the tail. The interior of the mouth is usually gray or black, but the gums are whitish. The anal fin usually has 12 to 15 rays. Also, while on the line, coho often roll sideways, many times entangling themselves in the tackle.

Habitats: In spring and summer, coho can be found in open waters near concentrations of alewives or smelt – usually within 10 miles of shore in the upper 20 to 40 feet. In August and September, they concentrate in schools near mouths of the parent streams. Sometime in September, they begin ascending the spawning streams in waves.

RESERVATIONS

Chinook (King Salmon)

Identification: Best identifying characteristic is teeth set in black gums. The base of the tail flares like the handle of a canoe paddle, offering the angler a grip sufficient to lift the fish. Like the coho, the interior of the mouth will also be gray or black. Tail spots are usually restricted to the top half of the tail, but may also appear on the lower half. The anal fin usually has 15 to 17 rays. Chinook do not jump and roll as much as coho, but have tremendous power and make long reel-screaming runs.

Habitats: Open-water fishing is the best in spring and summer, as with coho. Migration to parent streams begin in late summer, with heavy concentration at stream mouths. Stream fishing peaks sometime in September, at the onset of spawning runs.

RESERVATIONS
What Our Clients Say
Matt Brueggeman
Matt Brueggeman
3 months ago
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Awesome fishing with Capt. Nick. He knew exactly where to go and we had a fish on before we even got all the lines in the water. I'd highly recommend booking, we caught so many fish it was less expensive than buying it from the grocery store.
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Tohru Oyasu
Tohru Oyasu
3 months ago
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We had a great time fishing with Captain Nick and will definitely be using his services again!
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Jared Maloney
Jared Maloney
3 months ago
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Just got back from a trip with Nick from SpendThrift. It couldn’t have gone better! Every singe aspect of the charter was top notch. All 6 of my group caught our limit of two large lake trout. We’re now planning to charter with spend thrift every year!
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Benjamin Hiett
Benjamin Hiett
3 months ago
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Professional service, clean boat, knowledgeable captain, constant fishing action, pure satisfaction. Spendthrift Charters - Best on the north shore.
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Ryan Ngo
Ryan Ngo
4 months ago
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My family have so much fun. And they know what they doing they so good at what they do. We plan to go again in May
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Michael Lombardi
Michael Lombardi
4 months ago
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Had a great time. Scott & Mike are super personable, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I’ll definitely be back!
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Marcy Firs
Marcy Firs
4 months ago
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Fantastic trip! Crew was great! Very nice and knowledgeable. Caught some nice big fish. Definitely, would highly recommend this charter!
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Ryan Ostrander
Ryan Ostrander
4 months ago
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Had a great time with Scott and Nick. Got the biggest fish I’ve ever caught on this trip. Will definitely be coming back.
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K. K.
K. K.
5 months ago
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Wow! What an incredible day today! Nick and Jeff were absolutely amazing! They stayed in communication with me the entire planning of the trip. They put us on fish almost immediately! I will most definitely be coming back and fishing with these guys in the future. Thanks again to you guys and your hospitality!
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Mark Smith
Mark Smith
5 months ago
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We had an incredible 2 day experience on a Spendthrift charter fishing boat and I can't recommend it enough. Nick and Jeff were knowledgeable and friendly, making sure everyone felt comfortable and confident on the boat. The boat was well-maintained and comfortable for our 2 days on the water. We quickly caught our limit on both days and landed huge salmon and trout. Overall, it was a memorable two days on the water, and I highly recommend Spendthrift for anyone looking to enjoy a top-quality fishing adventure on Lake Michigan.
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Johnny Jimenez
Johnny Jimenez
5 months ago
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Super dope experience thank you nick & jeff!
Davoud Khorzad
Davoud Khorzad
5 months ago
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Had a great time with Nick and Scott. Very professional and knowledgeable. Plus great guys to spend a morning with. To top it all off we caught a lot of fish. Already thinking of my next trip out. Thanks
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Nik
Nik
5 months ago
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10/10 experience! Nick and Scott put us on right away, and we nearly tagged out! Highly recommend, the staff are highly knowledgeable and determined to make sure everyone gets a fish. Will be coming back!
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Jolynne Litzenberger
Jolynne Litzenberger
5 months ago
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The easiest first time experience ever due to Capt. Nick and crew mate Jeff making everything so easy and seamless. Beautiful day on the lake. Capt. Nick knew exactly where to take my husband and I and we caught the quota with no problems. If you are looking for a team to bring it in.....look no farther!!.
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Welcome to Spendthrift Charters!

Frequently called the "Best Chicago Fishing Charters" in Chicagoland and proudly serving the Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois areas for over 40 years, Captain Jerry Nied has been chartering the finest of fishing trips. Spendthrift Charters is one of the largest fishing charter fishing vessels available on Lake Michigan today. We currently have three 39-ft Tiara ships to satisfy every fishing need, no matter the size of the group. Captain Jerry is a full time U.S. Coast Guard and licensed captain. Fishing charters are available 7 days a week. Call now for the next available Chicago fishing charter departure time!

Mail: 1091 West Dearborn Ln. Vernon Hills, IL. 60061

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