AU TRAIN FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Big Reef: An All‑Day Lake Trout Pursuit off Au Train
A 9-hour charter on Lake Superior’s Big Reef that targets master-angler lake trout, offers professional fillet service, and rewards photographers with Great Lakes scenery.
Big Reef: An All‑Day Lake Trout Pursuit off Au Train.
The Big Reef trip from Au Train is an action-packed, all‑day fishing charter engineered around one of the Great Lakes’ most productive trout fisheries — a day that combines long runs across deep water with sustained fishing for master‑angler lake trout and on‑shore filleting when you return.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Master‑angler Lake Trout
This trip targets trophy lake trout on a world‑class fishery, with a high chance of multiple master‑angler‑sized fish and the expectation of a heavy cooler by day’s end.
Crossing the Deep Basin
On the transit out you’ll cross the deepest part of the Great Lakes — down to 1,333 feet — and there are repeated photo opportunities of open water and the shifting light that frames the day.
Filleting and Care for Your Catch
After shorefall the captain provides professional fillet services and ice is available for transport; guests should plan to bring a cooler and ziplock bags to preserve fillets for the trip home.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Expect a full, 9‑hour day that moves from a quiet departure through a long transit across very deep water to concentrated, all‑day fishing on the Big Reef. The rhythm is steady: set lines, work productive depths for lake trout, and return to shore for professional filleting and packing — a simple, focused itinerary built around catching and caring for fish.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a Michigan fishing license if you are 17 or older, warm layered clothing, sunglasses, a hat, soft‑soled shoes, food and drinks, and a cooler plus ziplock bags for fillets. All fishing equipment is provided but you may bring your own rod.
This is a 9‑hour charter — plan for a full day on the water.
The captain will professionally fillet your catch after returning to shore; ice is available for transport so bring a cooler and plan how you’ll store meat at home.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The charter runs 9 hours.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes — anyone 17 and over must have a Michigan fishing license; you can purchase a seasonal or 1‑day license through the Michigan DNR e‑license page.
Is equipment provided?
All fishing equipment is provided, though guests are welcome to bring their own rods.
Will my fish be processed?
Yes — the captain will professionally fillet your fish after reaching shore and ice is available for transport; bring a cooler and ziplock bags for packing fillets.
What should I bring for comfort and safety?
Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, soft‑soled shoes, food and drinks, and a cooler for your catch.
How deep is the water on the trip?
The route crosses the deepest part of the Great Lakes, reaching depths around 1,333 feet.