Manistee Fishing Guides

Take a trip out with Captain George and experience the great freshwater fishing that Lake Michigan has to offer! Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth-largest lake in the world, with just over 22,000 square miles of surface area. It's a top freshwater sportfishing destination, but with so much water and low-to-moderate fishing pressure, there's no better place to bag a big one! On this trip, you'll primarily be trolling to attract big Salmon, which love to whack fast-moving baits and lures. When these powerful fish hit the hook, you'll feel it! Salmon are great fighters that will really test your strength, stamina, and skills—so bring your A-game! In addition, Salmon are excellent table far, whether you choose to throw them on the grill, pan-sear the fillets, or even try them raw as sushi! Ask Captai George for his favorite recipe, and he'll point you in the right direction. You'll be fishing from the deck of his 21' Ranger bay boat. She's kitted out with all the equipment necessary for a great day of fishing, including twin Mercury Verado 300-HP engines and a covered console to keep you out of the sun when you're not actively fishing. Your captain will bring everything you need for an ideal trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. George will also clean and package all your keepers at the end of the trip. All you need to bring is a fishing license with the appropriate stamps, a cooler with snacks and drinks, proper clothing, sunscreen, and a smile! Get out there and enjoy the clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan with Captain George! Read More

If you've been looking for a top-tier sportfishing trip here on Lake Michigan, you're in the right place! Many people don't know that the Great Lakes are home to some of the biggest, baddest freshwater sportfish in the USA, and there's no better way to hook some up than a trip with Captain Lenny. On this trip, you'll chase big Salmon and Steelhead on trolling gear. Both of these species are a blast for any and all anglers, whether you're aiming for a new personal best, hoping to fill your cooler with keepers, or all of the above! You'll hunt these fish using a variety of baits and lures on trolling gear. All of the Salmonids—the family that includes Salmon and Steelhead—love to hit fast-moving targets, and when one of these fish takes the hook, you'll feel it! Both of these big-time sportfish are known for their fast runs and big jumps, so once that fish takes off, strap in for a fight. Once you're back on the dock, Captain Lenny is happy to clean and bag your keepers for you. Salmon and Steelhead are both excellent eating, whether you choose to throw them on the grill, sear them on the stovetop, or even prepare sushi! Ask Lenny for his favorite recipes. Captain Lenny's 31' boat is built for performance! She sports twin 454.crusader engines to get you moving fast, and has an enclosed console to keep you out of the wind. This vessel is built to cut smoothly through choppy lakewater, so you should be trolling with the utmost comfort. She also features a full kit of electronics, and a cooler for your keepers. Captain Lenny provides all the equipment needed for a successful day of fishing, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. You should bring food and drinks so you don’t get worn-out, plus appropriate clothing, some sunglasses, and sunscreen. Other than that, Captain Lenny has got you covered! Read More

Get ready for an exciting day of Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan with Captain Fred! Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth-largest lake in the world, with just over 22,000 square miles of surface area. It's loaded with fish, including famous sportfish species such as Steelhead, King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout—all of which you can target on this trip with Captain Fred. These fish are a blast to catch and are even better to cook up with friends and family! Fred captains a 31' Tiara sportfisher custom-built in Michigan. It can comfortably fit up to 6 fishermen, so call some buddies for this trip! She's powered by two 385-HP Crusader engines, so this boat will get you to the fish in a hurry. With outriggers, a GPS navigation system, and fishfinder, Fred's sportfisher is perfect for putting you on the fish and haulin' em' in! As an added bonus the onboard bathroom will keep in you in the action for the entirety of the trip. Fred provides you with all the rods and tackle you will need, but be sure to have your fishing license upon arrival. Be sure to dress accordingly with some rain gear, hat, and sunglasses so you can stay comfortable on the water. The only other thing you'll need is an ice chest to take home your fresh catch! Read More

If you've ever wanted to double-up on freshwater gamefish, this trip with Captain Zach is your ticket! You'll be targeting Smallmouth Bass and Brown Trout on the edges of Lake Michigan, one of the biggest lakes in the world and a beautiful place to enjoy the summer sun. You can chase these fish using a variety of techniques and gear, from classic light tackle to fly gear and centerpins and more. Captain Zach has experience using all these types of gear and is happy to give you some advice no matter how you choose to fish. Your techniques and tackle will also vary depending on whether you're aiming for Smallies or Trout, so you can expect to mix things up quite a bit on this trip. You'll be fishing from the deck of his 18' Blazer jet boat. She's perfect for this type of trip, and is powered by a 60 HP Mercury engine so you can cruise smoothly. Your captain will bring everything you need for an ideal trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Zach is also happy to clean and package your keepers at the end of the trip. All you need to bring is a Michigan fishing license with the appropriate stamps, a cooler with snacks and drinks, proper clothing, sunscreen, and a smile! Get out there and enjoy the clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan with Captain Zach! Read More

If you've been "feeling the itch" and wanting to go chase some monster fish on one of the world's biggest lakes, this trip has your name on it! Captain Steven is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and will put you on big Kings, Cohos, Lake Trout and morecome hell or high water. Captain Steve and his crew always strive to find fish and provide a fantastic charter fishing experience! You'll be going after the fish using mostly trolling techniques. Salmon and Lake Trout hunt at different depths, but both love to hit fast-moving baits and lures! These big fish are great fighters, so bring your strength and stamina on this trip! You'll be fishing off of Captain Steve's 43' Tiara 4300. She's powered by a pair of twin 550-horsepower Detroit diesels and outfitted with state-of-the-art Raymarine electronics. This includes radar, chart plotter, CHIRP down-imaging fish finder, two marine radios and autopilot. We use a combination of both Shimano and Okuma rod and reels, Magnum Metalz downriggers and holders, and a FishHawk speed/temp probe. On the day of your trip you will need to bring a valid Michigan Fishing Licence, a pair of sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen and soft-soled shoes. Captain Steve also recommends you bring any beverages and snacks you'd like to enjoy onboard (cans only), a cooler for your catch (fish cleaning is provided), and multiple layers of clothing (temperatures can fluctuate) as well as rain gear just in case! Get out there and have a blast. Read More

From November to May large numbers of Steelhead migrate from Lake Michigan into a number of rivers along the west coast of Michigan. After spawning in the late spring these fish return to the big lake and repeat the process for 8-10 years. These chrome fish are very aggressive as they have to maintain their bodyweight, and are usually plenty willing to crush an egg fly or spawn sack! Alex and his guides target these magnificent fish on some of the most productive rivers south of Traverse City, Mi with both fly and spinning techniques. Once spring hits and the weather starts to warm we find fish in deep holes, on gravel, and in runs. Customers have success fly fishing with both nymphs and streamers, while spin fisherman use spawn bags and spinners. The weather can be variable this time of year but the exhilaration of landing a beautiful Steelhead makes it worth the effort! A hot lunch is served streamside on full day trips. Please inform your guide of any food allergies or requests. Read More

From the end of August to early October, King and Coho Salmon migrate from Lake Michigan into many rivers along the west coast of Michigan. Captain Alex specializes in targeting these fish with a fly rod on remote upper stretches of the Betsie River and Little Bear Creek south of Traverse City, Michigan. Private access allows us to float stretches of river inaccessible to other fisherman. This results in beautiful, scenic floats where it is common to see more bald eagles than other fisherman. Throw in large numbers of fish and you have the recipe for a great day on the water! ​ Both stretches of river are cleared of large debris early in the season to ensure safe travel downstream. However, they are kept overgrown to promote healthy trout habitat as well as deter other boaters from floating it. For these reasons the boat may have to be pushed over a sandbar, under a log, or through brush... but that just adds to the experience! ​ Captain Alex targets these Salmon early in the run when they are fresh, aggressive, and staged up in large holes. Bottom bouncing techniques work best when run with egg flies, wooly buggers, or egg sucking leeches. Certain days will allow us to strip streamers for these fish as well. ​ Spinning gear can be provided to cast thundersticks or float skein under a bobber if anglers wish. Double check with your guide to ensure that this is an option. A hot lunch is also served stream-side on all full day trips. All you need to bring is a good attitude and your Michigan fishing license! Read More