5.0(3 Reviews)Private Afternoon Manistee Salmon and Trout Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Five-hour private charter targeting salmon and trout speciesAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced guidesAccommodates up to four guests on river and lake waters
Captain Lenny knows these Manistee waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 5-hour afternoon charter targets the prime feeding windows when Chinook salmon, lake trout, steelhead, and rainbow trout are most active. You'll work both the Manistee River and Lake Michigan, adapting to where the fish are biting that day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Lenny tailors the trip to your crew's experience level while keeping lines tight and coolers full.
This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a hands-on education with one of Manistee's top-rated captains. You'll start by discussing the day's game plan based on current conditions, fish movement, and what species are running hot. The afternoon timing is perfect for targeting active feeders, especially when the morning boat traffic dies down and fish start moving into feeding zones. Lenny's boat is spacious enough for your group of up to 4 anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up. He handles all the heavy lifting – rigging lines, adjusting depths, netting fish, and keeping everything organized so you can focus on the fight. The best part? He cleans your catch at the end, so you head home with vacuum-sealed fillets ready for the freezer.
All your tackle comes included – high-quality rods, reels, and terminal gear matched to the day's conditions and target species. Depending on what's biting, you'll be running everything from downriggers with spoons and plugs in the deeper lake waters to drift fishing with spawn bags and jigs in the river channels. Lenny switches between trolling patterns when covering water for salmon and trout, then shifts to more targeted presentations when marking fish on the sonar. He's constantly adjusting depths, speeds, and lure colors based on what the fish are telling him. You just need to bring a valid Michigan fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the trip. The captain provides everything else, from net to cooler space for your catch.
"Lenny is great!! We had so much fun and brought home a cooler of meat! His boat was big and clean. He was such a hard worker ensuring all our lines were perfect, helping us net / kill the fish, and cleaning them for us at the end! We can't recommend enough and hope to come back for the steelhead" - Jordan. "Cpt Lenny is the best in the business! Would highly recommend. Incredible memories and freezer full of fish." - Andrew. "Best fishing trip we have had in years!! Captain Lenny is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, knows the area well. We are already working on booking a return trip end of this summer! If you aren't using Slipknot Charters you aren't catching fish!!!" - Haven.
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of these waters, and when one grabs your line, you'll know it immediately. These kings average 15-25 pounds but can push 30+ during peak runs. They hit hard and fight dirty, using their bulk and the current to test your drag system. Late summer through fall is prime time as they stage near river mouths before their spawning runs. What makes hooking a Chinook so special is the raw power – they'll strip line like nothing else and give you a workout you won't forget.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, lurking in the cooler depths where they ambush baitfish. These native fighters average 8-15 pounds and provide steady, bulldogging fights that test your patience. They're year-round residents, but afternoon trips often find them moving into shallower water to feed. Lakers have this sneaky way of feeling like deadweight until they see the boat, then they wake up and make powerful runs toward the bottom. Their firm, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Steelhead are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These chrome-bright fighters average 6-12 pounds but punch way above their weight class with acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Spring and fall offer the hottest action as they move between lake and river systems. When a steelhead takes off, it's like hooking a silver missile – they'll clear the water multiple times and test every knot in your setup. Many anglers consider them pound-for-pound the strongest fish in the Great Lakes.
Rainbow trout bring consistent action and beautiful colors to your fishing day. These 3-8 pound fighters are aggressive feeders that hit a variety of presentations throughout the season. They're perfect for newer anglers since they fight hard but won't overwhelm your tackle. Rainbows often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Their pink-fleshed fillets are excellent eating, and their willingness to bite keeps the action steady when other species are finicky.
Captain Lenny's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the salmon and steelhead runs are hot. This private charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace without sharing the boat with strangers. The afternoon timing works great for families with kids or anyone who wants to avoid the early morning rush. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your dates early. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, a family outing, or a group of fishing buddies, this charter delivers the goods – world-class fishing, expert guidance, and a freezer full of fresh fillets to take home.
This 31-foot Tiara express cruiser is built for serious salmon and trout fishing on Manistee's waters. With room for four anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines while targeting Chinook, Lake Trout, and Steelhead. The boat's GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating productive spots, while downriggers and a live well keep your setup dialed in. When you need a break between bites, grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator or use the kitchen facilities. The radar system ensures safe navigation even when lake conditions turn hazy. With a toilet onboard, you can focus on fishing without worrying about comfort during those productive afternoon hours when the fish are biting.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinooks are the kings of salmon - massive fish that can hit 30+ pounds in our waters. They're deep-water fish, staying down in the cooler layers during the day since they avoid bright light. You'll typically find them 40-80 feet down in the lake, or in deeper river holes. Fall is prime time when they're staging for their spawning runs. What guests love about kings is the sheer power - these fish will peel drag and test your endurance. Plus, that orange-pink meat is top-shelf eating. The fight alone is worth it - long, strong runs that can last several minutes. Here's the key: fish early morning or late evening, and don't be afraid to go heavy with your weights to get down where they live. Patience pays off with these bruisers.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of the char family - grey-green fish with cream spots that can reach 15-40 pounds. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake, often suspended 60-100+ feet down over deep basins. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots when they move shallower. Overcast days are money because they avoid bright light. What makes them special is their size and the challenge of fishing that deep. The meat is rich and flaky - great smoked or grilled. These fish fight differently than trout, more like a heavy submarine pulling steadily down. My tip: vertical jigging works best. Drop a heavy spoon or paddle-tail jig to the bottom, then work it 10-20 feet up. Keep contact with your lure - lake trout bites can be subtle taps.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are beautiful fish with that signature pink stripe and spotted backs. They typically run 8-24 inches here, averaging 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in cooler waters around structure like fallen trees and rocky areas, both in the river shallows and lake depths. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they're feeding. These fish are scrappy fighters - they'll jump and make solid runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Local tip: keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom. They're curious fish but won't chase something that looks dead. Work your presentation through their feeding lanes and be ready for that telltale tap.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are rainbow trout that live differently - they're sea-run fish that come back to spawn, making them bigger and stronger. Expect 24+ inches and serious muscle. They prefer deeper, cooler water with current breaks and cover like boulders or logs. Fall through spring is peak season when they're running upstream. What makes steelhead special is their fight - they're athletic jumpers with stamina that can strip line fast. The chrome-bright sides and powerful build make them a prize catch. They're also excellent table fare. My advice: use barbless hooks and keep steady pressure. When they jump, don't try to horse them down. Let them run, then work them back. These fish have earned their reputation as freshwater rockets for good reason.
5.0 out of 5.0Lenny is great!! We had so much fun and brought home a cooler of meat! His boat was big and clean. He was such a hard worker ensur...
Cpt Lenny is the best in the business! Would highly recommend. Incredible memories and freezer full of fish.
Best fishing trip we have had in years!! Captain Lenny is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, knows the area well. We are already w...
Manistee