5.0(3 Reviews)Private Afternoon Manistee Salmon and Trout Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 5hour afternoon charter targeting salmon and troutAll skill levels welcome with experienced guide instruction includedHighquality gear provided, accommodates up to 4 guests
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 private afternoon charter targets the big four – Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Rainbow Trout – across both river and lake systems. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet, Lenny's got the patience and know-how to make sure your lines stay tight. You'll fish from a spacious, well-maintained boat with all the quality gear you need, so just grab your license, pack some snacks, and get ready to fill the cooler.
Your afternoon kicks off with a meet-up in Manistee, where Captain Lenny will brief you on the day's game plan based on current conditions and fish activity. The beauty of this charter is its flexibility – you'll work both the Manistee River system and Lake Michigan waters, depending on where the fish are biting. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers, making it perfect for family trips or a group of buddies looking to get into some quality fish. Lenny provides all the high-end rods, reels, and tackle, plus he'll handle the dirty work of netting, dispatching, and cleaning your catch. All you need to focus on is setting the hook and enjoying the fight. The afternoon timing is prime for these waters, as fish often become more active as the day progresses and temperatures start to cool.
Captain Lenny runs a variety of proven techniques depending on conditions and target species. On the lake, you'll primarily troll with downriggers and planer boards, covering water efficiently while presenting your bait at the right depths. Expect to run anything from spoons and plugs to cut bait, all rigged on quality line and sharp hooks. When working the river system, techniques shift to more focused approaches like drift fishing and casting to structure where salmon and trout hold. Lenny's got the electronics dialed in – fish finders, GPS, and temperature gauges help locate the most productive water. The tackle box is stocked with proven local favorites, from bright chrome spoons that flash in the deeper lake water to more subtle presentations for spooky river fish. You'll learn why certain baits work better at different times and depths, knowledge you can take to your own future fishing adventures.
"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, often called "Kings" for good reason. These powerful fish can push 20-30 pounds and provide battles that'll test your arms and your drag system. They're most active during their spawning runs from late summer through fall, but you can find them in the lake throughout the season. Kings love deeper, cooler water during the day, which is why Lenny's afternoon timing works so well – they'll start moving up in the water column as evening approaches. The fight is what dreams are made of – long runs, head shakes, and jumps that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when handled properly.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that call the cold depths of Lake Michigan home year-round. These silvery fighters typically run 5-15 pounds and are known for their steady, bulldogging fights rather than flashy jumps. They prefer temperatures in the 40-50 degree range, so you'll often find them 60-100 feet down during warmer months. Lakers are opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from alewives to smelt imitations. They're prized for their firm, mild flesh and the challenge of getting them up from serious depths. Many anglers consider them underrated – they might not jump like salmon, but they'll give you a workout on the way to the net.
Steelhead Trout are pure adrenaline on fins. These chrome-bright acrobats are famous for their aerial displays and blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Michigan steelhead are actually rainbow trout that have adapted to lake living, growing larger and stronger than their stream-resident cousins. They typically range from 5-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Fall brings some of the best steelhead action as they stage near river mouths preparing for spawning runs. Their unpredictable nature keeps you on your toes – one minute they're hugging bottom, the next they're three feet in the air trying to throw your hook.
Rainbow Trout round out the slam and offer consistent action throughout the season. These colorful fighters usually run 2-8 pounds and are known for their willingness to bite and spirited fights. They're more tolerant of warmer water than lake trout but still prefer the cooler depths during summer afternoons. Rainbows are excellent table fare and perfect for anglers looking to get kids or beginners into some steady action. They'll hit a variety of presentations and provide the kind of consistent catching that keeps everyone engaged. Don't let their smaller average size fool you – a good rainbow will give you plenty of excitement and make for excellent eating.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard this well-equipped 31-foot Tiara express cruiser, built to handle both Manistee's river currents and Lake Michigan's open waters. This motorboat comfortably accommodates your group of four while you target salmon and trout in some of Michigan's best fishing spots. The boat's GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating schools of Chinook salmon and steelhead, while the downriggers help you reach the perfect depth where lake trout are feeding. A live well keeps your catch fresh throughout the trip. When you need a break from fighting fish, grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator or use the convenient restroom facilities. The radar system ensures safe navigation even when lake conditions turn hazy, and the small kitchen area gives you space to prepare snacks between bites. Whether you're working the river mouth for steelhead or trolling deeper lake waters for kings, this cruiser provides the stability and equipment needed for a productive day on the water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of our waters, with fish commonly running 15-25 pounds and some pushing 30+. These silver-backed bruisers with black-spotted fins prefer the deeper, colder sections of Lake Michigan and move into the Manistee River system during their spawning runs. Late summer through fall offers prime fishing as they stage near river mouths and work upstream. Chinooks are light-sensitive, so they'll hug bottom structure during bright conditions and feed more actively in low light. What draws anglers is the sheer power - these fish will peel line and test every knot you've tied, plus the table quality is outstanding with that rich, pink meat. They're also great indicators of clean water since they'll leave degraded areas quickly. Pro tip: use heavier tackle than you think you need and fish deep with weighted presentations - these fish aren't coming up for your lure, you need to get down to them.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of our system, typically running 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds when mature. These grey-green fish with cream-colored markings live in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Michigan where oxygen levels stay high. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots, though they can be caught year-round if you're willing to fish deep. Summer pushes them down 60+ feet where it's cold enough for their liking. Lakers are popular because they're the biggest native game fish in these waters, and landing one is always memorable - they fight with that deep-water power that's different from other species. The meat is excellent too, especially from cold water. Here's what works: vertical jigging with spoons or jigs that imitate wounded baitfish. Don't be afraid to drop down 80-100+ feet in summer - that's where the big ones live, and patience pays off with these slow-growing fish.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are a staple here in Manistee waters, running 12-20 inches on average with the occasional 3-4 pounder. These colorful fighters love cold, clean water around 55-65°F and hang near structure like fallen logs or rocky shorelines in the river, plus they'll cruise deeper lake waters during summer heat. Spring through early fall gives you the best action, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run hard for their size, plus they taste great on the table with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: when working the river, keep your bait just off the bottom in those gravelly runs where current breaks around rocks - that's where they like to sit and wait for food to drift down.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in the big lake, making them larger, stronger, and more silver. We typically see fish ranging from 24-30 inches, with some bruisers pushing 10+ pounds. They're migratory, so timing matters - fall through spring brings the best runs as they move between Lake Michigan and the Manistee River system. These fish prefer deeper, cooler water with good current flow and will use boulders and woody cover for protection. What sets steelhead apart is their fight - they're athletic jumpers with serious stamina that'll test your drag and your patience. The meat is top-notch too, firmer and richer than regular rainbows. My advice for landing one: when they make that first powerful run, don't try to stop them. Let your drag do the work and keep steady pressure - fighting them too hard early will just tire you out and possibly break them off.
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