Spring, Summer, & Fall

Why is Manistee World Famous,  it rivals the fishing in Alaska and it's been written that fishing around the Port of Manistee is ranked in the top 10 Salmon and Steelhead destinations in the World.  The spring Brown Trout and King Salmon fishing in Manistee is explosive and by many it has been a closely guarded secret. Considered by some the most exciting fishing of the year, as these fish are just plain amazing with their reel smoking powerful runs.  Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is some of the most exciting fast paced fishing action many will ever experience, and Manistee is consistently rated the top port on the Great Lakes.  Even though the Great Lakes are fresh water, the Chinook (King) Salmon is a Saltwater fish and he will show you what a Saltwater fish can do.  He will test your resolve and your muscles, are you up to the challenge of Great Lakes Salmon and Trout fishing?  Novice or Professional let us show you these wonderful fish...They are waiting for you!

Our fishing starts off with fireworks as winter turns into Spring with April sunshine warming the shallow waters Brown trout, Coho, King Salmon & Steelhead fishing heats up.  These are the Bruisers of the shallows that are looking for a quick meal after the long winter.  This is when all the action starts at the beginning of the year and the action is incredible.

In May as the migration of King Salmon move from the southern end of Lake Michigan the fishing gets down right incredible, Spring Kings and Coho inhabited the waters and are on the feed eating almost anything they can find.  These fish are in their element as the waters are still very cool giving them the energy to test your fishing ability.  These are the best eating fish of the year.  This is very fast paced fishing action normally and it lasts until about the second week of June, fish weighing between 8 - 15 pounds are common.

As June warms the waters our Offshore Steelhead fishery takes off and it's an explosion.  These fish are the acrobats of the Great Lakes, leaping from the water and cart-wheeling across the surface, referred to as a fish on steroids.  These fish know all the right moves and will challenge even the most experienced fisherman.  This fishery can be within a couple miles from shore or it can be as far as 40 miles offshore.  It all depends on the wind direction and current of Lake Michigan, it takes a skilled Captain, surface maps, a seaworthy boat and years of experience to consistently catch Offshore Steelhead, of course the Salmon, Coho and Lake Trout are there too.

July, August & September  "The time of plenty" Plenty of action, Plenty of fish and Plenty of fisherman.  This is the time of year when the King Salmon are feeding to gain weight for the upcoming river spawning run into the Manistee river.  This is one of your best shots at the biggest King Salmon of the year.  These salmon will test your muscles, and fishing skill.  Bring your A-Game and a strong back, it typically takes two or more people to get the fish cooler off the boat.  If your looking to book a fishing trip in August or September, book early.  Weekend dates often book a year in advance.  But if I can't get you on my boat, I will be happy to locate and arrange for your to fish on another of our recommended  boats which are also skippered by skilled and knowledgeable captains with years of experience.