Expert-Guided Manistee River Fishing | Slipknot

Reel in Trophies on Manistee's Prime Waters

Get ready to put some serious bend in your rod on Manistee's legendary waters. This 5-hour private charter with Slipknot Steelhead Charters is your ticket to hooking into monster steelhead, chunky salmon, and hard-fighting trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to upgrade your PB or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, Captain Lenny's got you covered with top-notch gear and decades of local know-how. Forget about hauling your own stuff—we've got premium rods, reels, and tackle all set for you. Just grab your license, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step aboard our clean, spacious boat, you'll know you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out to Lenny's honey holes, areas he's been dialing in for years. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might be trolling for salmon, drifting for steelhead, or jigging for lake trout. Lenny's always got his finger on the pulse of what's hot, so you can trust you're fishing the most productive spots. With a max of 4 guests, there's plenty of elbow room and personal attention. Newbies, don't sweat it—Lenny's patient teaching style will have you feeling like a pro in no time. And for you seasoned anglers, get ready to pick up some local tricks that'll up your game.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

On Manistee's waters, versatility is key. We might start the day trolling with downriggers, running lines deep where the big boys hang out. If the fish are feeding up top, we'll switch to planer boards to cover more water. When the steelhead are running, get ready for some heart-pumping action as we drift-fish the river mouths. Lenny's always experimenting with the latest lures and rigs, but he's also got those time-tested setups that the local fish just can't resist. From meat rigs for salmon to hot-n-tots for trout, we've got the arsenal to put fish in the boat. And the best part? All this gear is included, so you don't have to worry about bringing a thing (except your lucky fishing hat, of course).

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"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

"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

Species You'll Want to Hook

Rainbow Trout: These acrobatic fighters are a year-round favorite in Manistee. Known for their stunning colors and tasty fillets, rainbows typically range from 2-5 pounds here. They love to hit spinners and float rigs, especially in the cooler months. When you hook one, be ready for some airborne action—these guys love to leap!

Steelhead Trout: The crown jewel of Manistee fishing, steelhead are essentially rainbow trout that have spent time in the big lake before returning to the rivers. These brutes can top 15 pounds and fight like their life depends on it. Fall and spring are prime time for steelhead runs, but you can find some resident fish year-round. Bring your A-game; these silver bullets will test your skills and your gear.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the bruisers of the Great Lakes. Manistee sees some monster Chinooks, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Late summer and early fall is the peak, as these beasts stage for their spawning run. Trolling with flashers and flies is deadly effective. When a big king hits, hold on tight—it's like hooking a freight train.

Lake Trout: The gentle giants of the deep, lake trout are the bread and butter of Manistee's offshore fishing. These cold-water predators can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. We target them by jigging or trolling near bottom structure. While they might not jump like their cousins, a big laker will give you a workout as it bulldogs deep. Plus, they're absolutely delicious smoked or grilled.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, Manistee's fishing is no secret, and prime dates fill up fast. Whether you're after your personal best, want to fill the freezer, or just need a day away from it all, this trip delivers. With morning and afternoon slots available, we can work around your schedule. But don't wait too long—nothing's worse than hearing "you should've been here yesterday." Give Slipknot Steelhead Charters a call and let's get you on the fish. Remember, that deposit locks in your date, so when you're ready to commit to some serious angling, we're here to make it happen. See you on the water!