Lake Michigan Kings Are Heating Up in Manistee Waters

The Season is Almost Here! 🌊🎣

Perch fishing

Manistee Fishing Report 

Kings have arrived

Big lake season has started

Lake Michigan Fishing Report - Salmon Run 2023

Manistee Fishing Report

Slipknot Steelhead Charters invites you to a day full of fun and exciting excursions on the Rivers and Lakes of Manistee, Michigan. Coming with you on this trip is our seasoned pro, Capt. Lenny Vaughan. He has been fishing for years; he's seen it all, and knows what a fish needs to land the big one. As a dedicated tournament angler, Captain Lenny Vaughan wants your trip with him to involve more than just fishing. You will not only achieve your personal best but also get to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Manistee National Forest, which is a protected area and home to bald eagles, beavers, minks, and many other animal species. The boat you’ll be using depends on what type of fishing you will have on that day. There’s a 22’ custom-built jet and a 31’ Tiara express cruiser. Both are equipped with modern fishing devices like GPS and FishFinder to keep your journey hassle-free. Onboard you’ll find a toilet for your convenience and a cooler for storage.&nbsp; Fishing on the waters of Manistee has always been rewarding. Reel various fish species such as Brown Trout, Steelhead, and Chinook Salmon. You get to decide what to do with your catch so bring coolers to store them on your way home. This family-friendly fishing trip will provide your necessary fishing gear. Some trips will include lunch and drinks, but feel free to bring your own as well. Don’t forget to purchase a fishing license. Whether you're looking for an exciting day on the water with friends or family, or an unforgettable vacation with your significant other or partner, Capt. Lenny has something for everyone—and he's sure to find something that fits your needs perfectly. Arrange your trip today with Slipknot Steelhead Charters.

EPSG:4269

Chinook Salmon

It was a stellar morning out on the water in Manistee today, with signs pointing to the start of a solid king salmon run. The bite is picking up, and the fish are starting to stack up right on schedule for the summer season.

The calm weather pattern has finally settled in, making for smooth conditions and consistent trolling. Anglers are starting to see better numbers each trip, and the kings brought some solid action this morning with aggressive strikes and great fights.

What worked? Salmon Candy flashers paired with Rapture trolling flies were the clear winners today. The combo proved deadly in the spread and led to most of the hookups. If you're planning a trip, you can grab both at Tangled Tackle right here in Manistee—definitely worth stocking up before heading out.

With the kings rolling in and the lake setting up nicely, now’s a great time to fish Manistee. The season’s just heating up!

The season is just about to start. If your thinking about booking a charter.  Please  get ahold  of me soon. I still gave a few prime spring and summer  dates available.

What a day on the water with  Central coast Angling.  My son Jace and captain Mark each caught thier personal  best perch. 141/2  and 16 inch. Thank you  very much captain  Bob.

Experience the thrill of fishing in Manistee! Our trip was a blast, filled with fun and new learning experiences. Book your Manistee Fishing Charter today for an unforgettable adventure!

Chum salmon, 21-inch fish caught while fishing in Manistee

<div>The kings have showed up and will be available the rest of the season.</div>

Coho Salmon, 26 inches long, caught in MI

Lake Trout

<div>Lake trout fishing is on fire right now.&nbsp; limited out in less than 3 hours. today</div>

<div>trolling&nbsp; flashers and flies</div>

Steelhead Trout

Big lake trolling 

<div>the big lake season is has arrived.&nbsp;</div>

A lone rainbow trout in Manistee, Michigan

The fishing season is in full swing, and the latest Lake Michigan fishing report indicates that it's going to be another good day on the river today. We are getting excellent catches of salmon throughout the lake. If you haven't had a chance to get out on the water yet this year, now is the time to do it! The fish are biting and there's no better place to catch them than on Lake Michigan. Book a fishing trip with me!



In November, the Manistee River provides ample opportunities to catch acrobatic Salmon, as long as weather conditions are favorable. Pier fishing remains good through the winter, although it becomes more difficult as ice forms in the water. 

King Salmon are here and as far as numbers are being considered, there’s way more of them seen in a long time. It’s also a great time to chase after Steelhead. We have open dates so if you're looking for some good fishing now is the time to book your next adventure with us!


Chinook Salmon caught while fishing in MI

Scenic view of the Manistee river in Michigan

Three chinook salmon being caught by fisherman in Michigan

Angler with a big 22-inch fish in Manistee

One fisherman standing on pier in Manistee, Michigan

A fishing trip with 2 people in Manistee, featuring a 15-inch fish

Fishing trip with friends in Manistee, Michigan

Uncover Trophy-Condition Salmon and Trout in Lake Michigan!

Experience Lake Michigan fishing charters with an expert guide, Captain Lenny Vaughan &amp; Slipknot Steelhead Charters. Fishing charters are family-friendly and perfect for anglers of all skill levels and ages. Book your trip now—an exciting day in the waters of Manistee is waiting for you!

At Slipknot Steelhead Charters, we’re all about providing a top-tier fishing experience on Lake St. Clair. Based in Michigan and led by seasoned guide Captain Lenny Vaughan, our team specializes in targeting walleye, musky, and smallmouth bass with precision and passion. Every trip is tailored to your skill level and fishing goals, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler. With advanced gear, modern boats, and a sharp focus on fish patterns, we make sure you’re set up for success from the first line drop to the last cast. Lake St. Clair offers some of the most productive freshwater fishing in the region, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Our boats are outfitted with high-end technology, including GPS and FishFinder systems, to keep you dialed in all day. From early spring walleye to peak-season smallmouth and late summer musky, we follow the bite so you don’t miss a thing. At Slipknot Steelhead Charters, our mission is simple: deliver great fishing, dependable service, and a day on the water you’ll want to repeat year after year.

Get answers to all your questions about Manistee fishing charters with Slipknot Steelhead Charters, including what to bring, what you'll catch, and how we make your trip safe, fun, and hassle-free.

Make someone's day with the gift of a fishing charter from Slipknot Steelhead Charters. Give them the chance to experience the thrill of reeling in a big catch, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Manistee, Michigan. Book your gift charter today and create unforgettable memories on the water with Captain Lenny Vaughan.

Purchase A Slipknot Steelhead Charters Gift Card today!

Easily change trip dates, times, or trip type by contacting Slipknot Steelhead Charters from your receipt or right from our website! We look forward to fishing with you!

Purchase an E-Gift card and your loved one will apply that unique confirmation code to the booking at checkout from slipknotcharters.com

Slipknot Steelhead Charters  The Ultimate Fishing Charter Experience from Manistess

Captain Lenny Vaughan, owner and operator of Slipknot Steelhead Charters, brings decades of fishing experience to the waters of Manistee, Michigan. Known for his energetic, fish-focused trips on Lake Michigan and the Manistee River, Captain Lenny has spent years mastering the patterns of salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. With over five years of professional guiding under his belt—and a lifetime of passion for fishing—he’s built a reputation as a dependable, knowledgeable guide who knows how to find fish and help guests land them. A dedicated tournament angler and proud Michigan native, Captain Lenny has been featured on the “Wilderness Journal Show” and has earned top placements in regional fishing competitions. But beyond the trophies and camera appearances, he’s happiest on the water, guiding others to their personal bests. He specializes in steelhead and salmon fishing, and his deep understanding of the Manistee River system and nearshore Lake Michigan waters sets him apart from other guides in the area. His fishing trips often double as scenic tours of the Manistee National Forest—where guests frequently spot bald eagles, otters, and other local wildlife. More than just a guide, Captain Lenny is a teacher, storyteller, and fishing partner who’s genuinely excited to help others enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re brand new to fishing or have years of experience, his patience, humor, and love for the sport make every trip feel easygoing and rewarding. For Captain Lenny, every day on the water is an opportunity to make memories, pass on his knowledge, and help guests catch fish they’ll never forget. <h3>A Closer Look at the Boat</h3>Slipknot Steelhead Charters operates a 31-foot Tiara Express Cruiser, custom-rigged for serious Great Lakes fishing. Designed to comfortably accommodate up to six anglers, the vessel is equipped with top-of-the-line electronics, including GPS and FishFinder systems, to stay dialed in on active fish. Whether chasing Chinook salmon offshore, trolling for lake trout, or navigating the Manistee River in search of steelhead, Captain Lenny adjusts each trip based on current conditions to keep you in the best position to catch fish. This boat is built for both comfort and performance, making it the perfect platform for a full day of fishing on Michigan’s legendary waters.

Meet Your Premier Michigan Charter Captain, Lenny Vaughan of Slipknot Steelhead Charters And His Boat

Fishing License

Get Your Valid Michigan Fishing License 

Things To Do

Things To Do IN  Manistee

Apply for a Fishing License before the trip.

Michigan Fishing License

Common Questions: Is the Manistee River good for fishing?Yes! Steelhead and salmon fishing are the most popular on the Manistee River. Trout fishing is also excellent, with exciting action on both the surface and subsurface for a wide range of trout sizes, from small brookies to large-shouldered brown and rainbow trout. What types of fishing trips does Slipknot Steelhead Charters offer in Manistee?Slipknot Steelhead Charters offers a variety of fishing trips on Lake Michigan and the Manistee River, including lake Saint Clair fishing charters, lake st clair fishing, and specialized trips for lake st clair smallmouth fishing, lake st clair musky fishing, and walleye fishing. What are the typical charter prices for Slipknot Steelhead Charters in Manistee?Charter prices with Slipknot Steelhead Charters in Manistee vary depending on the duration and type of trip. Prices generally range from $650 to $1000, with specialized trips like lake st clair fishing possibly differing in cost. Can I book a private charter with Slipknot Steelhead Charters for lake st clair fishing?Yes, Slipknot Steelhead Charters offers private charters for lake st clair fishing, ensuring personalized experiences for anglers looking to target specific species like walleye fishing or lake st clair musky fishing. What is included in the fishing charter packages offered by Slipknot Steelhead Charters?Fishing charter packages with Slipknot Steelhead Charters typically include all necessary fishing equipment, bait, and tackle. Some packages may also include amenities like snacks and beverages, making your lake Saint Clair fishing charters experience enjoyable and hassle-free. How long are the fishing trips with Slipknot Steelhead Charters in Manistee?Slipknot Steelhead Charters offers fishing trips ranging from 5 to 8 hours on Lake Michigan and the Manistee River. Whether you're interested in lake st clair smallmouth fishing or targeting Chinook Salmon, there's a trip length suited to your preferences. What should I bring on a fishing trip with Slipknot Steelhead Charters?Anglers should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, appropriate clothing for the weather, and a cooler to transport their catch from lake st clair fishing back home. Slipknot Steelhead Charters provides the necessary fishing gear for lake st clair musky fishing or walleye fishing. How can I reserve a fishing charter with Slipknot Steelhead Charters in Manistee?To book your lake Saint Clair fishing charters experience with Slipknot Steelhead Charters, visit our website or contact us directly to check availability and secure your preferred date for lake st clair fishing or other specialized trips like lake st clair smallmouth fishing. Are fishing licenses included in Slipknot Steelhead Charters' fishing charter packages?Fishing licenses are typically not included in Slipknot Steelhead Charters' packages for lake st clair musky fishing or walleye fishing. Anglers are responsible for obtaining their licenses before embarking on lake st clair fishing trips. Does Slipknot Steelhead Charters offer group discounts for lake st clair musky fishing or walleye fishing trips?Slipknot Steelhead Charters may offer group discounts for lake st clair musky fishing or walleye fishing trips, depending on the size of the group and the specific trip package selected. Contact us for more information on available discounts for lake Saint Clair fishing charters.