Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
+25If you’re looking to chase world-class Steelhead (Rainbow Trout) look no further. The Big Manistee River is known worldwide as a premier fishing location for trophy fish. As recently as 2010 a world record Brown Trout, weighing in at over 41 pounds, was taken from this very stretch of water, and experts predict that more fish in that class are still waiting to be caught.
Steelhead are known for its amazing fight, acrobatic ability, and natural beauty. Fish with us and tip the odds in your favor as we use only top-of-the-line equipment including the best rods and reels, the hottest lures in the hottest colors. You’ll also be riding in a new state-of-the-art 2024 Stealthcraft 18-foot Mod-V jet which is equipped with a full enclosure to ensure you stay warm and dry on your adventure.
Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome (and sometimes preferred over adults). Child-sized life jackets are available at the customer’s request, although most families prefer to provide their own.
Bring along your preferred snacks and beverages to round out your adventure. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, however, we request that no hard liquor be brought onboard and no glass bottles.
You will need to purchase a Michigan "all species" fishing license before your trip. This information is usually available online and one-day licenses are available through the Michigan DNR.
The Big Manistee River and its amazing fishery, wait for you onboard Darkblue Charters.
Captain
Captain Chris
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (22)
+19Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
83%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
86%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
River steelhead trip with Capt. Chris
Five Hour Guided River Trip on November 16, 2024
Went on a river steelhead trip for my birthday and capt Chris delivered with a trip I won't soon forget. From the top of the line stealthcraft to the nova tackle rods and terminal tackle everything about this trip was as professional as it gets. If you are looking for and unforgettable experience then look no farther than dark blue charters and guide service.
Went on a river steelhead trip for my birthday and capt Chris delivered with a trip I won't soon forget. From the top of the line stealthcraft to the nova tackle rods and terminal tackle everything about this trip was as professional as it gets. If you are looking for and unforgettable experience then look no farther than dark blue charters and guide service.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great time on the Manistee river!
Four Hour Trip on October 5, 2024
Wanted to get away for a weekend with my son and do some fishing. My son loves to fish, but I don’t have much experience so I figured a guide would be the way to go. Chris was absolutely fantastic. He was well equipped with everything we needed and was very personable and knowledgeable about the river. We had quite a few salmon on the line and some epic battles!
Wanted to get away for a weekend with my son and do some fishing. My son loves to fish, but I don’t have much experience so I figured a guide would be the way to go. Chris was absolutely fantastic. He was well equipped with everything we needed and was very personable and knowledgeable about the river. We had quite a few salmon on the line and some epic battles!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
River Trip with Captain Chris
Five Hour Guided River Trip on November 15, 2024
I had a great time fishing with Captain Chris. He put us on fish at every spot that we stopped at and he was also a great teacher. I feel that I learned some very effective ways to fish the river. I will be booking with him again.
I had a great time fishing with Captain Chris. He put us on fish at every spot that we stopped at and he was also a great teacher. I feel that I learned some very effective ways to fish the river. I will be booking with him again.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Chris was helpful and knowledgeable and said many anglers who never fished. Went out and got gear the next day
Five Hour Guided River Trip on April 19, 2025
Hard working family man with values I will be fishing with him again
Hard working family man with values I will be fishing with him again
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Must do trip!
Five Hour Guided River Trip on October 13, 2024
Two of us from ohio wanted to try our fishing skills on something different. Definitely a good time. Chris makes sure you have a pole in your hand at all times and keeps you active. Top notch manistee river fishing.
Two of us from ohio wanted to try our fishing skills on something different. Definitely a good time. Chris makes sure you have a pole in your hand at all times and keeps you active. Top notch manistee river fishing.
FAQs about Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
What are the trip rates for Darkblue Charters and Guide Service?
Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offers the following trip to customers:
- US $300 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Five Hour Guided River Trip (5 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service?
When you book a trip with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- GPS
- Fishfinder
What's included in the trip price with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service?
Trips booked with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service include:
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting
What types of fishing does Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offer?
Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offers the following type of fishing:
- River Fishing
What fishing techniques does Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offer?
Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle
- Spinning
- Drift Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service?
Top targeted fish species with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service include:
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
- Salmon (Chinook)
- Salmon (Coho)
Your captain
Manistee, Michigan, United States
Over 25 years of experience fishing on Lake Michigan and its surrounding waters. In the early days I began with my own boat and eventually worked my way up to first mating for some of the best captains in the where I was lucky enough to learn directly from them. Since that time I eventually purchased my own boats and began guiding on my own. I also operate a YouTube channel (Tangled Tackle Fishing) that is dedicated to helping others become better anglers on the big lake and the rivers.
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
River Fishing
Which fishing techniques you can try
Light Tackle
Spinning
Drift Fishing
Which amenities are available onboard
GPS
Fishfinder
What’s included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
How you can pay
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Manistee right now
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)