Darkblue Charters and Guide Service 

4.9
(18 reviews)
 Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, United States

Darkblue Charters and Guide Service 

Manistee, MI, United States
18 ft
2
4.9
(18 reviews)

If 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.

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.

If 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.

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 Chris
Captain
Captain Chris
7 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Five Hour Guided River Trip
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Sep 8 - Apr 15
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook)
US $350
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.9
18 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (23)

All reviews (18)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 19 reviews
Pamela Scoggins
Pamela Scoggins
Repeat angler
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2023
6 trips
5.0
Verified
Dark Blue Fishing Charter
Five Hour Guided River Trip on September 25, 20252 adults

For anyone wanting to fish on the Manistee river I would highly recommend Chris with dark blue charter. A first class act all the way! Chris is super knowledgeable and can put you on the fish. Five stars!!

Captain Chris
Response from Captain

Thanks Pam. You and Brian were a pleasure to fish with.

Elisabeth Nieman
Elisabeth Nieman
Repeat angler
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fun Trip!
Five Hour Guided River Trip on September 21, 20252 adults

Went on a trip with Chris with my roommate and we had a blast! Super nice guy who makes everyone feel safe on board. Would take a trip again and we plan too!

Captain Chris
Response from Captain

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you guys again.

Michael  Beckstrom
Michael Beckstrom
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Awesome Captain
Five Hour Guided River Trip on September 9, 20252 adults

Captain Chris was awesome and great guide to learn from. Had some good laughs! He had us on kings through out the river trip.

Captain Chris
Response from Captain

Thanks Mike. I had a blast foshing with you.

Mike Mahon
Mike Mahon
Repeat angler
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2024
6 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Guide!
Five Hour Guided River Trip on April 19, 20242 adults1 child

Chris was awesome and he made my two teenage sons feel really comfortable on his boat. Chris was honest with me the day before our trip telling me that the run had slowed down dramatically but we decided to try our luck and both of my boys caught steelhead.we fished several spots throughout the morning and he shared a lot of information about fishing the Manistee river. It was a great day on the river.

Captain Chris
Response from Captain

Thanks Mike! You guys were a great group to have on the boat and I’m looking forward to fishing with you all again.

FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member
Member since 2024
5.0
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.

Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Captain Chris
Response from Captain

Thank you for fishing with us. I had a great time on the river and look forward to fishing with you in the future.

FAQs about Darkblue Charters and Guide Service

Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offers the following trip to customers:
  • US $350 per group - Five Hour Guided River Trip (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
Trips booked with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offers the following type of fishing:
  • River fishing (Big Manistee River)
Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service include:
  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Your captain

Captain Chris
Captain Chris

Manistee, Michigan, United States

1 Fishing Report
ID & license verified
19 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since November 2023

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.

Captain Chris
Captain Chris
Fully verified
1
reports
19
reviews
2023
member since
~1h
response
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

Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon

Real catches by this captain

  • March fishing trip
    Tracy F.
    Tracy F.
  • Christmas Eve Joy
    Lori C.
    Lori C.
  • Must do trip!
    Nick M.
    Nick M.
  • October fishing trip
    Nick M.
    Nick M.
  • Great Guide!
    Mike M.
    Mike M.
  • Ready to go again!
    Steve P.
    Steve P.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
2024
Boat manufacturer
StealthCraft
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Big Manistee River

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

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.

More details

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

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

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 TroutBrown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook)Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)Salmon (Coho)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
4.9
(18)
18 ft
Group size 1 - 2
1 - 2
Fish 1
Fish 2
+2
5 hour trip • 2 persons
US $350