Darkblue Charters and Guide Service

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, 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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Five Hour Guided River Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 18 hours ago
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 8 - Apr 30
    Price for 2 persons
    US $300
    Five hour trips in the morning. Pricing is for two people, however, a third person may be added for an additional $100 dollars. Maximum guests is three people.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
There are 18 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 2 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (3)
Great Guide!
Great Guide!
Ready to go again!
Angler rating
2
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
2 of 2 reviews
Mike M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Guide!

VERIFIED   Five Hour Guided River Trip on April 19, 2024
Chris was awesome and he made my two teenage sons feel really comfortable on his boat.  Chris was honest with me the day before...
Mike M. recommends Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Captain Chris Captain replied

Steve P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Ready to go again!

VERIFIED   Five Hour Guided River Trip on March 16, 2024
My boys and I took a six hour trip with Captain Chris and had a great time. Chris was very friendly, personable and patient. ...
Steve P. recommends Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
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You found this review helpful
  Captain Chris Captain replied

FAQs about 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)

When you book a trip with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Darkblue Charters and Guide Service include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting

Darkblue Charters and Guide Service offers the following type of fishing:
  • River Fishing

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)

Meet the Captain

Captain Chris
Manistee, Michigan, United States
ID & license verified
3 Customer reviews
Response time 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.

About this listing

Targeted species

Brown Trout Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

Boat specs

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
3 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
2024
Boat manufacturer
StealthCraft
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

Types of fishing

River Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning
Drift Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

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.

Manistee Fishing Calendar

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