Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
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.
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.
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Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (23)
Reviews (18)
Mike MahonRepeat angler5.0VerifiedGreat Guide!
Five Hour Guided River Trip on April 19, 2024 • 3 adults • 1 childChris 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.
Kyle Ostrander5.0River steelhead trip with Capt. Chris
Five Hour Guided River Trip on November 16, 2024Went 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.
Joshua Wegner5.0VerifiedGreat time on the Manistee river!
Four Hour Trip on October 5, 2024 • 2 adults • 1 childWanted 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!
Elisabeth NiemanRepeat angler5.0VerifiedFun Trip!
Five Hour Guided River Trip on September 21, 2025 • 2 adultsWent 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!
Steve Pomranky5.0VerifiedReady to go again!
Five Hour Guided River Trip on March 16, 2024 • 3 adultsMy boys and I took a six hour trip with Captain Chris and had a great time. Chris was very friendly, personable and patient. My boys and I agreed that we will definitely be scheduling our next fishing trip through Dark Blue Charters. Thanks again for a great day of fishing, Chris! Pomranky Family
Connor Bos5.0River Trip with Captain Chris
Five Hour Guided River Trip on November 15, 2024I 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.
Nick MoesRepeat angler5.0VerifiedMust do trip!
Five Hour Guided River Trip on October 13, 2024 • 2 adultsTwo 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.
Lori Claypool5.0VerifiedChristmas Eve Joy
Five Hour Guided River Trip on December 24, 2024 • 2 adultsThis Captain cares about his guests! He assures you enjoy your trip and are comfortable. A very charismatic, kind, and patient guide.
Pamela ScogginsRepeat angler5.0VerifiedDark Blue Fishing Charter
Five Hour Guided River Trip on September 25, 2025 • 2 adultsFor 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!!
Michael Beckstrom5.0VerifiedAwesome Captain
Five Hour Guided River Trip on September 9, 2025 • 2 adultsCaptain Chris was awesome and great guide to learn from. Had some good laughs! He had us on kings through out the river trip.
Rating
Anglers' gallery (23)
All reviews (18)
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.
Thanks Mike! You guys were a great group to have on the boat and I’m looking forward to fishing with you all again.
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!!
Thanks Pam. You and Brian were a pleasure to fish with.
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.
Thank you for fishing with us. I had a great time on the river and look forward to fishing with you in the future.
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!
Thanks Josh. You and Simon were a pleasure to have on the boat and you both did a great job against some hard fidgeting fish.
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!
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you guys again.
