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Copperhead Sportfishing Charters 

5.0
(20 reviews)
 540 Water Street, Manistee, MI 49660, United States–
+95
+92

Copperhead Sportfishing Charters 

Manistee, MI, United States
–
28 ft
5
5.0
(20 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

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We know you want to take your friends and family fishing on Lake Michigan, and we are the place to make that happen for you!

Whether you are a 'rookie' or a seasoned angler, we provide you and your family with a Lake Michigan fishing experience you will want to talk about for years and years.

Our primary focus is making sure you and your family have fun while providing you with a safe fishing trip. 

We target salmon (King and Coho), lake trout, and steelhead on our fishing charters.

Our town of Manistee, Michigan is an outdoor dreamland and the gateway to Lake Michigan and the Manistee National Forest.  We are your local guide to all things Manistee County. 

There will be a First Mate on board to help your trip run smoothly. Mates work hard to make your trip count, so a 10–20% tip is customary.

You'll be fishing aboard a 28' Wellcraft Coastal boat with a capacity for 4 passengers.  Features include Sonar (Fish Finder), radar, VHF Radio, autopilot, fully equipped with Lake Michigan trolling fishing gear and tackle and all required US Coast Guard safety equipment. We are proud to add Copperhead II to the Manistee charter fishing fleet. There is a head (toilet) on board as well. Your captain will provide rods and reels, bait, as well as lures and bottled water.  Your catch will be cleaned and packaged for transport.

Before coming aboard, you will need to buy a Michigan fishing license for everyone in your group age 17 or older. You can buy your fishing license online at the Michigan DNR website or you can ask Captain Matt for more information. Don't leave home without sunblock (non-spray) and sunglasses.

Alcohol is fine in moderation, but please do not bring hard liquor as well as glass bottles aboard.  We have a zero tolerance for drugs, and yes, this includes marijuana in all forms.  We want you to have fun, but please be responsible.

Thank you,

Captain Matt
Owner/Operator at Copperhead Sportfishing LLC

We know you want to take your friends and family fishing on Lake Michigan, and we are the place to make that happen for you!

Whether you are a 'rookie' or a seasoned angler, we provide you and your family with a Lake Michigan fishing experience you will want to talk about for years and years.

Our primary focus is making sure you and your family have fun while providing you with a safe fishing trip. 

We target salmon (King and Coho), lake trout, and steelhead on our fishing charters.

Our town of Manistee, Michigan is an outdoor dreamland and the gateway to Lake Michigan and the Manistee National Forest.  We are your local guide to all things Manistee County. 

There will be a First Mate on board to help your trip run smoothly. Mates work hard to make your trip count, so a 10–20% tip is customary.

You'll be fishing aboard a 28' Wellcraft Coastal boat with a capacity for 4 passengers.  Features include Sonar (Fish Finder), radar, VHF Radio, autopilot, fully equipped with Lake Michigan trolling fishing gear and tackle and all required US Coast Guard safety equipment. We are proud to add Copperhead II to the Manistee charter fishing fleet. There is a head (toilet) on board as well. Your captain will provide rods and reels, bait, as well as lures and bottled water.  Your catch will be cleaned and packaged for transport.

Before coming aboard, you will need to buy a Michigan fishing license for everyone in your group age 17 or older. You can buy your fishing license online at the Michigan DNR website or you can ask Captain Matt for more information. Don't leave home without sunblock (non-spray) and sunglasses.

Alcohol is fine in moderation, but please do not bring hard liquor as well as glass bottles aboard.  We have a zero tolerance for drugs, and yes, this includes marijuana in all forms.  We want you to have fun, but please be responsible.

Thank you,

Captain Matt
Owner/Operator at Copperhead Sportfishing LLC

Matt McQueen
Captain
Matt McQueen
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour
Popular features
Live bait
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Toilet
Rods, reels & tackle
Popular features
Live bait
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Toilet
Rods, reels & tackle

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
5 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Sep 30
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
+1
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 4:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Sep 30
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
+1
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
20 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (36)

Reviews (20)

  • James Maurer
    James Maurer
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    The biggest fish I ever ever caught

    5 Hour Trip (PM) on August 17, 2026 • 4 adults

    Captain Matt was a great charter captain who was experienced knowledgeable and very helpful. He knew when where and how to catch fish. We went on an evening trip and returned with eight fish to fill the entire cooler. The biggest was 20 pounds the next one was 15 pounds.

  • Brandella Thomas
    Brandella Thomas
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time!

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 14, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

    My 10 year old son and I had a great time! Captain Matt and Bart were great and worked hard to find us fish! Captain even asked if we could stay out longer when we had only caught a couple. Would definitly go again!

  • Patrick Hewitt
    Patrick Hewitt
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2021
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    awesome trip

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 4, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

    great morning on water captain and first definitely know the water and provide lots of knowledge

  • Eric Ivey
    Eric Ivey
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    4.0
    Verified

    great start to the season

    5 Hour Trip (PM) on August 15, 2026 • 4 adults

    brought a friend from boston, first time for him targeting salmon great crew. Big fish!! Captain Matt swapped lures to push the bite, first mate knew his position

  • Eric Kaufman
    Eric Kaufman
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Blue Chip Crew & Boat

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 29, 2025 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Captain Matt and First Mate Jim with Copperhead Sportfishing Charters provided an unforgettable and rewarding charter. The crew was professional, highly knowledgeable, and considerate of everyone on board. You cannot ask for a better crew or Great Lakes fishing charter experience. From their hard work keeping your lines in the water and their knowledge of the fish, to their customer service-oriented conduct and filleting skills, this charter runs a class act. Whether you are experienced or have children getting out for their first time, Copperhead Sportfishing Charters will make your experience a memorable one.

  • Adam E. Ray
    Adam E. Ray
    Member since 2025
    5.0

    Awesome Team!

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on June 12, 2025

    Another incredible trip with Captain Matt and his son Wiley! On a morning that other captains said would be slow we started off the morning with a triple on king’s and followed that with one after the next steelhead. The final fish of the morning was a nice king and we left for other obligations by 9:30. That’s a lot of action in a short time!

  • Paul Moran
    Paul Moran
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Matt

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 11, 2025 • 4 adults

    Captain Matt and Wylie where outstanding. Great fishing great job .Highly recommend chartering there boat.

  • Jason Pine
    Jason Pine
    Repeat angler
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2022
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Above and Beyond

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on July 21, 2024 • 4 adults

    Matt and his first mate went above and beyond to get us on the fish. We had a great time, we will be back.

  • Thomas Marchesano
    Thomas Marchesano
    Member since 2025
    5.0

    Great outing with Captain Matt

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 27, 2023

    Matt and his first mate are top notch hosts and great fishing guides! My guests and I had lots of fun and a nice catch.

  • Glenn Claytor
    Glenn Claytor
    Member since 2025
    5.0

    Evening on the lake

    5 Hour Trip (PM) on July 14, 2022

    Captain Matt makes it fun for kids of all ages!

FAQs about Copperhead Sportfishing Charters

Copperhead Sportfishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip (PM) (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Copperhead Sportfishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Clean, enclosed toilet.
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Radar
Trips booked with Copperhead Sportfishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (No.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We clean fish at the dock. Price of trip includes fish cleaning.)
  • First mate (Customary first mate tip is 15 - 20 percent. First mate is usually available. )
Copperhead Sportfishing Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing
Copperhead Sportfishing Charters offers the following fishing technique:
  • Trolling
Top targeted fish species with Copperhead Sportfishing Charters include:
  • Brown Trout
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Your captain

Matt McQueen
Matt McQueen
Manistee, Michigan, United States
3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
20 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since March 2024
Captain Matt McQueen has been fishing his entire life and has spent the past decade pursuing salmon, steelhead, and lake trout throughout Michigan's rivers, lakes, and the waters of Lake Michigan. As a published outdoor writer whose work has appeared in In-Fisherman and Great Lakes Angler magazines, Matt brings extensive fishing knowledge and experience to every trip. As captain of Copperhead Sportfishing Charters, Matt specializes in Manistee charter fishing on Lake Michigan, targeting king salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. Whether you're a first-time angler or an experienced fisherman, Matt is committed to providing a safe, professional, and enjoyable fishing charter experience. His goal is simple: help every guest catch fish, create lasting memories, and enjoy a day on the water they'll want to repeat.
Our Team
Wiley M.
Wiley M.
First mate
Jim T.
Jim T.
First mate
Matt McQueen
Matt McQueen
Fully verified
3
reports
20
reviews
2024
member since
~1h
response
Captain Matt McQueen has been fishing his entire life and has spent the past decade pursuing salmon, steelhead, and lake trout throughout Michigan's rivers, lakes, and the waters of Lake Michigan. As a published outdoor writer whose work has appeared in In-Fisherman and Great Lakes Angler magazines, Matt brings extensive fishing knowledge and experience to every trip. As captain of Copperhead Sportfishing Charters, Matt specializes in Manistee charter fishing on Lake Michigan, targeting king salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. Whether you're a first-time angler or an experienced fisherman, Matt is committed to providing a safe, professional, and enjoyable fishing charter experience. His goal is simple: help every guest catch fish, create lasting memories, and enjoy a day on the water they'll want to repeat.
The crew
Wiley M.
Wiley M.
First mate
Jim T.
Jim T.
First mate

The fish you can target

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

Real catches by this captain

  • Three anglers proudly displaying their catch of several large trout on a catch board at night.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    James M.
    James M.
    Captain Matt was a great charter captain who was experienced knowledgeable and very helpful. He knew when where and how to catch fish. We went on an evening trip and returned with eight fish to fill the entire cooler. The biggest was 20 pounds the next one was 15 pounds.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large fish on a boat at night, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Coho Salmon
    Eric I.
    Eric I.
    brought a friend from boston, first time for him targeting salmon great crew. Big fish!! Captain Matt swapped lures to push the bite, first mate knew his position
  • Young angler proudly holding a large salmon, with another salmon displayed on a wooden catch board.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Coho Salmon
    Brandella T.
    Brandella T.
    My 10 year old son and I had a great time! Captain Matt and Bart were great and worked hard to find us fish! Captain even asked if we could stay out longer when we had only caught a couple. Would definitly go again!
  • Family group posing beside five salmon displayed on a wooden catch board near the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Chinook Salmon
    Patrick H.
    Patrick H.
    great morning on water captain and first definitely know the water and provide lots of knowledge
  • Two anglers preparing freshly caught fish at a cleaning station, showcasing their catch in a well-equipped filleting area.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Halibut
    Eric K.
    Eric K.
    Captain Matt and First Mate Jim with Copperhead Sportfishing Charters provided an unforgettable and rewarding charter. The crew was professional, highly knowledgeable, and considerate of everyone on board. You cannot ask for a better crew or Great Lakes fishing charter experience. From their hard work keeping your lines in the water and their knowledge of the fish, to their customer service-oriented conduct and filleting skills, this charter runs a class act. Whether you are experienced or have children getting out for their first time, Copperhead Sportfishing Charters will make your experience a memorable one.
  • Four anglers proudly displaying their catch of Lake Trout while on a fishing charter, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Paul M.
    Paul M.
    Captain Matt and Wylie where outstanding. Great fishing great job .Highly recommend chartering there boat.
  • An angler reeling in a catch while fishing on a boat during a serene sunset, showcasing the excitement of the fishing experience.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Jim M.
    Jim M.
    This is a great area to fish, go to the beach. Michigan is a wonderful state. Manistee is a great fishing spot. Remember practice safe boating. It has a very nice river too!
  • A family enjoying a fishing trip on a boat, with children actively participating in reeling in fish on a calm sea.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Travis B.
    Travis B.
    Great weekend getaway! Matt and Wiley were great with my 4, 6 and 9 year old. We had never been fishing for salmon and they helped us the entire trip and made it a wonderful experience! We plan to book again next year.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Lake Trout while fishing on a calm day in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Had a fun, short morning with my boys. Found a few small kings but the lake trout bite was where it was at.
  • Angler holding a large Lake Trout aboard a fishing boat in open water, showcasing a successful catch during a deep-sea fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Another beautiful morning on Lake Michigan. East wind. Found a mix bag of medium and small kings and a lot of good size lake trout. Including a 21 lb bruiser. Went 7/11 this morning and had great company to be with. Kings on meat rigs and spoons. Trout on spin doctors and spin n glos.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
28 ft
Year built
1991
Boat manufacturer
Wellcraft
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Crusader
Powered by
2 x 270HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Trolling

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Clean, enclosed toilet.
GPS
Fishfinder
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
No.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We clean fish at the dock. Price of trip includes fish cleaning.
First mate
Customary first mate tip is 15 - 20 percent. First mate is usually available.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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.
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 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
 American Express
 Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Manistee right now

Brown TroutBrown Trout
Lake TroutLake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook)Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)Salmon (Coho)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Copperhead Sportfishing Charters
Copperhead Sportfishing Charters
5.0
(20)
28 ft
Group size 1 - 5
1 - 5
Fish 1
Fish 2
+3
5 hour trip • 5 persons
US $700