Lake Michigan Fishing Charters | Salmon & Trout Charlevoix

1.231.547.2371 106 East Antrim Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720

Guided Lake Michigan Fishing Charters

You Catch, We Clean!

Experience World-Class Fishing in Northern Michigan.

Reel in a legend with our professional fishing charters. Our experienced captain knows exactly where the Lake Trout and King Salmon are biting. “You catch, we clean, you keep” is the ultimate stress-free fishing experience for families and serious anglers alike.

A $200 non-refundable deposit is required for reservations.
(Weather-related cancellations will be made at the discretion of our captain, and a refund will be issued in these cases.)

Lake Trout and Chinook Salmon

USCG Licensed Captain

31 ft. Bertram Boat

with a Head

Half-day Trips are $200 per Person

(four-person minimum or $800 price minimum)

Maximum Number of passengers: 6 people

Price Includes all Fishing Gear

(except a fishing license)

Fishing Licenses Are Available

in our store ($10 for a 24-hour license). Or online.

Lake Trout Trips:

7:30 am to 12:00 pm & 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Salmon Trips:

6:00 am to 10:30 am & 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm

The boat departs from our dock in Charlevoix

Fishing Guide & First Mate Service: Bring Your Boat & Gear – We Bring the Expertise!

Enhance your private fishing trip with our professional First Mate Service – perfect for boat owners who want expert guidance without the full cost of a traditional charter.

Rate: $100 per hour
(Minimum booking applies – contact for details.)

Local Knowledge

Years of experience on these waters – we’ll put you on the best spots for targeting your preferred species.

Hands-On Training & Instruction

From beginners to seasoned anglers, we’ll teach techniques like setting lines, trolling speed, rigging, reading the water, and landing fish safely.

Full Assistance Onboard

Netting, untangling lines, and ensuring a safe, enjoyable day. Ice provided! Coolers are available upon request.

Safety & Tips

Expert advice on boat handling in local conditions, fish identification, and conservation practices.

You Catch, We’ll Clean

We’ll happily clean, fillet, and package your catch at the end of your trip.

You provide your boat, fuel, tackle, rods/reels, bait, food/drinks, and valid fishing licenses for your passengers. (Fishing licenses are available for purchase onsite at Ward Marina, if necessary.)

Whether you’re new to the area, teaching family/friends, or just want to maximize your catch, our friendly first mates make every trip more productive and fun. Great for half-day or full-day outings! Book now and let’s get you hooked on great fishing!

Reservation and Cancellation Policies

A non-refundable reservation deposit of 15% is required for all bookings.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations within 7 days of a reservation will incur 30% of the rental fee.
Cancellations made within 3 days of the reservation are not eligible for a refund.

Payment & Security Deposit Information:
To ensure a smooth rental experience, here are a few important details regarding payment and deposits:

A valid credit card (not debit) is required for all motorized rentals.
We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express (cash is accepted onsite for same-day rentals).
To confirm your reservation, full payment of the rental fee is required at the time of booking.
At the time of pickup, a $500 cash security deposit is also required. This will be fully refunded upon return of the equipment, provided everything is in good condition after inspection.

Northern Michigan weather can be unpredictable! We recommend waiting until the day of your rental to make weather-related decisions, as forecasts can change quickly. While we can’t guarantee perfect weather, we’ll do our best to work with you.

Weather & Safety Policy:

Our Commitment to Your Safety
Your safety is our highest priority. Northern Michigan weather is famously beautiful, but it can be unpredictable. To ensure you have the best possible experience, we monitor lake conditions in real time.

Planning Your Trip: Because forecasts can change quickly, we recommend checking in with us on the day of your reservation for the most accurate update on lake conditions.
Safety-First Cancellations: To ensure everyone’s well-being on the water, Ward Marina reserves the right to postpone or cancel rentals due to unsafe conditions (such as high winds, lightning, or small craft advisories).Should we determine that conditions are unsafe for your specific vessel, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a refund at our discretion. (Cancellations due to weather will be at the sole discretion of Ward Marina.)

Damage & Responsibility

Vessel Care & Responsibility
We take great pride in providing a clean, high-performance, and well-maintained fleet for our guests.

Upon departure, the renter assumes full responsibility for the vessel and its equipment. (See rental agreement for more details)

Damage Policy: Our experience has been that boat rental guests are very mindful of their surroundings and take great care of the vessel they are renting.
Please be aware that the rental customer is responsible for 100% of any repair or replacement costs incurred during the rental period.
Insurance Notice: Boat rental insurance is not provided. We encourage all operators to navigate with caution, stay within designated channels, and respect all maritime markers to ensure a safe and damage-free excursion.