Prime Salmon & Steelhead Action Heats Up Nearshore and Offshore

Lake Michigan Tributary Fishing Report 

Steelhead Nation Outfitters, led by Captain Anthony Cortis, brings three years of expert experience to your Lake Michigan fishing charters. As a specialist in salmon fishing and Michigan steelhead fishing on the west side of the state, we are committed to providing you with an unforgettable fishing adventure. Manistee river fishing in Michigan or exploring the Betsie River fishing spots, each trip is tailored to your experience level—perfect for both beginners and seasoned anglers. Our mission is to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience fishing for steelhead in Michigan. To ensure you have everything you need, Captain Anthony provides rods, reels, and tackle, along with live bait—mainly fish eggs under a bobber, though we may use artificial lures depending on the bite and time of year. For those who prefer fly fishing, all necessary equipment is also available. After your successful catch, we offer complimentary fish cleaning and filleting services; just make sure you have a big enough cooler with ice to take your catch home! During your trip, we also supply snacks like chips, drinks including water and Gatorade, and for those on an 8-hour adventure, a hearty lunch featuring options like steaks, chicken, fish, or sandwiches. In addition to our salmon fishing trips, Captain Anthony Cortis offers thrilling water adventures aboard his 18-foot custom-built speed boat, crafted by Tracys Customs in 2008. This sleek jet boat, powered by a 90HP Yamaha engine, is perfect for small groups, accommodating up to 4 persons. With a maximum cruising speed of 20 knots, Captain Anthony's boat is ideal for those seeking an exciting and fast-paced experience on the water. Whether you're exploring new waters or enjoying a day of high-speed fun, this boat promises a memorable adventure during your Lake Michigan fishing charters. If you have any questions or are ready for fishing the Manistee river in Michigan don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to provide all the information you need and ensure your trip is tailored to your preferences. Whether you're an experienced angler or a first-timer, we're excited to help you plan an unforgettable day on the water. Get in touch with us today, and let's make your fishing dreams a reality!

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Fishing conditions around Frankfort, Lake Michigan, continue to improve as the season progresses. Anglers are seeing strong action targeting Steelhead and Chinook Salmon, especially in the deeper offshore waters. Early morning and late evening trips have been most productive, with Steelhead biting steadily on spawn bags, spoons, and crawler harnesses. Chinook Salmon are responding well to trolling with downriggers using flashers and hoochies in the 40-60 foot range.

Closer to shore, coho salmon have been spotted near reefs and drop-offs, providing opportunities for light tackle anglers. Yellow perch fishing remains steady in the nearshore bays, while smallmouth bass are active around rocky points and underwater structures. Water temperatures are holding steady in the mid-50s°F, contributing to consistent fish activity. For the best chances, target depths between 40 and 100 feet and vary trolling speeds between 2.0 and 2.5 mph.

With good weather forecasts and stable water clarity, Frankfort continues to be a hotspot for anglers seeking a mix of trophy Steelhead and salmon. Whether you prefer trolling, casting, or jigging, the fishing scene is ripe for success. Stay tuned for weekly updates to make the most of your next Lake Michigan fishing trip!

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One fisherman enjoying the great outdoors in MI

Lake Michigan Fishing Report 

A beautiful rainbow trout caught while fishing in MI

Photograph of a 28-inch Rainbow Trout caught while fishing in Frankfort

Angler holding a large rainbow trout fish in Frankfort

A single rainbow trout caught while fishing in MI

Ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure? Book your trip with Steelhead Nation Outfitters today and experience the thrill of catching Steelhead and Salmon on Lake Michigan!

Steelhead Nation Outfitters stands at the forefront of Lake Michigan tributary fishing charters, offering focused adventures for salmon fishing and Michigan steelhead fishing on the renowned Manistee River and picturesque Betsie River. Our seasoned guides draw on years of local experience to tailor each outing to your ability, ensuring productive time on the water whether you’re refining a drift technique or learning to cast for the first time. High-quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included, and we share up-to-date insight on river conditions, seasonal runs, and productive holding water so you can target trophy fish with confidence. We design every Manistee River fishing or Betsie River fishing trip around your goals, from chasing early-morning chrome steelhead to pursuing hard-fighting Chinook salmon in peak season. Small group sizes allow hands-on instruction, attentive boat handling, and a relaxed atmosphere that lets you focus on reading the current and perfecting presentation. By pairing local knowledge with courteous, professional service, Steelhead Nation Outfitters delivers a memorable, results-driven experience on some of Michigan’s finest waters.

Captain Anthony Cortis heads Steelhead Nation Outfitters, guiding anglers on Lake Michigan as well as the Manistee and Betsie Rivers. A resident fisherman since childhood, he pairs more than three years of professional charter experience with deep local insight, enabling guests to target seasonal runs of steelhead, Chinook, and coho with confidence. His daily time on the water keeps techniques sharp and knowledge of migration patterns current, qualities that place him among the most reliable guides in the region. Anthony’s approach centers on learning and safety. He supplies quality rods, reels, tackle, and live bait, then demonstrates presentation methods tailored to each guest’s skill level. Clear explanations of river hydrology, reading seams, and selecting lures help anglers refine their craft while respecting fish and habitat. Because group sizes are small, every question gets answered and each catch is handled with care. A specialist in light-tackle tactics, Captain Anthony favors sensitive spinning outfits that amplify every head-shake and run. By matching line weight and lure action to water clarity and flow, he allows clients to feel subtle strikes from steelhead in fast currents or salmon holding in deeper pools. This finesse-based style not only increases hookup rates but also adds an extra layer of satisfaction to each successful landing, making the day memorable for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. <h3>About the Boat</h3>Captain Anthony operates an 18-foot Tracys Custom jet boat powered by a 90 HP Yamaha outboard. The shallow-draft hull glides over river shallows and open-lake chop with equal ease, while the jet drive enhances maneuverability around logjams, gravel bars, and harbor mouths. Rated for up to four guests, the vessel offers padded seating, ample rod storage, and a clean deck layout that keeps gear organized and movements safe. A cruising speed of 20 knots shortens travel time to productive water, allowing more of the trip to be spent casting and landing fish.

Meet Captain Anthony Cortis of Steelhead Nation Outfitters

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Things To Do In Lake Michigan 

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Expert Lake Michigan Fishing Charters | 8 Hours

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Top-Rated Michigan Steelhead Fishing | 6-Hour Trip

Common Questions: What are the prices for Lake Michigan fishing charters with Steelhead Nation Outfitters?Prices for Lake Michigan fishing charters with Steelhead Nation Outfitters vary based on trip duration and type. Our charter trip ranges from $450 to $650. What types of fishing trips does Steelhead Nation Outfitters offer on Lake Michigan?Steelhead Nation Outfitters offers a variety of fishing trips on Lake Michigan, including specialized salmon fishing and Michigan steelhead fishing excursions. We provide half-day (6-hour) and full-day (8-hour) trips, catering to both novice and experienced anglers. Do you offer Manistee River fishing trips?Yes, we offer Manistee River fishing trips as part of our services. Fishing the Manistee River in Michigan is ideal for those targeting Steelhead and Salmon in a river setting. These trips are available year-round, with pricing similar to our Lake Michigan charters. Are your fishing trips suitable for beginners?Absolutely! Our fishing trips, whether on Lake Michigan or the Manistee and Betsie Rivers, are perfect for all skill levels. We tailor each experience to your expertise, ensuring everyone from beginners to seasoned anglers enjoys fishing for steelhead in Michigan. What is included in the price of a fishing trip?The price of a trip with Steelhead Nation Outfitters includes all necessary fishing equipment—rods, reels, tackle, and bait. We also provide fish cleaning and filleting services at no additional charge. For full-day trips, we offer a complimentary lunch with options like steaks, chicken, and sandwiches. Can I book a fishing trip on the Betsie River?Yes, we offer Betsie River fishing trips in addition to our Lake Michigan and Manistee River excursions. Fishing the Betsie River is a fantastic experience, especially during peak Steelhead and Salmon seasons. How do I choose between a 6-hour and 8-hour fishing trip?The choice depends on how much time you want to spend on the water. Our 6-hour trips are perfect for a shorter, yet fulfilling, salmon fishing or Michigan steelhead fishing adventure. The 8-hour trips allow for a more in-depth experience, exploring multiple prime spots on Lake Michigan or the Manistee River. Do you offer seasonal fishing trips on Lake Michigan?Yes, our Lake Michigan fishing charters are available year-round, with the best seasons for salmon fishing and Michigan steelhead fishing being spring and fall. We also adjust our river trips on the Manistee and Betsie Rivers according to the migration patterns of these species. Can we keep the fish we catch during the trip?Yes, you can keep the fish you catch during our charters. We’ll clean and fillet your catch at no extra charge, so be sure to bring a cooler with ice to take your fresh fish home. How do I book a fishing trip with Steelhead Nation Outfitters?Booking a trip with Steelhead Nation Outfitters is easy! You can contact us directly via our website or phone to secure your spot on one of our Lake Michigan fishing charters, Manistee River fishing trips, or Betsie River fishing adventures. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.