The Great Lakes are home to some of the best freshwater fishing in the world, and one of the premier ports on Lake Michigan is Manistee, Michigan. In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen sat down with Captain Lenny Vaughan of Slipknot Charters to talk tournament success, the unique fishery Manistee offers, and his advice for anglers who want to take their fishing to the next level.

Captain Vaughan and his longtime partner, Mark Chmura, recently won the prestigious Founders Cup Championship, a highlight in a career filled with tournament success and charter experience. But beyond trophies and checks, Vaughan shared what makes this port, this river system, and this fishery so special.

Winning the Founders Cup

Captain Vaughan started the conversation by recounting the excitement of his recent tournament win with his teammate and friend Mark Chmura.

The Founders Cup is a unique championship series on Lake Michigan. Teams earn points by competing in multiple events throughout the season, with their best three scores counting toward the championship. Vaughan and Chmura have been on an impressive run: first place this year, runner-up last year, and champions the year before that.

“We’ve had a nice little run the last few years,” Vaughan explained. “It’s a lot of fun. Once you get into it, it’s something you look forward to every year.”

Their consistency is historic. Few other teams have matched top finishes multiple years in a row, and their record speaks volumes about preparation, local knowledge, and teamwork.

Tips for Aspiring Tournament Anglers

For recreational anglers curious about trying a fishing tournament, Vaughan emphasized that the barrier to entry isn’t as high as some think. He pointed to the 333 format, where anglers simply weigh their three biggest fish over two days.

“Really anybody can get into it and feel confident,” he said. “You’re running the same nine rods as the charter boats, so it’s a level playing field. There’s not as much stress as fishing the big tournaments.”

When asked for his best advice to first-time tournament anglers, Vaughan didn’t hesitate: pick a port and learn it well.

“If you’re going to fish a tournament, pre-fish that port for a few days before. Learn the water, the lay of the land, how the fish move. That way you’re confident when tournament day arrives.”

Why Manistee Stands Out

Manistee isn’t just another Lake Michigan port. It’s a fishery with unique advantages that draw anglers from across the Midwest and beyond.

“We’re the only port that has two rivers running right through downtown,” Vaughan explained. The Little Manistee River is home to a weir and hatchery program that provides consistent stocking, while the Big Manistee River supports a strong wild population. Add in tributaries like Pine Creek and Bear Creek, and you have a powerhouse system for salmon and steelhead.

The result? Catch rates that are second to none. “If you look at the numbers, catch per angler here is one of the highest in the world,” Vaughan said. “A lot of days, I’ll have three clients and all of them will limit out—15 fish in a single trip. There’s no place in the world where you can do that on a regular basis.”

And it’s not just about fishing. Manistee offers a historic downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and accommodations all within walking distance of the marina. “It’s a hidden gem,” Vaughan added. “A lot of my clients fall in love with this place and end up retiring here.”

Understanding the Lake

Part of what makes Manistee so productive is its geography. The port itself is a deep shipping channel, dredged to 25–30 feet all the way out. Centuries of sediment flow from the rivers have built a broad underwater shelf stretching from Ludington’s Big Point Sable up to Frankfort.

That shelf creates a natural structure that holds fish. “It kind of pins the fish in,” Vaughan explained. “They stop there, following the scent from the river, and it creates an incredible fishing environment.”

Beyond the shelf, the water drops quickly into deep basins—500 feet within just a couple of miles. That combination of shallow water, deep water, and river flow makes Manistee a versatile and consistent fishery all season long.

Seasonal Patterns in Manistee

Captain Vaughan also outlined what anglers can expect throughout the year:

• April–May: Fishing is close to shore, targeting brown trout, lake trout, and the occasional king salmon in 10–30 feet of water. Warmer shoreline water compresses baitfish and predators, making for excellent mixed-bag action.
  
  
• May–June: As currents shift, king salmon begin staging near the Little Manistee River. The run builds through June, though wind direction can influence how strong the bite is. Steelhead may be far offshore some years, depending on conditions.
  
  
• July–August: Prime time for kings. “All of August, it’s just all kings,” Vaughan said. This is when Manistee shines as one of the premier king salmon ports on the Great Lakes.
  
  

This seasonal variety ensures anglers have opportunities to catch multiple species throughout the year, with consistent trophy-class salmon in late summer.

The Boat Behind the Success

Chartering more than 200 days a year, Vaughan needs a reliable platform for both tournaments and clients. His choice is a 31’ Tiara, a legendary Great Lakes charter boat.

“This boat is a work machine,” he said. “It’s stable, roomy, and comfortable for clients. For what I do, that’s critical.”

Vaughan’s boat has its own story. When he bought it five years ago, it had been sitting in storage for nearly two decades with only 300 hours on it. “It was like finding a ’68 Mustang in a barn,” he laughed. Since then, he’s logged more than 2,700 hours on it, proving its durability and design.

More Than Just the Fish

For Vaughan, the real reward of chartering isn’t only measured in pounds of salmon or tournament checks. It’s about people.

“The charter fishing industry is just as much about the people as it is the fish,” he said. “I have clients who come back year after year. I’ve watched their kids grow up, go to college, and get married. Giving them one special day on the water together makes this career worthwhile.”

Conclusion

From tournament victories to a lifetime spent guiding anglers on Lake Michigan, Captain Lenny Vaughan embodies the passion and expertise that make the Great Lakes fishing community so special. His success at the Founders Cup is just one highlight in a career defined by hard work, knowledge of the water, and dedication to his clients.

Manistee remains one of the crown jewels of Great Lakes fishing—thanks to its river systems, underwater structure, and thriving salmon population. And with captains like Vaughan at the helm, it’s easy to see why this port continues to be one of the most popular destinations for anglers from across the country.