New Buffalo Fishing Charters on Lake Michigan
New Buffalo fishing charters give visitors an exciting way to add salmon, trout, steelhead, and big-water adventure to a Southwest Michigan beach getaway.
Sea Hawk Charters is a nearby charter option for people staying in New Buffalo, Harbor Country, Northwest Indiana, and the surrounding area. Guests meet Captain Russ Clark at Pier 1000 Marina in Benton Harbor before heading onto Lake Michigan aboard a spacious 36-foot Tiara.
Plan a Lake Michigan Fishing Charter Near New Buffalo
New Buffalo sits along the southern Lake Michigan shoreline near the Indiana border. It is a popular destination for beach trips, weekend getaways, waterfront dining, and outdoor activities.
A private fishing charter adds something different to the trip. Instead of only looking at Lake Michigan from the beach, your group can head onto the water and experience the excitement of fishing for seasonal salmon, trout, steelhead, perch, and Skamania.
Sea Hawk serves New Buffalo visitors from its dock at Pier 1000 Marina in Benton Harbor. Guests drive north to the marina, meet Captain Russ, and begin their charter near the mouth of the St. Joseph River.
Why New Buffalo Visitors Choose Sea Hawk Charters
The closest boat is not always the best fit for every group. Experience, boat comfort, trip options, clear pricing, and the overall fishing setup all matter when comparing New Buffalo fishing charters.
Captain Russ Clark has more than 40 years of experience. He uses that knowledge to build each trip around current Lake Michigan conditions, seasonal fish movement, and the strongest fishing opportunities available that day.
Experienced Captain
Captain Russ brings decades of Lake Michigan charter experience to each trip and welcomes both experienced anglers and beginners.
Comfortable Charter Boat
Lake trips take place aboard a 36-foot Tiara with a wide beam and plenty of space for groups to fish and relax.
Equipment Included
Sea Hawk provides bait, tackle, fishing equipment, and fish cleaning for Lake Michigan charter trips.
Private Group Experience
Trips are a strong fit for families, couples, friends, company outings, reunions, and special occasions.
Learn more about the captain, boat, and company on the About Sea Hawk Charters page.
New Buffalo Area Fishing Charter Rates
Sea Hawk offers both morning and afternoon Lake Michigan charters. The right option depends on your group’s schedule, energy level, and how much time you want to spend fishing.
7-Hour Morning Charter
$900- Price covers 1 to 4 guests
- Guests 5 and 6 are $100 each
- Fish from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Maximum of 6 guests
- $300 deposit required
- Gratuity is not included
5-Hour Afternoon Charter
$800- Price covers 1 to 4 guests
- Guests 5 and 6 are $100 each
- Fish from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Maximum of 6 guests
- $300 deposit required
- Gratuity is not included
Sea Hawk also offers a weekday afternoon and morning combination special. This option works well for New Buffalo visitors planning a longer Southwest Michigan getaway and wanting two days of fishing.
What Fish Can You Catch Near New Buffalo?
The southern Lake Michigan fishing season changes throughout spring, summer, and early fall. Water temperature, wind, currents, baitfish, and fish migration can all affect what is active.
Spring
April and May may bring opportunities for Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, brown trout, steelhead, and lake trout.
Summer
June through August can produce Chinook, Coho, lake trout, perch, steelhead, and Skamania action.
Early Fall
September may offer continued opportunities for Chinook and Coho salmon as seasonal patterns begin to change.
No charter captain can guarantee a certain species or catch. Captain Russ builds each trip around the conditions and fishing opportunities available on the scheduled date.
Read more about Sea Hawk’s Lake Michigan fishing charter experience.
New Buffalo Fishing Charters for Families and Groups
You do not need years of fishing experience to enjoy a Sea Hawk charter. Many guests are trying Lake Michigan fishing for the first time or introducing children and family members to the sport.
Captain Russ helps guests understand the equipment, the fishing process, and what to expect during the trip. More experienced anglers can focus on the challenge of fighting powerful Lake Michigan fish.
Family Vacation
Add an active outdoor experience to a New Buffalo beach vacation and give the family something new to enjoy together.
Friends’ Weekend
Turn a Harbor Country getaway into a memorable group trip with fishing, Lake Michigan views, and plenty of stories.
Corporate Outing
Give employees, customers, or business partners a private experience away from the office.
Special Occasion
Celebrate a birthday, reunion, bachelor trip, retirement, or another milestone with a private charter.
New anglers can also read Sea Hawk’s first-time Lake Michigan fishing charter guide before heading to the marina.
Make the Charter Part of a New Buffalo Getaway
New Buffalo gives visitors plenty of ways to build a full weekend around a Lake Michigan charter. The community offers beaches, restaurants, shops, nature areas, paddling, and entertainment.
- Spend time at New Buffalo Beach: Relax on the Lake Michigan shoreline, walk the dune path, enjoy harbor views, visit the playground, or return for sunset after your fishing trip.
- Explore downtown New Buffalo: Walk along Whittaker Street and visit local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, galleries, and ice cream stops.
- Visit Galien River County Park: Walk the canopy pathway, climb the marsh overlook tower, explore the boardwalk, and look for local wildlife.
- Paddle the Galien River: Kayaking and paddleboarding give visitors another way to explore the wetlands and waterways around New Buffalo.
- Explore Harbor Country: Visit nearby communities, beaches, restaurants, wineries, breweries, shops, and outdoor destinations along the Southwest Michigan shoreline.
- Plan an evening out: New Buffalo offers waterfront dining, live entertainment, and Four Winds Casino for adults looking for evening activities.
What to Bring on Your Fishing Charter
Sea Hawk handles the fishing equipment, but guests should prepare for changing conditions. Lake Michigan can feel cooler than the beach or downtown, especially during an early morning trip.
Bring With You
- A valid Michigan fishing license
- Layered clothing
- Soft-soled shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Food and drinks
- A cooler for cleaned fillets
- Motion sickness medication when needed
Provided by Sea Hawk
- Fishing rods and equipment
- Bait and tackle
- Captain-led trip planning
- Fish cleaning
- A spacious Lake Michigan boat
Anglers age 17 and older need a valid Michigan fishing license. Purchase the license before your charter through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Where Does Sea Hawk Launch?
Sea Hawk Charters launches from Pier 1000 Marina, Slip 25, at 1000 Riverview Drive in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Guests staying in New Buffalo travel north to the marina before the trip. The launch location provides direct access to the St. Joseph River channel and Lake Michigan.
Sea Hawk is presented as a nearby Southwest Michigan charter option for New Buffalo visitors. The company does not claim a New Buffalo office, storefront, or dock.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Buffalo Fishing Charters
Does Sea Hawk Charters depart from New Buffalo?
No. Sea Hawk departs from Pier 1000 Marina in Benton Harbor. The company is a nearby Southwest Michigan charter option for guests staying in New Buffalo and Harbor Country.
How much does a New Buffalo area fishing charter cost?
Sea Hawk’s 7-hour morning charter is $900 for 1 to 4 guests. The 5-hour afternoon charter is $800 for 1 to 4 guests. A fifth or sixth guest is $100 per person, and a $300 deposit is required.
What fish can we catch on Lake Michigan?
Seasonal opportunities may include Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, lake trout, perch, and Skamania. The available species depend on the month and current conditions.
Are Sea Hawk fishing charters good for beginners?
Yes. Captain Russ welcomes first-time anglers and provides the equipment and guidance needed to enjoy the experience.
Is fishing equipment included?
Yes. Lake Michigan trips include bait, tackle, fishing equipment, and fish cleaning. Guests should bring personal clothing, food, drinks, and a cooler for fillets.
Do I need a Michigan fishing license?
Anglers age 17 and older need a valid Michigan fishing license and should purchase it before arriving at the marina.
What happens if Lake Michigan weather is unsafe?
The captain makes the final decision based on lake conditions. Trips canceled or shortened because of weather may be rescheduled or prorated based on the circumstances.
What can we do in New Buffalo after the charter?
Visitors can enjoy New Buffalo Beach, downtown dining and shopping, Galien River County Park, paddling, Harbor Country attractions, and local entertainment.
Plan Your New Buffalo Fishing Charter
Add a private Lake Michigan fishing trip to your New Buffalo getaway. Contact Sea Hawk Charters to compare morning and afternoon options, ask Captain Russ a question, and reserve your preferred date.