Big Lake Outfitters is partnering with the Saugatuck/Holland Area Charter Boat Association (SACA), and will be providing Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo River Charter Fishing reservation services for the area’s finest Charter Fishing fleet. We’re pooling our resources and efforts in order to enhance the Charter Fishing experience for our customers.  We are also supporting and involved with SACA’s efforts to protect and enhance the Great Lakes fisheries, including working with local, state, and federal governments and agencies. 

CHARTER ALBUM

We had another long, cold winter here in Saugatuck.  Finally, spring has arrived!  Now is the best time to reserve prime fishing charters for the 2011 season.  The SACA Captains & Mates and the staff at Big Lake Outfitters are looking forward to another great season.  King salmon catches were fantastic last year, and should remain excellent in Lake Michigan from April through September.  Cold winters cool the lake water temperatures, driving the bait and game fish to the warmer waters at the south end of Lake Michigan.  All of this cold can really heat things up here in the spring when schools of hungry king salmon show up at Saugatuck.  This really sets things up for outstanding fishing opportunities!  Mix in some steelhead and lake trout and you will have a trip you will remember forever.  Remember:  Book early for your charters!  July and August weekends are always in strong demand and should be reserved well in advance.   We also will be offering a Kalamazoo River guide service, providing outstanding fishing opportunities in one of the most plentiful tributaries in SW Michigan.

SACA has once again completed another successful year  working with the Department of Natural Resources and the “Net Pen” project for the Kalamazoo River salmon plant at Saugatuck.  For the past six years area Charter Captains have been holding and feeding 40,000 Chinook (King) salmon in a pen for about three weeks until they smolt (start to get small scales).  Keeping the fish in the river where they are going to be released helps them imprint to the river.  The net pen project increases survival rates from 25% for fish planted directly into the river, to 80% for Net Pen fish.  Net pens like the one in Saugatuck and other around the lake have really helped make some super salmon fishing!  SACA is also working with area schools to provide Great Lakes educational opportunities for students, supporting “salmon in the classroom” projects and Lake Michigan sport fishing outings.

We are looking forward to seeing you again in 2011.  To reserve your outing please give us a call @ 269-857-4762! Click here to like us on Facebook and check out our pictures!

Good Fishin’

The staff of Big Lake Outfitters

Half Day Charters AM/PM (6 hours Dock to Dock or Limit Catch) *
1-4 People          $550    AM Departures (6am-12pm or 7am-1pm)
5 People              $600    PM Departures (1pm-7pm or 2pm-8pm)
6 People              $650

ALL Day Charters AM  (8 hours Dock to Dock or Limit Catch) *
1-4 People          $750      AM Departures (6am-2pm or 7am-3pm)
5-6 People          $850     

Our Fleet of Charter Boats Includes:

Best Chance Too, Best Chance, Black Betty II, CoHooker, Fish N Fin, Four C's, Hoppenero Too, Miryha and US Male

*2% SACA Association Fee Added to Charter Rate. One weeks notice must be given for all cancellations or you will be charged up to 100%of the cost of the charter based on the season. Weather related cancellations must be rescheduled for another day. ANY no call/ no show subject to cancellation fines.

DEPARTURE TIME DEPENDS ON TIME OF YEAR.

FOR CAPTAINS BIO'S, FISHING REPORTS, RECIPES, AND OTHER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT Saugatuck Area Charters