KingFisher Charters
We'll make your Lake Michigan experience a safe and fun event that will keep you coming back for years!
KingFisher Charters goal is to work to make sure your events and trips are the best possible.
KingFisher Charters | About Us
We Would Love to be Your Charter Boat of Choice
We Carry Only the Finest Equipment Available
Why Choose KingFisher Charters?
Chicago Charter Fishing is our passion. Our goal is to work to make your events and trips the best possible. We have focused our efforts on customers who want to fish off the Chicago skyline, if they live here, or visiting over the summer.
Our Captain's and crew are seasoned professionals and work hard everyday to get you to the fish, catch them and make your trip as enjoyable as possible. We are located in Chicago 5 minutes from downtown.
KingFisher Charters employ's three Chicago charter fishing boats. If you live in Chicago or are just visiting we would love to be your charter boat of choice. Our owner Captain's are Ian Stewart and Kevin Bachner we personally want to make sure your Lake Michigan Experience is a safe and fun event that will keep coming back for years
There are about 10-15 active Charter boats located in Chicago as opposed to the 100+ boats within 60 miles of downtown. Our goal is to stay in Chicago and run our business for the customers that have fished here over the years without having to travel 1-2 hours each way to continue to enjoy the world class Salmon Trout and Perch Fishery on Lake Michigan. We do charge a little more then other boats , this is due to the costs and licensing requirements along with fuel costs due to staying downtown. These have risen substantially along with having to run 6-10 miles to get to fish have caused many boats to move to other harbors. We will work as hard as we possibly can to make your trip fun and safe. We do have a no fish policy. If we do not catch a fish on your trip. Your next trip is free.
KingFisher Charters | Our Captains
Professional U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master Captain. Insured.
Our Captain's have over 30 years experience and spent the last 5 years setting up our new boats here in Chicago and the Chicago Charter Company.
Ian Stewart Captain
Lake Michigan fishing has been part of my life since I worked on my fathers boats starting in 1983. I still love watching kids and adults alike catch their first Lake Michigan Salmon. I fish as much as I can. I can promise you " A honest effort and a heck of a good time on Lake Michigan."
Kevin Bachner Captain
Captain Kevin was born to be a Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout Fishing Captain. He won his first major Salmon Tournament in 2007 the 333 Port Championship in Michigan City Indiana. " I still get goose bumps as the sun rises over the downtown skyline in the morning, I would spend everyday on Lake Michigan if possible."
KingFisher Charters | Our Boats
Book Your Fishing Trip Today, This Season's Dates are Filling Up Fast!
KING FISHER
The "King Fisher" is a true fishing machine redesigned in 2005 and retrofitted with new equipment. At 38 feet long and a 13'5" foot beam she is a true Bertram/Trojan built warhorse. Powered by two 454 mercruiser engines 700 Horsepower. It is truly a Fisherman's dream this boat is huge and can be enjoyed by eveyone.The private washroom facilities are kept clean at all times. We use this boat for cruises, fireworks and nighttime cruises. She is one of the largest and best kept in the Chicago Charter Boating fleet.
The King Fisher has only the best equipment
● Shakespear Ugly Sticks fishing rods
● Cannon Downriggers
● Shimano and Abu Garcia Reels
● Ande tournament line
● Dreamweaver, Fuzzy Bear spoons, flies & flashers
KING SALUKIS
The "King Salukis" is a true fishing machine redesigned in 2015 and retrofitted with new equipment. At 34 feet long and a 12”3 foot beam. Powered by two 350 Crusader’s engines 700 Horsepower. Fishing Lake Michigan is a pleasure in this vessel. There is a private washroom on King Salukis and has comfortable seating on the back deck or the galley.
King Salukis uses only the best equipment
● Shakespear Ugly Sticks fishing rods
● Vector Downriggers
● Shimano and Abu Garcia Reels
● Ande tournament line
● Dreamweaver, Fuzzy Bear spoons, flies & flashers
SALUKIS PRIDE
Our Third Boat in our fleet of Fishing and cruising boats is a 34 foot Salukis Pride Too. At 34 feet long and a 12”3 foot beam. Powered by two 350 Crusader’s engines 700 Horsepower. Fishing Lake Michigan is a pleasure in this vessel. There is a private washroom on King Salukis and has comfortable seating on the back deck or the galley.
The Salukis Pride is equiped with the best equipment
● Shakespear Ugly Sticks fishing rods
● Vector Downriggers
● Shimano and Abu Garcia Reels
● Ande tournament line
● Dreamweaver, Fuzzy Bear spoons, flies & flashers
KingFisher Charters | Photo Gallery
Book Your Fishing Trip Today, This Season's Dates are Filling Up Fast!
Professional Captains with Over 30 Years Experience
Number of Salmon, Trout and Perch Caught Per Year.
Large Groups and Multi Boat charters for Any Size Group Up to 60.
KingFisher Charters | Rates
We arrange trips for any size group up to 60.
During our Busy seasons its best to text the captains at these numbers 847-942-6382 | 773-919-9544 since were often offshore fishing 2-3 times a day, June through September.
Captain Ian Stewart - CaptStew44@aol.com | Captain Kevin Bachner - Captkevin2@aol.com
34 - 38 Foot Charter Boat Rates
Half Day
$940.00
- Half Day | 6 Hours
- 6 Person Maximum
- Additional hours @ $100 per hour
- Bait & Tackle Included
Full Day
$1099.00
- Full Day | 8 Hours
- 6 Person Maximum
- Additional hours @ $100 per hour
- Bait & Tackle Included
Evening
$600.00
- Evening | 3-1/2 Hours
- 6 Person Maximum
- Additional hours @ $100 per hour
- Bait & Tackle Included
Perch
$940.00
- Half Day
- 6 Person Maximum
- Additional hours @ $100 per hour
- Bait & Tackle Included
Perch & Salmon
$1099.00
- Full Day
- 6 Person Maximum
- Additional hours @ $100 per hour
- Bait & Tackle Included
Fireworks Cruises
$600.00
- Wed & Sat
- 6 Person Maximum
- Additional hours @ $100 per hour
- Lake View Fireworks
V.I.P Entertainment
Large Groups and Multi Boat charters. | 34 - 38 Foot Charter Boats
We arrange trips for any size group up to 60.
Corporate Trips are a specialty for KingFisher Charters.
Call us 773-919-9544 to ask about any trip.
Half Day
$1349.00
- Half Day | 6 Hours
- 6 Person Maximum
- Catering Included
- Fishing Licenses Included
- Gratuity Included
- Fish Cleaning Included
- Ice for the Way home Included
- All You Need to Do Is Show Up!
Full Day
$1474.00
- Full Day | 8 Hours
- 6 Person Maximum
- Catering Included
- Fishing Licenses Included
- Gratuity Included
- Fish Cleaning Included
- Ice for the Way home Included
- All You Need to Do Is Show Up!
Max Day
$1800.00
- Full Day | 12 Hours
- 6 Person Maximum
- Catering Included
- Fishing Licenses Included
- Gratuity Included
- Fish Cleaning Included
- Ice for the Way home Included
- All You Need to Do Is Show Up!
KingFisher Charters | Fishing Information
Everything you need to know before you go fishing.
FISHING INFORMATION
Our fishing around Chicago allows for many types of fishing depending on the Season:
- When the fish are near shore limit, catches of Coho Salmon are possible.
As the summer starts and the water warms the bait fish move offshore.
- The size of the fish and the numbers of fish increase as the fish set up offshore 5-12 miles.
- The size of the fish and the numbers of fish increase as the fish set up offshore 5-12 miles.
Salmon & Trout feed on the abundant bait fish around our south basin.
- The Size of fish grow substantially and we can get fish up to 28 lbs.
- The Size of fish grow substantially and we can get fish up to 28 lbs.
NOTE: We recommend anytime after April 1st to Fish Morning trips and afternoon trips each have their benefits. Depending on the day each can be better than the other. The evening trips are also very good times as the salmon turn on right before sundown.
DIRECTIONS TO BOAT HARBORS
Belmont Harbor is located in Lincoln Park near Wrigley Field. It is a short cab ride or drive from all Downtown Hotels.Our boats are located on F Dock in the main basin.
(80-94) HWY 55 or 290 take any of the highways to Lake Shore Drive North from Downtown and exit on Recreation Drive. DO NOT EXIT ON BELMONT. Recreation drive is only an exit if you are heading North on LSD. Upon Exiting turn right and head south. You will arrive at the parking attendant booth. Pass the booth .5 miles the docks are labeled with letters from A - Q. You will see Dock F after the stop sign on your left. Park in the farthest lot and head to the gate. The Captains will meet you with the gate entrance code for your trip. Click Here for Google Map DIRECTIONS TO BELMONT HARBOR
From 90-94 from the North exit the Irving Park Exit #44 on 90-94. Take Irving PArk the entire way to Lake Shore Drive. Go under Lake Shore Drive and turn right on Recreation drive. You will drive about 1.3 miles and will arrive at the parking attendant booth. Pass the booth .5 miles the docks are labeled with letters from A - Q. You will see Dock F after the stop sign on your left. Park in the farthest lot and head to the gate. The Captains will meet you with the gate entrance code for your trip.
WEATHER INFORMATION
Check the Chicago Fishing weatherNearshore Weather Forecast for Chicago Charter Boats
Open Lake Weather Forecast for Lake Michigan (Beyond 5 miles)
Chicago Charter Boat Lake Michigan Fishing Surface Temperature Maps
Lake Michigan Fishing Licenses Illinois
FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION
Click here to purchase Illinois Fishing licensesClick here to purchase Indiana Fishing licenses
Click here to purchase Michigan Fishing licenses
GEAR TO BRING ON A CHARTER BOAT
All your fishing gear and fishing equipment is provided by our Lake Michigan Charter Boats. Your Chicago fishing charter will provide water for you trip. We can cater your trip for the cost of the food and drinks. Most of our customers bring their won food and drinks. Alcohol is allowed.
Below is a list of a few things that you should bring on your Chicago charter fishing trip.
● COOLER:
Bring a small cooler for food and drinks. Ask your charter boat Captain how large of a cooler you will need. You will also need a cooler with ice to transport the fish home with you.
● SUNGLASSES:
Bring sun glasses. Preferably polarized fishing glasses to lessen the sun's glare that reflects up off the water. The sun can burn you very quickly and bad sunburn can ruin your fishing trip.
● HAT OR BALLCAP:
A hat or ball cap is a good idea, especially for you guys that are getting a bit thin on top. Protect your head from the sun's burning rays.
● SUNSCREEN:
Make sure you bring sunscreen, especially if you easily burn.
● SPORTS BAG:
A sports bag is a good idea to bring for carrying your gear, hat, glasses etc and other personal items that you need on a charter fishing trip.
● LIGHT-WEIGHT WIND BREAKER:
If you will be fishing in foul or rainy weather then you may want to bring a very light weight wind breaker or rain jacket.
● CAMERA:
Bring a camera to take snapshots of those big fish you catch or video of the beautiful Chicago Skyline
● DRAMAMINE:
If you get sea sick or aren't sure if you get sea sick then it is a very wise idea to take your Dramamine the night before you leave the dock. Nothing can ruin a fishing trip worse than a guy named "RALPH".
● CASH:
You probably already paid for the trip but you should make sure you have some cash in pocket so you can tip the First Mate. Being Mate on a charter boat is not easy work and these guys deserve every dime they get.
● VALID STATE FISNING LICENSE &SALMON STAMP:
Valid State fishing license and salmon stamp - we will tell you where we will be fishing a day or two prior to your trip. We do have licenses available for purchase for all three states. Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois
KingFisher Charters | FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We also offer excursion trips in and around the Chicagoland area. List below is a small snapshot of other available on the water activities that would be great for you and your friends or family.
● Entertaining Business Clients & Office Outings
● Family Get-Togethers and Birthday Parties
● Fireworks Cruises (Wednesday and Saturday Evenings)
● Fourth of July Fireworks (July 3rd)
● Venetian Night
● Air & Water Show
● Scenic Lakefront Cruises
● Perch Fishing
● Entertaining Business Clients & Office Outings
● Family Get-Togethers and Birthday Parties
● Fireworks Cruises (Wednesday and Saturday Evenings)
● Fourth of July Fireworks (July 3rd)
● Venetian Night
● Air & Water Show
● Scenic Lakefront Cruises
● Perch Fishing
Chicago Charter Boat Company captains and crews are well trained in helping both the experienced and the novice alike. WE PROVIDE THE FISHING GEAR AND EXPERTISE YOU NEED TO BRING YOUR FOOD AND DRINKS AND COME READY TO CATCH FISH.
A breeze off of Lake Michigan is alot like the the ocean and can be chilly. Dress warm (you can always peel it off!), wear rubber sole shoes or boots and a windbreaker. If the forcast calls for rain bring rain gear some charter services have light rain gear but be safe bring you own.
Bring one! Coolers are welcome on board. All boats can cater your food and drinks for a modest cost. Please call ahead for this option.
Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana requires a license for most recreational fishing. Folks who fish a lot usually purchase a season license every Spring at their neighborhood sporting goods store. All of our charter boats sell short term licenses. The cost is $6.00-20.00 depending on state per day.
Your catch will be cleaned or filleted at sea or the dock. The fish cleaning is part of the price of our trips the mates certainly would appreciate a tip if the trip was to your satisfaction. Storage is available for those fishing multiple days.
April and May is best for Salmon June July and August is the big fish season. Lake Michigan has seen a shift in the populations away from Salmon and more to Lake Trout.
Salmon in the Spring and Trout in the summer is the current fishery. We have had 5 world class fish caught in the last 2 years in the summer over 30 pounds.
The short answer is - But we never know when the fish bite the best that is for sure so the best thing to do is to schedule your trip around your schedule. We guarantee well catch you fish! Weekends are the most crowded so book early. If you are limited to weekends be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
We believe we are the hardest working, safest fishing fleet in Chicago. But if we cannot accommodate you or your trip we will reach out to one of our partner boats and get you scheduled.
Each charter service prices their trips a little differently so be sure to make sure what the price includes and if there are any "on-board" charges. And remember: the lowest price is not always the best price!
The Coast Guard Regulations allow us to carry a MAXIMUM of six (6) passengers &
we are Licensed & Insured properly for that amount only.
Yes Beer & Wine and hard liquor in moderation is allowed. Please bring cans and be of age. Absolutely no illegal substances of any kind are allowed on the boat.
No, all fishing equipment including Rods, Reels are provided at no extra cost on board the boat.
We carry only the finest equipment available. We can make arrangements if you do want to bring some light tackle equipment.
KingFisher Charters | Testimonials
See How Much Fun Others Have Been Having with KingFisher Charters!
Customer Testimonials
Contact Us
Information
Our season gets started about April 1st.
We are many times offshore fishing and out of cell phone range. We have added many FAQ's to our website this year in an effort to help answer many of the questions. Please feel free to contact either Captain's Ian Stewart or Captain Kevin Bachner we have many boats to choose from in our fleet but our schedule fills up fast for the peak season of June - August. The best way to reach us is to text our phones,
- Address: KingFisher Charters, Belmont Harbor, Chicago, Illinois.
- captstew44@aol.com
- captkevin2@aol.com
- Phone: 847-942-6382 and/or 773-919-9544
Working Hours
- Monday - Friday - 6am to 8pm
- Saturday - 6am to 8pm
- Sunday - 6am to 8pm