a lifetime of experience

Captain Paul

Captain Paul Schlafley – Riverside Charters/Manistee, MI

Docked just minutes from the Manistee Harbor mouth mean fast to open water so there is more time to spend catching fish!

Remember to Bring

  • Michigan Fishing License
  • Camera
  • Sweater or jacket
  • Cooler for fish

Captain Paul Schlafley is a native to the Manistee area. Having been raised right on the Manistee River channel, his parents owned Riverside Motel & Marina and then Paul bought it from his folks and ran it for 10 years.

Paul has a lifetime of fishing experienceLudington Michigan Tournament WinnerAs a boy, he was a fishing fanatic, you would always find him fishing the piers at Manistee or traversing the shores of the Manistee River.

At 18, which is the age you are able to obtain a U.S.C.G. captain’s license, Paul got is license and established Riverside Charters. Presently charter fishing the Big Manistee River & Lake Michigan.

There are many guides to choose from, and you will probably find that the most successful captains have a background with many years of experience. 
Fun!
You’ll find Paul a very patient captain 
and one who will help you land fish when needed … from the seasoned fisherman to families with children, all levels of experience anglers are welcomed.

Captain Paul will definitely guide you to a great day of fishing!

Riverside Charters is booking for fishing on Lake Michigan with our 38′ Tiara sportfishing boat.

Mix of Steelhead and King SalmonRiverside Charters – Manistee Charter in June, a mix of king salmon and rainbow trout (steelhead)

  • Andy Wing

    I have fished with Riverside Charters for over 10 years. We have fished the Manistee river and Lake Michigan many times with Capt. Paul. We have fished for Steelhead, Lake Trout, Salmon and Brown trout with much success. Captain Paul is an extremely dedicated charter captain, always making sure your trip is top-notch. The thing I like the most about fishing with Paul is his desire to put you on fish every time out. His boats and gear are top notch insuring your fishing success. I would not have booked 20-30 plus trips with Paul if I did not enjoy the time fishing with him. I guarantee you will enjoy your experience with Riverside Charters. -- Andy Wing

     
    Andy Wing
  • Mark Franck
    I have been fishing with Paul on Riverside Charters for the last several years. Paul is a great fisherman and knows the lake better than anyone. He has been fishing since the early '80s. He tries many things when fishing to ensure a special trip for his charters. He is always up to date on what is working and provided an interesting fishing experience. I am from Virginia, therefore, it is very helpful for the fishing tips Paul provides which I use in filling out my all too short fishing vacation in Manistee. My grandson Jeff and I both have remembrances from Paul's fishing trip and a mounted prize for which Paul made possible. We got a dandy fish mounted by him too. I would also like to include the hospitality and special interest that Amy provides to these fishing experiences. Mark Franck  
    Mark Franck
  • R. Lind
    Fishing with Capt. Paul was an awesome time. I don't think we could've picked a better charter, Capt. Paul knew exactly how, when, and where to catch the salmon. I had a great time going with my dad and my uncle, without Riverside Charters the trip wouldn't of been the same. R. Lind
    R. Lind
  • Gary Hoppe
    Paul, our group has been out with you for the last four years and can hardly wait until next year' We are also looking forward to being out on the new 38' Tiara. The fishing has been great and you really know what you are doing. Also, Rudy and I have been on the river, steelhead fishing with you twice and limited out. -- Gary Hoppe.
    Gary Hoppe
  • Rick Shulte
    My group has been fishing with Capt. Paul from "Riverside Charters" for the last few years. We always bring our own boat up to fish, but each year we take a trip with Paul and kind of get a feel on where to go and what to run. We went out fishing with Paul the night before and limited out. Then the next day is when we caught our 37.1 oz. King salmon, right in the waters where Capt. paul was fishing. This was the biggest fish taken in the State of Michigan in 2011. I definitely suggest taking a trip aboard the "Riverside" you won't regret it. It's a great experience.-- Rick Shulte  
    Rick Shulte
  • John
    I have fished Lake Michigan and the Manistee River over the last fifteen years or so. Fortunately the last five with Paul on the Riverside Charters. Not only is Paul the hardest working Captain, he knows the waters and finds the fish' Great time every time with a superb boat, gear, and stuff. To top it off he is an excellent taxidermist for my wild game trophies. -- John
    John
  • Dave Moore
    Paul always has his boat well stocked with artificial as well as live baits. His tackle is first rate. I have been deep sea fishing off the shores of Hawaii and Mexico and have caught Marlin, Sailfish, and tuna but as far as I'm concerned a King Salmon is pound for pound the best fighting fish that I have encountered. It's basically like hooking your line to the back of an S-10 pickup and trying to real it in. Paul also has a house that we have rented the last 4 years which is about 50 yards from the dock. The house is always clean and stocked with fresh towels for the guests to use. The kitchen is stocked with all the necessary cooking utensils. It also has a nice deck with a propane grill. The house can easily accommodate up to 6 guests and it is easily affordable. I have been going back for the last 5 years because I love to fish with Paul because he enjoys fishing as much as I do. So if you want to catch fish and fun doing, Paul is the captain you're looking for. See you next year. -- Dave Moore
    Dave Moore
  • Tod Roemer
    I would like to compliment you on running an outstanding fishing charter service. When our company utilized your service we had an outstanding time each and every year. We were successful for catching our limit and also thoroughly enjoyed dining on the fish after you had expertly cleaned them. We would certainly consider your charter at any time we would be in the area with our group and than you very much for the past services rendered. -- Tod Roemer  
    Tod Roemer
  • Dave Low
    I have fished with Paul for 20+ years for both Spring Steelhead and Brown Trout as well as fall Salmon. Thought Paul's expert knowledge and great personality I have always had a memorable experience. Paul is an expert at his craft and I would highly recommend spending a day on the water with him. Dave Low
    Dave Low
  • Jim Datte
    I have fished with Riverside Charters for over 10 years. I fish with Paul on both Lake Michigan in the summer and the Manistee River in the winter and average around 3 trips a year with him. Paul has the uncanny ability to locate fish and knows what lures to use to entice them to strike. He is very personable and is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to ensure an enjoyable trip. The clients I have referred to Riverside have had nothing but good things to say about Paul, and have returned to fish with him again. In my opinion, Paul is the best charter captain in Manistee and I would not consider chartering with anyone else. -- Jim Datte
    Jim Datte
  • Gerry Matthews
    I've been booking trips with Paul for about 5 years and I can honestly tell you, no matter how good (or bad) a fisherman you are, when it comes to booking a memorable river charter, you can't go wrong with Paul. Not only does he have the most comfortable boat on the river, he knows where the fish are and what it takes to put them in the boat... and more importantly, he knows how to treat people. -- Gerry Matthews
    Gerry Matthews
  • Tom Kingry
    My experience with Riverside Charter and Capt. Paul Schlafley were very enjoyable. Paul is a professional in his field and his accommodations are comfortable in the worst of weather. Paul will make your fishing experience fun even if the fishing is slow. Since fishing with the Riverside there is no reason to launch my own boat. I recommend Riverside Charters. You won't be disappointed. - Tom Kingry  
    Tom Kingry
  • Dave
    Hi my name is Dave and I have been fishing with you for the past 5 years. You have never failed at putting us on good fishing. Last year was probably the worst year for fishing due to the weather but you still managed to put us on some quality Kings . I was able to bring 5 back and all averaged to be around 20 pounds a piece. My cooler was full as it had been on my last trips.
    Dave
  • Greg Cozzens
    "Best damn Captain in the land" If there was only one fish in Lake Michigan, Paul would find it and we would catch it…. We have taken several charters but none compare to the trips with the “Riverside” from the accommodation, great fishing and great people. Thanks again, and we look forward to another trip next year. -- Greg Cozzens
    Greg Cozzens
  • Sue Apple
    I just returned from another successful fishing trip with Capt. Paul Schlafley of Riverside Charters. I took the pictures of the "kings" into work that next day to show my co-workers. As I was showing the pictures off all I heard was," I wanna go", I wanna catch a big fish like that, " "that sure looks like fun," "wow" etc. Well needless to say our group has grown quite large. We usually take 4 boats out on the same day with only women on board, except the Capt. It has become quite a tradition We look forward to this trip every year. We have done this for several years now. I would recommend this type of trip to anyone who thinks they might want to try it. One time and we were hooked. -- Sue Apple
    Sue Apple