October special
Fall colors and steelhead on the St. Joseph River.
Last trips of the season — book before the boat comes out. Spend three private hours on the St. Joseph River with Captain Ken Clark during peak fall color and the fall steelhead run. Up to six guests, gear included, $345 for the trip.
Private small-group trips
Joys of Nature keeps trips personal aboard a 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon, with room for groups of up to six guests.
Local captain expertise
Captain Ken brings decades of Southwest Michigan outdoor knowledge to every route and weather decision.
Flexible water experiences
Trips are $115 per hour with a three hour minimum and can focus on fishing, wildlife, family time, sunset cruising, photos, or a custom mix.
Local charter guide
Built for people searching for the right water, not just any boat.
These pages help visitors compare the real experience: where the trip can happen, who it is best for, what to expect, and how Joys of Nature keeps private charters personal across Southwest Michigan.
Peak color meets the fall steelhead run
October brings two of the best reasons to be on the St. Joseph River at the same time: the trees along the banks turn and fall steelhead move into the river. Captain Ken shapes the trip around current conditions and what your group wants that day.
Fish hard or cruise the color — your call
Groups can lean into fishing with gear included, or make it a relaxed color and wildlife cruise with time for photos. Many groups mix both. River water is typically calmer than open Lake Michigan, which makes it an easy fall outing for families and mixed groups.
The October special: $345 for three private hours
The trip runs three hours aboard the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon for up to six guests at the standard $115 per hour — $345 for the whole private group. Dress in warm layers; fall mornings on the water can be cool.
Last trips of the season
Once the season wraps, the boat comes out of the water until spring. Request a date, call, or text (269) 921-4253 to grab one of the remaining fall trips. Captain Ken confirms launch, timing, and weather directly.
Related experiences
Choose the trip that fits the day.
Fall Colors & Steelhead River Charter
October special: a private 3-hour St. Joseph River trip during peak fall color and the fall steelhead run — lean into fishing or make it a color and wildlife cruise. Gear included.
3 hours - Up to 6 - $345 total
Fishing Charters
A relaxed, guided Southwest Michigan fishing charter aboard a 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon with gear included and local water knowledge leading the route.
3+ hours - 1-6 guests - $115/hr
September Salmon Charters
Mid-September salmon fishing near St. Joseph and Lake Michigan aboard the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon — gear included, private group, local timing for the fall bite.
3+ hours - Up to 6 - $115/hr
Sunset Cruises
A private St. Joseph area sunset cruise on a comfortable 24-foot tritoon with golden-hour water, shoreline views, and an easy pace.
3+ hours - 2-6 guests - $115/hr
Family Nature Tours
An approachable 24-foot tritoon boat tour for kids, first-timers, families, wildlife watching, and quiet Southwest Michigan water.
3+ hours - 1-6 guests - $115/hr
Private Events
Private 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon charters for anniversaries, visiting family, small celebrations, and custom water days.
3+ hours - Up to 6 - $115/hr
Lake Burial Ceremonies
A private ash-scattering farewell on Lake Michigan aboard the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon — quiet water, a small group, and time to say goodbye at a respectful pace.
3+ hours - Up to 6 - $115/hr
Photography Excursions
Photo-friendly tritoon trips for sunset light, wildlife moments, catches, shoreline texture, and outdoor portraits.
3+ hours - 1-4 guests - $115/hr
St. Joseph River Nature Charters
A private nature charter on the St. Joseph River aboard the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon — wildlife, quiet water, and an easy pace for families and small groups.
4 hours - Up to 6 - $115/hr
Custom Trips
A custom private charter on a 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon, shaped around weather, guest comfort, and the kind of day your group wants.
3+ hours - 1-6 guests - $115/hr
What does the Fall Colors & Steelhead River Charter cost?
$345 for a private three-hour trip — the standard $115 per hour rate with the three-hour minimum. That price covers your whole group of up to six guests, and fishing gear is included.
Do we have to fish?
No. Groups can focus on steelhead fishing, enjoy a fall color and wildlife cruise, or mix the two. Let Captain Ken know what your group prefers when you book.
Do I need a fishing license?
Anyone fishing should carry a valid Michigan fishing license. You can buy one online through the Michigan DNR eLicense site before the trip.
What should we wear?
Warm, weather-appropriate layers, a rain shell, and comfortable shoes. Fall temperatures on the water can feel cooler than on shore.
How do I book an October trip?
Use the booking request form and choose Fall Colors & Steelhead River Charter, or call or text (269) 921-4253. Remaining fall dates depend on weather and the end of the season.