Stannard Rock Fishing Charters
Fishing Stannard Rock: The Loneliest Honeyhole In North America
When anglers talk about bucket-list fishing destinations, Stannard Rock often takes center stage. Located roughly 40 miles offshore from Marquette, Michigan, and 25 miles from Keweenaw Point, this remote reef system is a dream come true for lake trout enthusiasts. Nicknamed “The Loneliest Place in North America,” Stannard Rock isn’t just a marvel for its engineering history—it’s also a globally recognized hotspot for trophy lake trout fishing.
Let’s explore what makes this place so special, the incredible fishery it offers, and why a Stannard Rock fishing charter with Captain Brandon Sislo should be on every angler’s bucket list.
A Remote Reef & A Historic Lighthouse
Stannard Rock is more than just a fishing destination—it’s a place steeped in history. The reef was discovered in 1835 by Charles Stannard, and it quickly became notorious as a navigational hazard. To mitigate the danger, the iconic Stannard Rock Lighthouse was constructed, an engineering feat that the National Park Service ranks as one of the “Top 10 Engineering Feats” in the United States.
Standing 102 feet above the water, it is the farthest lighthouse from shore in the country, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. This isolated beacon, coupled with the surrounding natural beauty of Lake Superior’s vast expanse, creates an unforgettable backdrop for an epic fishing trip.
What Makes Stannard Rock a Top Fishing Destination?
It’s simple: the lake trout.
Stannard Rock sits atop a complex reef system teeming with life, creating the perfect habitat for lake trout. The cold, clear waters of Lake Superior ensure these fish grow to impressive sizes, making Stannard Rock one of the world’s premier destinations for catching trophy lake trout.
Size Matters: Anglers can expect a mix of fish in the 15-20 pound range, but the potential for 30-pound monsters keeps the adrenaline pumping on every cast. These are powerful, hard-fighting fish that will test your skills and your gear.
Abundance: Not only are the fish huge, but they’re also plentiful. Anglers often experience high catch rates, ensuring action-packed trips and the chance to land multiple trophies in a single outing.
Fishing Seasons at Stannard Rock
Because of its remote and exposed location, the fishing season at Stannard Rock is relatively short, and trips are highly weather-dependent. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Spring to Early Summer (May – June):
As the ice recedes and the waters warm, lake trout become highly active. This is one of the best times to target large fish near the reef, as they’re often feeding aggressively after the long winter.
Summer (July – August):
Warmer weather brings stable fishing conditions. Fish often move deeper, so anglers use jigging or trolling techniques to reach them. With long, calm summer days, this is a fantastic time to make the trek to Stannard Rock.
Fall (September – Early October):
Cooler temperatures bring lake trout back to shallower water as they prepare for spawning. This season offers a final opportunity to land trophy fish before the weather turns too harsh for safe travel.
Fishing at Stannard Rock is as much about the journey as the destination. A charter to this isolated location is an adventure in itself, with the wide-open expanse of Lake Superior adding a sense of awe to the trip. However, the remoteness and exposure to weather mean that safety comes first.
Weather-Dependent Trips:
Because of Stannard Rock’s location, trips are heavily influenced by Lake Superior’s often unpredictable weather. If conditions aren’t safe, charters pivot to nearshore fisheries, which still offer excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers are only charged the nearshore rate if the Stannard Rock trip is canceled due to weather.
World-Class Fishing Guides:
Experienced captains and crews make fishing at Stannard Rock not only possible but also highly productive. These trips are often our favorites of the entire season, just due to the adventure of getting there, the isolation, and the massive lake trout.
Tactics for Stannard Rock Lake Trout
Fishing at Stannard Rock isn’t your typical lake trout outing—it’s an advanced fishery that calls for specialized tactics:
Jigging: Heavy jigs tipped with soft plastics or cut bait are highly effective, especially when targeting deeper fish during the summer months.
Trolling: Trolling large spoons or crankbaits at varying depths can help locate active fish. Precision is key, so having quality electronics on board is a must.
Casting: For anglers seeking a more hands-on approach, casting and retrieving spoons or swimbaits over the reef can lead to explosive strikes.
Why A Stannard Rock Charter Should Be on Your Bucket List
Fishing at Stannard Rock isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about the experience. The combination of breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and the chance to land trophy-sized lake trout makes it a truly unique destination. Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing the fish of a lifetime or just looking to cross an iconic location off your list, Stannard Rock delivers on all fronts.
So, pack your gear, book a charter with Captain Brandon, and prepare for an adventure to one of the most remote and rewarding fishing destinations in North America. Stannard Rock is waiting—and so are the world-class lake trout.
Charter Pricing
Jig & Cast for Trophy Lake Trout
10+ Hour Trip
$1,650 for 1-3 People
$1,800 for 4 People
Call for groups larger than 4!
“I have spent many hours on the water with guides in a personal and professional capacity and Brandon is by far one of the well versed, knowledgeable, detail orientated, and safety minded captains out on the big waters. There are not enough words to describe how well-tailored of an experience AAGS can provide at one of the most under valued rates in any area.”
– Blake L.
Book A Trip Today
Reserve your Stannard Rock fishing charter with Captain Brandon Sislo! Booking your trip is a breeze with our online calendar, or use the form to ask questions or call us directly at the number below. We appreciate your interest in fishing with us!
CALL/TEXT: (715) 923-2025
Trip Details
What To Bring
We provide all top notch fishing gear needed for all of our trips! Pack your food & drinks for the day, appropriate clothing/rain gear, a cooler if you plan to take any fish home, and a paper copy of your fishing license (see below). If you have a favorite rod or bait you want to bring that’s fine with us, just let us know ahead of time!
Cancellation Policy
Security deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made within 7 days of the trip, as well as no-shows, will be charged the full trip amount. If the Captain determines it’s unsafe to proceed with the trip, your deposit can be transferred to a rescheduled date. Trips that are cut short due to sea sickness must still be paid in full.
Meeting Locations
Because we have a variety of nearby launches, we’ll be in contact with you 24-48 hours before your trip to finalize the last minute details! This gives us the ability to watch our weather and depart from the port that will set us up for the best possible success! If you have any questions prior to your trip please reach out to us directly!
Fishing Licenses
A paper copy of your fishing license with a Great Lakes trout stamp is required by law. You can purchase licenses online below:
Wisconsin DNR: We recommend the 2-day license which includes your Trout & Salmon stamp.
Michigan DNR: Daily license works! Make sure you choose the correct date of your charter.
Fish Cleaning
We include fish cleaning and bagging with every trip—except for ice fishing trips—so you can leave with your catch ready to enjoy.
Gratuities
Tips for your captain are not included in our trip rates. We work hard for our clients… and you’ll notice it for yourself! We appreciate your business and hope you’ll fish with us again.
