sailboat charter lake st clair

No Worries Sailing Adventures

Sailboat charters, lake st. clair - detroit, mi, sailing charters - lake st. clair.

Join Captain Bink and his wife Theresa on their beautiful 41' Bristol or 31' Almond for fun, romance and adventure. We offer personalized day or evening (sunset) sailing trips for up to six people on Lake St. Clair. Whatever trip you choose, you will enjoy a memorable day of sailing.

Hourly and Daily rates apply. Please call for more information.

41' Bristol

Spirit of Lake St. Clair Boat Cruises

• Boat Charters, Cruises - Tours of Lake St. Clair & Detroit River , Boat Cruises Lake St. Clair , Boat Rentals - Fishing Boats, Pontoons, Jet Ski, Waverunner, Kayak, Paddleboard, Snowmobile Lake St. Clair , Boating & Marine Service Directory for Lake St. Clair Area , Charter Cruises | Captain Services | Transport | Training , Rent a Boat, Kayak, Jet Ski, Paddle Board on Lake St. Clair, Harsen's Island, & Clinton River , Restaurants, Weddings | RV | Camping | Vacation Rentals Lake St. Clair , Services St. Clair Shores , Things to Do Lake St. Clair , Wedding & Waterfront Banquet Halls around Lake St. Clair

Looking for a small group charter cruise on Lake St. Clair?  Join us on the "Spirit of Lake St. Clair" Cruise Boat for for a Sunset Tour or a full day of fun.

The "Spirit" Cruise Boat accommodates up to 30 passengers but is great for smaller groups too. Private cruise bookings are perfect for birthdays, team building, corporate outings, employee appreciation, river tours, retirement parties, bachelor & bachelorette parties – the possibilities are endless!

See example cruises below:.

Day Cruises, Detroit River downtown cruises, local stops - let us help you put together the perfect charter on Lake St. Clair.

Call today to find out more about our packages and partnerships with local riverfront / lakefront restaurants.

Main dock at Blossom Heath Park – Fishing Pier – Miller Marina

• 586-606-2126
• 24770 E. Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI, 48080, USA

Contact Spirit of Lake St. Clair Boat Cruises now...

Lake Superior

Lake michigan, lake st. clair, choose a lake st. clair fishing port.

• Detroit River Guides
• Harrison Twp.
• Mt. Clemens
• St. Clair Shores
• St. Clair River Guides

Lake St Clair is best known for muskie fishery and is regarded as the world's premiere fishing destinations to chase and catch this most voracious fresh water predator. Muskie fishing is catch and release.

Besides Muskie, the spring walleye fishery on the Detroit river is world class as well as bass and other warm water species. After your fishing charter you can have your fresh fish cooked and one of the particiating Michigan Catch and Cook restaurants.

Lake Huron Also Offers

River Fishing Charters

Dive Charters

Sail & Scenic Cruises

Lake st. clair muskie fishing video.

Michigan Charter Boat members are hundreds of charter fishing boats , river guides, dive, sail & cruise charters on over 3,000 miles of shoreline.

Why not join MCBA?

Michigan Charter Boat Association has over 600 Captain members

Visit Pure Michigan

Explore Michigan's thousands of miles of shoreline

Find Restaurants

The Michigan Charter Boat Association represents over 600 professional captains that serve over 100 ports in Michigan. As one of Michigan's largest recreational organizations, member captains operate fishing charters on the Great Lakes, River Guides on Michigan's thousands of miles of steams and rivers, Sail boat charters out of many Michigan ports of call, Scuba Dive charters in Michigan's shipwreck dive preserves, and scenic cruises exploring the beauty of Michigan's shoreline, lighthouses, or a lake vacation adventure. These businesses contribute to Michigan's tourism economy and are vital to the region. Michigan Charter Boat Association Captains and their vessels meet all state and federal laws.

The Michigan Charter Boat Association is a federally recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and recognized for tax-deductible giving by the federal government. For assistance call 1-800-622-2971

The St. Clair Sailboat Center is your connection for sailing the Great Lakes. We are dedicated to bringing you the world’s finest sailboats and service. We are centrally located on the western shore of Lake St. Clair, approximately 25 miles north of Detroit. Serving the Detroit sailing community for 35+ years, we offer both new and used boats as well a full service network to meet all your sailing needs. Your sailing pleasure is our #1 priority!

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better.

You can use this tool to change your cookie settings. Otherwise, we’ll assume you’re OK to continue.

Some of the cookies we use opens in a new tab/window are essential for the site to work.

We also use some non-essential cookies to collect information for making reports and to help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form.

To control third party cookies, you can also adjust your browser settings opens in a new tab/window .

Thanks to all of our wonderful customers, H2O Limos has not only become Detroit’s exclusive on-water charter boat and bareboat rental company on Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, but H2O Limos has become one of the nation’s premier yacht chartering companies.

For over the past twenty years, we have featured luxurious yacht charter ranging from 28-70 feet. Our clients have been able to choose from High Performance Boats, Luxury Yachts, Fishing Vessels, or other various vessels to meet their needs.

Additionally, our women’s only boating courses have been nationally recognized within the boating community. H2O Limos will continue to support boating safety through offering a wide variety of on-water boating education courses.

In addition to the women’s only course, twin-engine handling and on-water GPS and radar courses have been widely popular.

All of our boats are inspected and meticulously maintained by certified mechanics, and are fully insured to ensure a safe day on the water. All of our captains are licensed by the United States Coast Guard; tested for drugs and are dedicated to both the safety and complete satisfaction of our customers. We welcome you to our site and encourage you to contact us for a personal quote for your ultimate H2O Limos Experience.

Quick Links

• Photo Gallery
• About H2O Limos
• Testimonials
• 54’ Sea Ray
• 27' Boston Whaler

(313) 799-BOAT

Copyright © 2024 JAST Media. All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions

Subscribe our Newsletter!

H2o limos in action.

Depart from the Ordinary

Step aboard infinity and ovation, our custom-built, luxurious yachts..

Every excursion offers elegant amenities, delicious food, and, of course, stunning skyline views along Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. You and your guests will be treated to the signature and unparalleled service that distinguishes us as Michigan’s premier wedding venue, corporate events leader and special occasion destination. Schedule your private tour today, and prepare to depart from the ordinary.

Take the Plunge

On-the-water, wedding-day inspiration.

Seas the Day

A personalized elopement all about you two.

All Hands on Deck

Engaging corporate events, offsites and fundraisers.

Rock the Boat

Celebrate life’s biggest, once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Request a Tour

Learn more and receive a personal tour of the yachts. Reach out to a Charter Specialist 586.778.7030 today.

Go Overboard

Course after course of exactly what you crave.

The Captain’s View

Peek endless event inspiration..

Infinity & Ovation

The details of Detroit’s definitive yachts.

Join us for Detroit’s best kept secret: our legendary Summer Cruise Series, aka your weekday getaway. It's the perfect couples’ night-out, milestone celebration, or excursion to entertain a business client. Each cruise features distinctive dining, premium open bar, top-notch entertainment and, of course, stunning sunset views of downtown Detroit and Windsor.

Request A Quote

Our charter specialists are here to help. fill in the form below. all fields required..

" . " indicates required fields

• Meet Our Sailing Instructors
• Sailing Captains

Testimonials

• Become an ASA Instructor
• Earn Your Captain’s License

ASA Certified Sailing Courses

All of our sailing instructors are American Sailing Association certified, ensuring the hands-on training and expertise you deserve.

Sailing Classes

Certified Sailing Classes

Lake St. Clair Sailing School meets rigorous ASA standards which are internationally recognized. We have a variety of beginner and advanced level sailing classes taught by ASA-certified sailing Instructors. American Sailing Association. ASA Certification.

Sailing Refresher Course

Have you taken a sailing course and are itching to get back on the water? Do you feel like your skills could use a little polish? This refresher course is designed for you!

ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran Certification

Asa 114 on the great lakes.

Become A Confident Catamaran Skipper:

• Learn advanced sailing techniques in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots).
• Master provisioning, boat systems, navigation, docking, and emergency procedures.
• Experience the luxury and performance of a brand new catamaran.

ASA 114 (3 Days/2 Overnights): $1495

• Prerequisites: ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications.

Don’t miss your chance to sail the Great Lakes on a magnificent new catamaran!

Sailing charters

Sunset Sailing

Set sail aboard one of our Catalina Sailboats for an experience you are sure to never forget. Sail into Lake St. Clair. This is the perfect date idea and one of the most romantic activities to do in Metro Detroit Area.

Day Sailing

Practice sailing or enjoy sailing with friends and family morning, noon, or sunset weekdays and weekends. Sailing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends and family.

Moon rise Sailing

We specialize in providing a unique and unforgettable experience for our guests. Our experienced and knowledgeable crew will take you on Lake St. Clair during moon rise.

Catamran Charters Bahamas

December 7th to 14th, 2024  ​.

Join us this December cruising a catamaran in Abacos, Bahamas

Captain's License

Start your uscg captain's license training today.

Our USCG approved captain’s license courses provide you with the education and know how to start your adventure. Our Deluxe Edition provide you with both digital and hardcopies of the materials along with navigational tools to help you master the material.

Coast Guard Approved | Boat Captain Courses

OUPV/Six-Pack Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam

25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam

OUPV/Six-Pack Upgrade to 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam

GET ENDORSED FOR TOWING OR SAILING

Gift cards are available buy mother's day gift card, father's day card, or birthday gift card..

Online Sailing Classes

Asa-approved online courses available to all.

In this time when you cannot get to the ocean or classes are not being held, the online alternative is ideal. Learn a few skills and get some certifications during this time while you are being asked to stay home.

Coastal Navigation

Celestial Navigation

Basic Celestial Endorsement

Marine Weather Endorsement

Radar Endorsement

American Sailing Association affiliated sailing schools now graduate and certify thousands of new sailors annually – sailors who learn faster, learn more and have more fun sailing in more new places.

The American Sailing Association is a group of sailors, sailing schools, and charter fleets. Our purpose is to bring organization and professional standards to the sailing industry. The association is dedicated to boating safety through education, to ensure that every sailor learns to sail properly and is able to prove the ability to sail. The heart of the ASA program is a comprehensive set of sailing standards, which are detailed in the ASA Sailing Log Book. 

These performance objectives allows sailors to be evaluated on their sailing knowledge and seamanship skills. But more importantly, through certification to these standards, the ASA provides the individual with a way to prove these abilities to rental and charter fleets throughout the country and around the world.

We Have Lots to Offer

Lake St. Clair Sailing School gives sailors of all experience levels an opportunity to become more competent and confident in their abilities. If you choose to venture beyond the sailing basics, we’ll expand your horizons by teaching you to navigate with electronics and with the stars. 

Become certified at advanced or offshore levels, and the world’s oceans will become your highways and by-ways. You can learn it all or select the things that interest you the most.

Have you ever dreamed of sailing? Maybe you would like to charter sailboats in the Caribbean? Or you hope to purchase your own boat and set sail? If that’s your dream, we can help you achieve it.

Lake St. Clair Sailing School, is an affiliate with the American Sailing Association. Our ASA Certified experienced instructors are sure to provide you with instructions and training necessary to succeed in your sailing lessons. 

Comprehensive, personalized and fun sailing instruction!

If you want to learn to sail or you just want to improve your sailing skills or even if you want to experience exhilarating sailing adventures, you have come to the right place!

Buy Books from lake St. Clair Sailing School!

Let's sail together!

Lake St. Clair Sailing School is Michigan’s leading sailing school for beginner through advanced sailing lessons and ASA Certification.

Get Certified by ASA. Learn Sailing Now!

Wedding anniversary sailing.

Wedding anniversary Sailing celebrate wedding anniversary on a sailboat Celebrating your wedding anniversary on a sailboat is a romantic and unique way to mark the special day. Start by booking

Sunset sailing Nothing is more relaxing that being on a sailing boat. Watch the sunset on a sailing boat on Lake St. Clair.   We offer private sailing cruises in Lake

Graduation Party Sailing

Graduation Party Sailing Click Here to Reserve Celebrate your graduation with your family and friends on a sailing boat.  Party of six with an ASA Certified Experienced Captain for your

Marriage Proposal on a Boat

Marriage Proposal Gorgeous proposal on a sailboat at sunset How to romantically propose on a sailboat?  Choose a romantic spot on the boat. Pick a spot that has a beautiful view

Birthday Party Sailing

Celebrate Your Birthday on a Sailboat Celebrate your birthday with your friends on a sailing boat. Surprise your special friend with a birthday party. Plan a memorable Birthday party for

Email (required) *

LAKE SHORE SAIL CLUB

THE BEST SAILING CLUB VALUE ON LAKE ST.CLAIR

Founded in 1969, LSSC is a family-friendly club that provides extensive opportunities for socializing, racing and cruising with an emphasis on fun over frills.

Although we don't have a clubhouse or marina, LSSC is a very active club with numerous boating, racing and social events throughout the year. Our Senior Members include sail and power boat owners and we have an Associate membership for non-boat owners that want to enjoy our social activities. Everyone is welcome!

CLUB ACTIVITIES

The THRILL of Racing

The RELAXATION of Cruising

The FELLOWSHIP of Others

LSSC maintains a race course in Lake St. Clair located off the nautical mile. Our popular Wednesday night Spring and Summer Sunset Series are open to all area sailors. These two six-race series attract a large number of the area's avid racers. 

Our weekend Club races provide an opportunity for family-friendly racing and are a good time for both experienced and new-to-racing Members.

Our summer cruise program consists of three cruises to area ports over the Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day holiday weekends. These cruises include group activities such as barbecues, games, radio-control sailboat races and, when the participants are willing, the occasional karaoke session.

Ports of call can easily be reached by boat or car, enabling all members to join in the fun.

Our racing, cruising and social programs provide many opportunities for interaction among members. In fact, we have many members that join just to enjoy the camaraderie.

LSSC organizes year-round social activities such as a steak roast in the fall, off-season "cruises" to local breweries, a winter outing and our formal event of the year, the Commodore's Ball.

VISIT OUR PREMIER SPONSORS

ADVERTISING SPONSORS

"This is definitely bigger than a Bluegill" - Steve

Unleash your inner angler, embark on a thrilling musky fishing adventure.

• Musky Charter Rates
• Pro Photography Rates
• Frequent Questions
• Cancellation & Refunds
• Book A Charter

Season End Countdown!

We are working diligently to ensure that all equipment is up to date and well-maintained, and that we are fully prepared to make your trip safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a first-timer, we are committed to providing you with the best possible experience.

Thank you for choosing Great White Musky Charters. We look forward to seeing you on board and sharing our passion for fishing with you.

Best regards, 

Great White Musky Charters

Mins Minutes

Secs Seconds

About Great White Musky Charters

 At Great White Musky Charters, we're passionate about providing a premier fishing experience on Lake Saint Clair. Our veteran-owned and operated business is dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for anglers of all levels. Our team is made up of experienced and knowledgeable guides who understand musky behavior and techniques for catching trophy-sized fish. We take great pride in our well-maintained 29' boat, the Great White, which is equipped with top-of-the-line fishing gear and navigational technology. Our focus on safety, quality equipment, and understanding the musky allows us to provide our customers with a memorable and successful fishing charter. Whether you're looking for a half-day, full-day, or more, Great White Musky Charters is committed to exceeding your expectations and creating an unforgettable fishing experience. 

The Great White

 The Great White is a premier 29' boat that's meticulously maintained and USCG safety inspected, ensuring a safe and enjoyable fishing experience for all passengers. Equipped with the latest navigational technology, top-of-the-line fishing gear, large deck area, and comfortable cabin and flybridge seating, this vessel is the perfect choice for a successful day out on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice fisherman, the Great White is designed to deliver a memorable and productive fishing charter on Lake St. Clair.

Safety is Our Top Priority

 At Great White Musky Charters, safety is our top priority. Our 29' boat, the Great White, is inspected by the United States Coast Guard to ensure that it meets all safety standards. We take great pride in maintaining our vessel to the highest level of safety and performance, and all of our safety equipment is well maintained and serviceable. This includes life jackets, flares, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers and several other key pieces of equipment. Our experienced guides are also trained in emergency procedures, so you can feel confident that you are in safe hands. At Great White Musky Charters, we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable fishing experience for all of our customers.

Supporting Our Heroes

At Great White Musky Charters, we take great pride in being a veteran-owned and operated business that is committed to supporting the military community. We understand the sacrifices made by our service members and their families, which is why we are dedicated to providing a military-friendly fishing experience. Our team of experienced guides includes veterans who are passionate about providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all of our customers, particularly those who have served our country. We offer discounts to active-duty military personnel and veterans as a small token of our appreciation for their service. At Great White Musky Charters, we are honored to serve our military community and provide them with an unforgettable fishing experience.

CMSgt Bud Dailey with a 44" tiger musky. This musky was netted after a strong fight with not 1, but 2 of our 8" lures AND a half eaten 16" walleye hanging out of it's mouth!

The Best Equipment for the Catch

 At Great White Musky Charters, we understand the importance of using reliable and high-quality fishing equipment. That's why we only use top-of-the-line gear that is well-maintained and in excellent condition. Our fishing rods, reels, and lures are specifically designed for musky fishing, and our experienced guides are knowledgeable in using them to maximize your chances of catching the big one. We take pride in the quality of our equipment and invest in it regularly to ensure that it meets our high standards. Whether you are an experienced angler or a first-time fisherman, our equipment will provide you with the best possible chance of catching the musky of your dreams. At Great White Musky Charters, we are dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable fishing experience using the most reliable equipment available. 

Refund Policy: Committed to Customer Satisfaction

 As a fishing charter company, we strive to provide the best possible experience for our customers. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we are committed to working with our customers to resolve any issues that may arise. In the event that we need to cancel a trip due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive a full refund or have the option to reschedule their trip. We believe in treating our customers with respect and fairness, and we will work with you to ensure your satisfaction. 

Cancelation & Refund Policy

Catch Your Catch in a Stunning Level of Detail

 Preserving memories of your fishing charter is an important part of the experience, and we are excited to offer a unique opportunity for our customers to have professional quality photos taken during their trip. Our captain is experienced in taking high-quality photos with professional photography equipment, and these photos will be available for purchase after each charter. We encourage all customers to bring their own camera or cell phone for pictures as well, but having a professional option ensures that you will have top-notch photos to remember your trip by. 

Photography Rates

Contact Captain Sam

Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, United States

Call or Text: 586-300-2022 Email at: [email protected]

Hours of operation

During closed hours, please message or text at anytime and we will respond as soon as possible to any questions you may have

Sign up for our email list for seasonal updates!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Privacy Policy

[email protected]

Call or Text: 7346349132

Copyright © 2023 Great White Musky Charters - All Rights Reserved.

we use cookies to catch musky! (kind of)

 This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 

CHASING TROPHIES CHARTERS

Lake st clair walleye, bass, & musky fishing charters.

Chasing Trophies Charters is conveniently located in St. Clair Shores, MI – in the heart of some of the best Bass, Walleye, and Muskie fishing spots Lake St Clair has to offer.

We offer Lake St Clair fishing charters for all skill levels, and can accommodate charters depending on time of year or a particular species you’re looking to target. Early March through the end of May we will be trolling Lake St Clair or vertical jigging the Detroit River for walleye. There are also whipping trips available for walleye for 2-3 people in the St. Clair River beginning in early May through the summer into fall. Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass fishing trips will be held between June 1st and September 1st. Muskie fishing trips will be open from the season opener (June 3rd) until the lake freezes. I have been chasing Lake St Clair musky my whole life and have a good grasp of the migration patterns they have, which helps you have the best possible guided fishing experience.

Captain Jared is looking forward to putting you on fish, and possibly hooking you with a lifelong passion for fishing!

Give him a call for details & rates.

Reserve Your Charter

Serving beginner and seasoned anglers, young and old, on the world-class waters of Detroit’s Lake St Clair. We hope you’ll join us for some action-packed fishing!

5 Hour Walleye Charters

Jigging Trips | $425 for 3-4 People

Trolling Trips | $500 for 3-4 People

5 Hour Bass Charters

$500 for 3-4 People

6 Hour Musky Charters

Casting Trips | $600 for 3 People

*All walleye charters include fish cleaning & bagging.

The vessel being fished is a 2010 Ranger 621VS. It is equipped with three Lowrance graphs, two at the helm, one on the bow, and a Garmin Panoptix on the stern. So no matter where you’re at on the vessel you will be able to see a graph! The boat also has a shallow water anchor by Minn Kota to be able to keep us on the fish. For trolling, it has a 9.9 four stroke outboard as well as a Minn Kota 112# thrust bow mount trolling motor. We’ve designed this boat specifically for fishing Lake St Clair.

MAP OF LAKE ST CLAIR

MEET YOUR GUIDE

Captain Jared DeGuvera was born and raised in Michigan – just a stone’s throw from Lake St Clair.

“As early as I can remember my grandfather, as well as my father, taught me to love the outdoors. Every summer vacation we would head to the Upper Peninsula to visit my grandfather to spend a couple weeks. We would spend time fishing for perch, pike, herring, or splake. This is where my passion for fishing started. From then on every chance I got to fish I would spend every minute possible on the water. I found my true passion with guiding and I’m excited to share my love for this fishery with you!”

CAPTAIN’S CERTIFICATIONS

U.S.C.G. Licensed Captain (25 Ton)

Red Cross First Aid & CPR Certified

M.D.M.N.R. Fully Inspected

Fully Insured

Lake St. Clair Walleye Association Member

Muskie Ontario Muskie Club Member

CALL FOR AVAILABILITY

California’s water outlook has brightened for now, but salmon and other fish are still in peril

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Welcome to today’s edition of Boiling Point. I’m Ian James, a reporter on The Times climate and environment team, filling in for my colleague Sammy Roth.

Salmon is king.

It’s a phrase I heard more than once as I interviewed people who depend on fishing and asked them what last year’s shutdown of salmon fishing has meant for them.

Along the California coast from May to October, commercial fishing boats and sportfishing charter vessels are typically out on the ocean hauling in salmon. But low population numbers led to the cancellation of last year’s season, and this year fishery regulators will soon consider whether to ban fishing for another year, or allow a minimal season with restricted dates and catch limits.

I spoke with people in a few fishing communities to learn how they’ve been affected by the closure, and what they think about the factors that have driven declines in salmon and other fish populations.

“It’s been devastating for the small communities, the coastal communities, because that’s our main income for the summer,” said Jeremy Dierks, who lives in Bolinas and has been fishing for more than three decades.

Dierks fishes from a small boat with a rod, and sells his catch. When he was unable to fish for Chinook salmon last summer, he turned to halibut and tuna.

“It’s been a struggle. The last couple of years have probably been my worst years in my entire career,” Dierks told me.

He and others said they see various causes for the low numbers of fall-run Chinook salmon, including the dams that have eliminated fish habitat, losses to predators and how fish hatcheries are managed.

Fish also suffered during the severe three-year drought from 2020 to 2022, when at times the water flowing from Shasta Dam was so warm that it was lethal for salmon eggs in the Sacramento River.

How water is managed in the Sacramento and other rivers can make or break fish populations. And many I spoke with said they largely blame California water managers, who they say send too much water to farms and cities, depriving rivers of the cold flows salmon need to survive.

“It comes down to the water,” said Kenneth Brown, who sells fishing gear and bait at his shop Bodega Tackle in Petaluma. “It’s all water mismanagement.”

Brown said his business was down 40% because of the shutdown of salmon fishing last year, and the outlook this year isn’t much better.

“Salmon is the big one,” he said. “Salmon is a huge part of our industry for us. And it’s just devastated the whole area.”

I visited Half Moon Bay to talk with fishermen at Pillar Point Harbor, and several said they have turned to other work to make ends meet. Some said they’re putting boats up for sale.

Commercial fisherman John Schulz, who has been in the business since 1998, said his boat was tied up in port much of last year, and he is now looking to get out of fishing. Schulz said he is still hopeful that the salmon will eventually recover enough to have a full fishing season again. But the question is, “Who’s going to be here five years from now to go fishing?”

Tom Mattusch, president of the San Mateo County Harbor Commission, showed me around the harbor, where crews were unloading Dungeness crab. He fished for decades but sold his charter boat in 2021.

He shared his perspective on how California’s water management has affected salmon.

“Too much water is diverted towards farming, too much water is sent to Southern California,” Mattusch said. “But as far as salmon goes, they don’t have enough of the cold, clear, clean water that they need.”

The task for California now, he said, is to “rebalance and reimagine the things that are necessary for the salmon, to rebuild these stocks.”

“You’ve got to figure out when is the water needed for certain runs, and how do we balance the needs of people and fish,” he said.

For my story about the salmon fishing shutdown , I also spoke with Charlton “Chuck” Bonham, director of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, who outlined the state’s plans for helping salmon populations recover.

Even as the fishery goes through this difficult time, Bonham said, state officials are focused on actions that can “change the trajectory.”

“Now is the time. Salmon is in our hands,” he said. “There’s hope. We can do this.”

On that note, here’s a look at what’s happening in California and around the West:

TOP STORIES

California is benefiting from a second wet winter, with the snowpack measuring 110% of average. Gov. Gavin Newsom joined state officials for their final snow survey of the season, where he presented a new water plan that lays out priorities for adapting to climate change. He said the state’s strategy includes moving ahead with the proposed Delta Conveyance Project, a 45-mile tunnel that would transport water beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The tunnel project is controversial and faces legal challenges, but Newsom called it “one of the most important projects this state can advance.”

When it comes to snow and water, California goes through cycles of boom and bust, as the last several years have demonstrated. And our droughts and deluges are projected to become more extreme with climate change. My colleague Sean Greene produced a superb graphic illustrating the rise and fall of the Sierra Nevada snowpack over the last 20 years. He says the graphic “provides a long-term view of the state’s highly variable climate and the patterns that dictate our water fortunes.”

As for wild weather, Southern California has seen some jaw-dropping rainfall lately. As my colleagues Grace Toohey and Hayley Smith report, downtown Los Angeles has received more than 52 inches of rain in the last two water years as of this week — the second-highest amount ever recorded. There hasn’t been such a high two-year rain total since the late 1800s. As one meteorologist put it, that’s “way, way, way above normal.”

CLIMATE SCIENCE AND MORE

Last year was Earth’s hottest on record. But the sudden rise in global temperatures went far beyond what statistical climate models had predicted. What might that mean for future warming? Climate scientists are now working to try to understand why 2023 was so anomalously hot, and Hayley Smith wrote a piece for The Times examining what scientists are saying, and they have different theories.

When we talk about planet-heating greenhouse gases, the ones that are most often discussed are carbon dioxide and methane. But there are others, such as the termite killing gas sulfuryl fluoride, and it has been found to be 4,800 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. My colleague Melody Petersen wrote about new research in which scientists were surprised to discover that California releases more of this climate-warming pesticide than all other states combined.

One way of reducing methane emissions is to compost food scraps instead of tossing the stuff in the garbage and having it decompose in a landfill. But what’s the right way to compost? Maggie Beidelman, Yadira Flores and Karen Garcia produced a helpful video explaining how to do it.

THE ENERGY TRANSITION

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued tough new emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses, with the aim of cutting air pollution and addressing climate change. As L.A. Times reporter Russ Mitchell explains in an article about the new standards, California’s rules are tougher than the Biden administration’s, and are expected to remain so.

Although the federal government has sought to boost clean energy, the country has also seen an increase in production of natural gas. As Alexander C. Kaufman writes for HuffPost , the U.S. sold more liquefied natural gas on the global market than any other country last year, “surpassing yet another milestone in the nation’s transformation into a fossil fuel superpower.”

WILDLIFE IN THE WEST

Scientists are finding that there are some significant differences between populations of killer whales. The black and white whales are currently all classified as a single species, Orcinus orca , but that could change. My colleague Lila Seidman wrote a fascinating piece about new research that argues there are distinct species of orcas, and about an odd story from more than a century ago: how a San Francisco whaler in 1869 described two species of killer whales, only to have his work cast aside. Here is how Lila explains the importance of the latest findings: “Approving two newly proposed killer whale species could transform how they’re conserved — and turn a page in one of the strangest chapters in marine mammal history.”

Some types of migratory shorebirds rely on saline lakes, including Mono Lake in California and the Great Salt Lake in Utah, on their long migrations. One species, Wilson’s phalarope, has suffered declines along with the saline lakes it depends on. A coalition of environmentalists and scientists have petitioned the federal government to seek protections for Wilson’s phalaropes under the Endangered Species Act. Independent journalist Daniel Rothberg covered the groups’ effort to seek added protection for phalaropes , writing that “the last twenty years of drought and consistent demand for water have created significant challenges, drying out ecosystems and making habitats unlivable for the small invertebrates that birds like the phalarope rely on.”

My colleague Louis Sahagún wrote a surprising story about rattlesnakes that you will not want to miss. He spoke with a biologist who explained his research is showing there is a lot more to the reptiles that most people think. Here is how William Hayes, a research biologist at Loma Linda University, put it: “Rattlesnakes are among the most feared, misunderstood and abused animals of all. Yet, they are not all that different from us. They, too, have fears, emotions and find comfort in companionship.”

ONE MORE THING

Louis Sahagún has had a remarkable career at the Los Angeles Times. As a staff writer for 43 years, he has written a wide range of stories about topics ranging from religion to California’s wildlife.

While reporting, he saw levee breaks on the Mississippi River, lived through a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in a Mexico City high-rise, and chased brown tree snakes in Guam.

He was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize in public service in 1984 for a series on Latinos in Southern California, and in 2015 was part of a team that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news.

For many years, he has unearthed unique, powerful stories that have been a central piece of The Times’ reporting on the environment and other topics in California and the West.

It’s hard for many of us in the newsroom to believe that Louis has now finished his incredible run at the newspaper and has signed off for retirement. So, as we share some of his final stories for the L.A. Times, I’d like to encourage everyone to go read some of Louis’ best work. One of his latest pieces focuses on how a global glut of wine is bringing troubles for California grape growers . Other must-read stories from the last few years include Louis’ pieces about desert tortoises , Mono Lake and California’s oldest tree .

All of his recent work can be found on his L.A. Times author page . As my colleagues and I say our farewells, we are wishing Louis the very best in his next adventures!

This is the latest edition of Boiling Point, an email newsletter about climate change and the environment in California and the American West. You can sign up for Boiling Point here . And for more climate and environment news, follow @ByIanJames and @Sammy_Roth on X.

Toward a more sustainable California

Get Boiling Point, our newsletter exploring climate change, energy and the environment, and become part of the conversation — and the solution.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Ian James is a reporter who focuses on water in California and the West. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2021, he was an environment reporter at the Arizona Republic and the Desert Sun. He previously worked for the Associated Press as a correspondent in the Caribbean and as bureau chief in Venezuela. He is originally from California.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Climate & Environment

Sensor network shows EVs are reducing CO2 emissions in the Bay Area. Is it enough?

April 4, 2024

Groups seek to ban large-scale animal farming in Sonoma County

L.A. County faces $12.5 billion in climate costs through 2040, study says

‘Unseasonably cold’: April storm bringing winter temperatures, low snow levels to California

April 3, 2024