News Release

Isle Royale Accepting Applications for Conducting Charter Fishing and Other Commercial Activities in 2023

Date: March 21, 2023
Contact: CUA Coordinator, 906-275-9617

Isle Royale National Park is accepting Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) applications for the 2023 commercial operating season until May 15, 2023. Permits are required for the following activities: 

• Charter Boating - Fishing (Limited number available) 
• Charter Boating - Sightseeing/transportation (motorized) 
• Charter Sailing 
• Charter Diving 
• Guided Kayaking  
• Guided Backpacking  
• Guided Photography Workshops 

A limited number of permits will be issued for Charter Fishing CUAs. These will be issued to highly qualified applicants based on their relevant experience and operating history as well as their ability to provide for visitor safety while protecting park resources.  

The application and additional information can be downloaded at Commercial Use Authorizations - Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). Application packets may also be requested from the Commercial Use Authorizations office by emailing [e-mail].  

Once completed, please email the application packet to [e-mail] and arrange for payment of the required Application Fee. Isle Royale National Park is not accepting payment by check.  The nonrefundable application fees are as follows: $500 for one-year Charter Fishing, $300 for one-year water-based tours, and $600 for two-year land-based tours.  

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) are a required permitting tool used by the National Park Service (NPS) to allow private business, located both in the US and abroad, to be conducted within a national park. The type of service provided by a CUA holder must be considered appropriate by the NPS, such as chartered fishing trips and various types of guiding services. Operators are held to specific standards to assure client safety and the protection of cultural and natural resources. Because of these high standards, Isle Royale National Park has new requirements for services provided by commercial operators as stipulated in Application Form 10-550. 

Isle Royale National Park will be changing to two-year CUAs starting this year. Land based operators will renew on odd years and water-based operators will renew on even years. As needed, one-year permits will be issued at 50% off to achieve this renewal schedule.