Visited on vacation - whitefish dip is delicious as everyone has said already, and the fresh oysters I got were amazing. Found several pea crabs in them, which just goes to show how fresh and clean their sourcing is. Kind and helpful staff as well, will certainly be a staple of my Michigan visits. read more

Great people and the best fish you can get anywhere. Stop down at their market or try them out at restaurants around the area!

Excellence. Always the best. Every, single, time. The Best raw or smoked salmon, trout, whitefish & more. Excellent dips. Knowledgeable waitstaff. The legendary John Cross never disappoints. read more

The fish are fresh, the service is friendly and accommodating. The family feeling is apparent. The ambiance is the best part. It takes you back to the way the local small fish shops have been forever on the shore of our lakes! read more

What a nice fish market. There is a limited selection based on what is fresh, but that is good, right? They also have the accompaniments like lemons, bread crumbs, tartar sauce, in case you need them. The ladies working there are the best, so helpful and knowledgeable. A local we rented our vacation cabin from said it is the only fish market he will buy from. Can't wait to return next year on vacation. read more

If you want the freshest fish this is the place. If you like smoked fish you have to try June Cross' smoked whitefish dip. I've had smoked fish dip at other places through out the country and none even come close to this. They also have an excellent selection of seafood to choose from. And all of this fish and seafood at very reasonable prices. read more

For excellent smoked salmon, smoked whitefish (it's a tad salty), and whitefish dips, this is the place!!

When I was a kid, my grandparents always went up to Charlevoix every summer for vacation and would bring us home an entire smoked whitefish to eat. We would devour it and it was always a treat for us. I did my fair amount of research on fisheries up here, and there were only a few. This one seems to be the stand out business of sorts, so I bookmarked it to stop on the way home. As a point of clarification, Yelp hours have it wrong here. This business is open on Sunday's from 9 AM to 3 PM. I called ahead to make sure, just as an FYI. Pulling in, the place is pretty simple and not very fancy. It's a long narrow type set up and if you drive to fast, you'll end up in the lake after hitting their boat. These guys have been in business since 1946, so they're obviously doing something right. They catch their fish daily and prices are fair and reasonable. I think the selection may vary, but when we were there, they had the smoked whitefish being sold in 1 pound increments, Salmon and regular whitefish for cooking. They also have some dry goods for sale on the wall, but I didn't really need of them. (Some of the items were stuff for fish fry, dry seasonings, etc.) You can get that anywhere, so skip that part and stick to the fish. Their menu is a pretty good selection of items, but I was only there for the whitefish. They will pack it for you with ice if you have a long drive back to Detroit like we did. If you want to support a family run fishing business that does it right, please stop here and purchase something. It really is worth it. read more

Their smoked Norwegian Salmon is beyond delish. Served with a spritz of lemon juice it's simply mouth watering during a Saturday morning breakfast, brunch or just a tasty-tummy-treat on a Triscuit during a TV ball game's time out. The Perch & Walleye fillets are superb be they sautéd or chargrilled. 23 years of fresh seafood bliss! My wife surprised me with a luscious piece of smoked whitefish this last weekend. Life is good! Uncle Geo read more

Good quality fish. A very nice family owned fish shop to get good local lake fish from.

Fantastic! Always look forward to visiting there. Can't be beat! Smoked fish like no other read more

Excellent friendly service. Perch was beautiful and the salmon we bout fresh and perfect. We also got some whitefish pare that was so good. Even better they packed it with some complimentary ice for us to ensure it would stay fresh and cold for us as we were going to be out a bit before making it back home. I would highly recommend getting your fish here! read more

Cross John Fisheries - Our perch was so good pan fried with panko at home - Seafood Markets Near Me - Charlevoix, Michigan

Stayed in a nearby Airbnb so we could cook for ourselves on vacation and were fortunate enough to find this awesome fish store. We bought Walleye twice. Also very much enjoyed the smoked fish, and the smoked fish dip with whitefish, trout, and salmon. You can't go wrong with this place and their amazingly fresh and delicious fish! Not to mention the extraordinarily friendly service. read more

I beg to differ with someone who said the staff was not pleasant. We were served by Grace today and she was warm, friendly and helpful. We love all their fish and spreads. Taking someone's advise and bought the smoked Norwegian. read more

The fish is fresh and prices moderate, most importantly their customer service is brash, curt and totally abrasive! Sure you can say they act like longshoremen, but being polite is just common sense when dealing with customers! It is this Cavalier attitude that leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, not the fish!!! read more

Yes! Love these little local places! Staff wonderful answering all the questions! I don't shop much at fish stores and always forget what is which. For me a treat when going up north is to find some small shack selling smoked fish. The triple fish dip truly was quite good even though my initial taste sensation was it tasted just like tuna salad; does taste better. Out of whitefish. They recommended Villager Pub for lunch, which was also out of whitefish as they are supplied by Cross! read more

Wow I finally got to get my Whitefish spread made with their secret recipe. The nice lady thought I was trying to get their recipe. I was just curious what other ingredients were in it. So she let me sample both spreads, the whitefish and the 3 fish spread which had perch, whitefish and salmon. To my surprise I liked the whitefish spread better. It had a fresh flavor and the other ingredients added a nice dimensional lite harmony of flavors. Yum! Do buy light crackers for the ultimate taste. We used our pita chips which were heavy for the light dip. These are all locally caught fish perhaps even in Lake Charlevoix behind them. The two ladies working there were such a delight. I was curious of a good northern Michigan fish chowder and was asking what seasonings they use up there. I wanted to make some back in Houston. The one lady started skinning a fish then wrapping it up and told me it was free. Unfortunately because of our 2 days left before flying back to Texas and our layover on the flight, it wouldn't keep fresh on ice. Seriously though these are some Awesome women! Plus I purchased their suggested Miracle Blend seasoning in the yellow labeled jar. I purchased the Old Bay seasoning back home. They carry whitefish, walleye, perch, smoked trout, smoked salmon etc.....also :). They are kinda hiding in a residential neighborhood. Happy Eats :). read more

Cross John Fisheries - Fish, spreads and seasonings - Seafood Markets Near Me - Charlevoix, Michigan

They have the best fish! The employees are always so helpful and friendly. What more can you say they are the best!

Your number one must stop place if you are in the area. Pick up whitefish, you can get a whole fish, sausage, fish dip, anything you could want it is great. We brought back a whole cooler of stuff and have been eating it for days. I'm a bit of a sucker for whitefish but their quality here is great and the prices are not bad. Little hole in the wall place that could be hard to find but you must stop here and at least get the whitefish dip. read more

Finally made it here after so many years. We wasted time on our vacations going out to eat when we should have just bought fresh fish from the legendary John Cross store. Excellent whitefish, melt-in-your-mouth. Also great seafood dip. Will return. read more

If you want the best tasting White Fish, Smoked Salmon, or any other fish go here to John Cross Fisheries. The best in the State of Michigan. read more

Stopped in mid February and bought some whitefish dip and pita chips. Of course the dip tasted really good but after reading the ingredients I was kind of disappointed. In my opinion, a quality food does not have soybean oil and high fructose corn syrup as the main ingredients. That just seems like a cheap way to make a dip "taste good" and doesn't really put the words "fresh" and "local" in my head. Also, about half way through the box of pita chips I noticed they were 2 months expired. If I go back it will be to buy some filets but probably nothing more. read more

Can't really expound on previous posts. Seriously.... JUST GO OK? Be that "grill hero" tonight! read more

I've been traveling to Charlevoix more or less every summer since I was 6, and while I'd never set foot inside the John Cross Fishery until last year, I've sampled their catch more times than I can count. And if you've eaten walleye or whitefish or trout within a 30 mile radius of Charlevoix, you probably have too. John Cross seems to be the fishery of choice for restaurants from Elk Rapids to Petoskey and beyond, and its easy to see why. The fish is all top-quality -- fresh and delicious -- with the smoked trout a particular highlight. Next time I'm in town I'll be on a mission to sample the cajun trout sausage; when I inquired about it on my last visit, nearly every one of the 15 or so patrons crammed into the tiny storefront sang its praises in unison. A word of advice: John Cross is understandably popular with the locals, so if you're looking for the best of the day's catch, get there early. The smoked trout and the walleye are often gone by mid-day. read more

It was July of 1968 l was 18 yo and worked at Browe Marine next door to Cross Fisheries. One day l had a wonderful smell of smoked fish find it's way to me. I followed the smell to an ancient streaked steel locker door. As l peered in, an older guy approached with a large basket, it was John Cross Sr. He saw me and l was kind of embarrassed as he caught me looking inside the smoker. l quickly apologized, and explained that l worked next door and had smelled this wonderful smell that led me here. He asked if l had ever eaten a smoked chub, and l had to say no, so he gave me one. He told me how to open it, and said not to eat the skin as it wasn't scaled. I thanked him and was on my way with my treasure. I am now 72 and things have changed. John Sr. Is gone as is Browe Marine, but l will never forget the amazing smell and taste From that day. Needless to say l have been a customer since. Thanks John, kelly, and the gang Rick L. read more

It's cool to go to the little fresh fish store and watch the fish cleaning machine in the back. (See my photos.) Get your fish in the morning for that night's dinner. Very fresh, very tasty. They also have smoked fish, fish sausage, other snacks like that. read more

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Amazing people and great products and services! I'm from Texas and went to charlevoix for some ice fishing. This place was recommended to us, they fillet half of the fish and smoked half that we caught. When we went back to pick up the fish, they went above and beyond for us. Everything was neatly packaged and labeled, they boxed everything in a cardboard box and insulated the box, gave us complimentary gel packs for the flight back home. Took us another 2 days to get back to Texas, I was worried that the fish would thaw out and go bad. Nope! Everything arrived home still frozen solid! And I can't stop thinking about their smoked fish dip.. we tried 2 different ones when we were there, they are absolutely to die for!! Thank you for your extraordinary help and made our first ice fishing experience incredibly memorable! read more

Awesome fish spread and service. The owner gave us a tour of her store and it is great to see how they smoke and clean the fish. It is very clean family business we love it and will recommend to all of our friends. (3) generations of family and location have made this fish house an historic local wonder. read more

Cross John Fisheries - a man and woman holding a sign - Seafood Markets Near Me - Charlevoix, Michigan

A little store tucked down at the end of an alley right next to round lake. You can often see their fishing boat going to and from Lake Michigan. Amazing fresh fish. My parents love the whitefish patte and the smoked whitefish. Get both and some crackers then have a little picnic in the park. They also have a pretty good assortment of spices and seasonings. read more

Northern Michigan Travelers: You are absolutely doing your taste buds a disservice if you don't swing by John Cross Fisheries before you leave Charlevoix! I've been coming to Charlevoix multiple times a year since my formative years...it's honestly become a family joke that your visit doesn't count until you've had their salmon or whitefish. If you sit by the bridge for extended periods, you'll see one boat out of the bunch that you're sure is going to sink before coming back to harbor. Don't be fooled! That thing is a beast--she dutifully makes the trip back every day with the best tasting fish you'll ever eat. I smile every time I see it headed out to Lake Michigan. John and his wife June (who is frequently behind the counter) happily answer any preparation and cooking questions. This place is iconic Northern Michigan at its best. read more

If you like fish, don't miss visiting the kind folks at Cross John Fisheries. The 3-fish blend pâté and whitefish sausage are scrumptious and unique. We wanted to take home a few pounds of fresh whitefish, but a 3.5 hour drive home dashed that plan. I can't say enough to complement the owners. The delightful lady that helped us insisted we sample anything our appetites desired, assuring us that we wouldn't have to buy anything. She then recommended a restaurant for lunch she promised would be both delicious and reasonably priced... And it was outstanding! Finally, after triple bagging our purchase (pâté and whitefish sausage) and packing it in ice, she insisted we pay only for the bag of crackers we bought! Truly a 5-star experience! read more

Yup. This is the place. Lake trout, smoked trout - we come every year and the trip is not complete without a visit here. They are kind, efficient and the prices are great. Definitely come here for fresh or smoked fish!! read more

This fish is absolutely the best that can be found....anywhere. So many generations, a family business and a true example of how a business can be passed down. I love this place and have been coming to Charlevoix and going to John Cross for over 35 years. Love the fish, love that the grand kids work it and this is an example of a family truly working together to pass a business down thru the generations! Love it! read more

This place is amazing..great smoked fish, pates, sausage, and whitefish dip that's incredible. The Staff...the most friendly and helpful you can imagine. We always stop when we're anywhere near Charlevoix..it IS that good!!! read more

I have moved down near Detroit, and try to return to the Charlevoix/Petoskey area monthly. When i want fish, i wait til i come back to Northern Michigan to go to this shop. The fish is ultra fresh and never tastes fishy.. the staff is welcoming, kind and thorough. The very best!! read more

On ,our way home from a weekend Petoskey, we were driving around Charlevoix and ran across John Cross fisheries. It was this past Sunday morning at 8 am in the morning and we thought they were closed. When we pulled up one of the guys waved us in even though the did not open till 9am. everyone there was more than accommodating. We bought some fresh and smoked whitefish and some smoked trout, which by the way is the best I have ever had, and both of the fish spreads. outstanding service guys and thanks for opening your doors for us. Mike and Debbie Chicago read more

Loved this place!!!! Purchased trout, whitefish, perch, and smoked fish. First of all, the prices are lower compared to down state. The fish is so fresh. All of the fish is not from Lake Michigan, some from Canada. I appreciated that they wrapped my fish carefully and packed with ice for travel. I am tempted to drive four hours to buy more fish! read more

It's been a while, but I used to get fish here quite often. You really can't get any fresher than this. High quality; reasonable pricing; great service. read more

We've been getting fresh & smoked fish here for as long we (and anyone else going to Charlevoix that we can coerce) - some 40 years. A friend brought us some fresh whitefish - so meaty & fresh that all I did was make a 2 second crust of panko crumbs, parmesan, lemon & olive oil, broiled it for 12 minutes & it was divine! They also brought us some smoked trout & whitefish, which has always been our main reason for going there. So fresh that it's a wonder I don't eat it all while cleaning it. So far, the only things I don't like are their prepared products. Not fond of the smoked fish sausage which I love from other Up North smokehouses. I also love smoked fish salad, but they put way too much dill in it. Still 5 stars because they are a fishery & their fish is fabulous! read more

Wonderfull fresh fish store...lake trout fresh $3.75/lb...3 generations working the counter this summer...what more could anyone want?