Guide Trips & Rates
Steelhead — Fly Fishing & Conventional Gear
Steelhead migrate from Lake Michigan into the rivers to feed and spawn fall through spring. Lake Michigan produces the highest quality steelhead of the Great Lakes, making them fantastic trophy fish for anglers to target. An average steelhead weighing in at 8-10lbs with a chance of hooking one upwards of 15lbs. Gear used for steelhead is either conventional spinning rods or fly fishing. Rods, reels, and tackle will be provided by the guide.
Primary Rivers: Pere Marquette River, Manistee River, & Betsie River
Booking 2-4 consecutive days is highly recommended during steelhead season, when unpredictable weather and changing river conditions can significantly impact fishing. Spending more time on the water gives you greater flexibility to adapt to conditions, explore different stretches of river, and maximize your opportunities to connect with fish. Steelhead fishing rewards persistence, and the extra time can make all the difference.
Trout — Fly Fishing
Often thought of as being in the mountains of Montana, you might be surprised by the trout found in Michigan rivers. Trout are a species you can target year round here in Michigan as our most popular trout sections are always open to fishing. Whether you want to throw streamers for brown trout, fish the famous Hex hatch for trophy brown trout, or chase aggressive brook trout with dry flies, we can do it all. Trout trips will primarily be from April to November, with peak Mayfly hatches being in May, June, and July. Rods, reels, and tackle will be provided by the guide and will primarily be fly fishing, but spinning gear is an option. Hex Hatch: June 15 - July 10 7pm - 2am ($600 - 1 or 2 anglers)
Primary Rivers: Au Sable River & Upper Manistee River
King and Coho Salmon
Starting in early August and ending in November, salmon migrate up the rivers to spawn. Their size and strength make them a great trophy fish for all anglers to target. An average fish being 10-20lbs with the chance at a fish 30lbs+. Rods, reels, and tackle will be provided by the guide. If you want lots of action, hard fighting fish, and warm fishing weather then salmon season is for you. Dates book up quickly for peak salmon season, contact us as soon as possible to reserve your date.
(Group trips up to 8 people available)
Fly Fishing Instructional’s
If you are new to the world of fly fishing and are looking to get a jumpstart on your skillset, a instructional can be a huge help. I know this since I had an instructional when I was 14 and it was the most beneficial experience a beginning angler can have. We’ll cover all things fly fishing 101 including casting, rigging/knot tying, fly choice and much more. All gear will be provided.
Note this is not a fishing trip, instructionals may take place in a field, lake, or river. For a complete fishing and fly casting experience with the goal of catching a trout, we recommend a half day float trip.
Instructional Rates: $100/hour
Rates:
Full Day Trip (8 hours) 1 or 2 people : $600
(Add 3rd angler for $100)
Half Day Trip (4 hours) 1 or 2 people: $425
(Add 3rd angler for $100)
Multi - Day Full Day Discount: $475 per day
(2+ consecutive full day trips)
Peak Salmon Season Rates: (September 1 - October 15)
Full Day Trip (8 hours) 1 or 2 people : $700
(Add 3rd angler for $100)
Half Day Trip (4 hours) 1 or 2 people: $475
(Add 3rd angler for $100