These U.S. Forestry Service Guide permits are hard to come by and this opens up a large section of river only a handful of other guides have access to fish. We will deploy the Chuck and Duck (bottom bouncing) technique on these trips so you do not have to know how to fly fish. With this approach the angler pulls 20-30 feet of line off the reel and then lobs the flies and weight to fish spotted.

The Big Manistee River is known for huge numbers of King Salmon that return to the river to spawn in the first 3 miles below Tippy dam. The fish spawn on a gravel bottom in 3-5 feet of water and with the rivers gin clear water it is easy to spot hundreds of fish everywhere you look. On these trips it is not uncommon for one of the anglers on the boat to have a fish on at all times. If you have never Fished the Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam you have to come out and give this a try, you won't believe your eyes!

Western Michigan Rivers offer anglers a unique fishery for many different species unlike anywhere else in the world. The waters here are a myriad of downed trees, log jams, sandbars, gravel beds and gorgeous sweeping bends. This type of structure offers anglers many different types of habitat to target their efforts. The famous Pere Marquette, Manistee, Muskegon, Grand and White rivers are just several in a long list of rivers running through the western portion of our state.

In the springtime, we find walleye and pike along any rocky bank or current break and target these fish using crankbaits and jigs. Though not always a limit catch, on most days an angler will bring home a few tasty fillets. Our Michigan Rivers offer tremendous trout fishing for not only the fly angler, but for traditional gear anglers as well. Large numbers of rainbow, brown and native brook trout call these waters home. As big and colorful as anywhere, the trout here are an anglers dream as they readily take seasonal offerings. Nearly all of these rivers receive large amounts of planter trout that are eager to bite all year long.

Often overlooked is the spectacular summer smallmouth bass fishing. While perhaps not as large as their lake-born brethren, these fish are every bit as aggressive and put up a terrific fight, bulldogging in the current, only to launch themselves into the air repeatedly.

In late summer salmon start entering the systems inhabiting the deeper runs and logjams along the river bank. Chinook (King) and Coho salmon are major players in our salmon fishery averaging 12-20# but salmon are caught every year that are closing in on the 30# mark. These fish are tackle busting brutes with sheer power unlike any other freshwater fish. Their strikes are so aggressive an angler can have the rod ripped from their hand if not paying attention.

In late October, with shorting days and cool rains, chrome steelhead ascend on the rivers with one thing on their mind. FOOD! These steelhead winter over in the river and are our prime target all winter long. It may be cold outside but the steelheading can be HOT. In the early spring as soon as the snow starts to melt, huge numbers of steelhead will move from Lake Michigan into the river on their annual spawning run, this is a great time to cure that cabin fever and chase these fish. Steelhead will be in the river until mid spring. With their sky rocketing leaps, steelhead are a blast to catch .

We offer Guide Services on these rivers year round and no matter the season there are always angling opportunities available. Book a trip today and you will not be disappointed.