About Your Guide

Luke Vandenberg

Independent Guide
Guided river fishing trips for steelhead, salmon, & trout in Northern Michigan. Whether from a jet boat, drift boat, or raft we have the tools and the knowledge to make for a great experience on the water! Our favorite fishing rivers in Michigan include the Pere Marquette River, Manistee River, Au Sable River, Betsie River, and many more. Book with Captain Luke and let’s set up your next guided Michigan fishing adventure

About Your Guide

Luke Vandenberg

Independent Guide
Guided river fishing trips for steelhead, salmon, & trout in Northern Michigan. Whether from a jet boat, drift boat, or raft we have the tools and the knowledge to make for a great experience on the water! Our favorite fishing rivers in Michigan include the Pere Marquette River, Manistee River, Au Sable River, Betsie River, and many more. Book with Captain Luke and let’s set up your next guided Michigan fishing adventure
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Northern Michigan River Trips

NEW 1 - 6 People 4 - 8 Hours From $425
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip
4-8 Hour Trip

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Spend a day floating the scenic rivers of Northern Michigan with Luke and his team, targeting some of the region’s most sought-after freshwater species. With access to multiple river systems between Grand Rapids and Traverse City—including the Pere Marquette, Big Manistee, and Au Sable—you’ll be fishing productive, ever-changing water with a guide who knows how to stay on the bite.

These trips focus on Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout, with chances at Brown Trout, Brook Trout,...

About Your Trip

Spend a day floating the scenic rivers of Northern Michigan with Luke and his team, targeting some of the region’s most sought-after freshwater species. With access to multiple river systems between Grand Rapids and Traverse City—including the Pere Marquette, Big Manistee, and Au Sable—you’ll be fishing productive, ever-changing water with a guide who knows how to stay on the bite.

These trips focus on Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout, with chances at Brown Trout, Brook Trout,
and seasonal runs of Chinook and Coho Salmon. Lake Michigan’s Steelhead are a highlight, known for their size and fight, commonly in the 8–10 lb range with the possibility of much larger fish. Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike may also be in play depending on the time of year.

You’ll fish using spinning gear or fly fishing equipment, depending on your preference, with techniques that can include drifting, jigging, and light tackle presentations. These are hands-on trips, and Luke and his team are dedicated to teaching the techniques and helping you understand how to fish these rivers effectively. Landing a Steelhead is no small feat, and the process of learning and improving is a big part of what makes these trips so rewarding.

Full-day trips offer the most complete experience, giving you time to cover miles of water, dial in techniques, and fish a variety of productive areas. You may float quietly downstream in a drift boat or cover more water in a jet boat, depending on the river and conditions. A grilled shore lunch is included, along with snacks and drinks, making it a comfortable and well-rounded day on the water.

Half-day trips provide a similar experience in a shorter window and are a good option for those with limited time. While you’ll still have opportunities to fish productive water, the reduced time means less opportunity to adjust, learn, and cover as much ground compared to a full day.

Trips are run on a small-group basis to keep the experience personal and effective. Drift boats typically accommodate up to 2 anglers, while the jet boat can take up to 3, with additional boats and guides available for larger groups.

All rods, reels, tackle, lures, and fly fishing equipment are provided, and your catch can be cleaned and prepared at the end of the day if you choose to keep fish within regulations.

If you’re looking to explore some of Michigan’s most beautiful rivers while targeting powerful Steelhead and other prized species, these trips offer a hands-on, rewarding experience in a truly scenic setting.
Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Physicality

This trip requires an easy level of physical activity.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Northern Michigan River Trips
Boat Type
Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer
StealthCraft
Year Built
2018
Boat Length
18'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer
StealthCraft
Year Built
2018
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha
Total Horsepower
60
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
Fighting chair, GPS, Fishfinder, Live bait well, Outriggers, Ice box
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Type of Fishing

Need a Place to Stay?

Vandenberg Guide Service Photo Gallery

Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Michigan River Trips
March 18th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
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