Damn Good Big Rapids Fishing Guides

Join Captain Tim for an afternoon adventure chasing massive Sheephead! These Freshwater Drum make for great sportfish because they put up a great fight, can grow well above 20lbs, and can be mighty fine table fare as well. Don't be surprised if you hook into some Walleye on these trips either! Captain Tim likes to use a couple different techniques out on Lake Macatawa. Some days the Sheephead like the slow troll, other days they're enticed by the action of a deep-diving crankbait, and other times they are bottom feasting on gobies where jigs can be most effective. Luckily, Captain Tim will be there to provide insight into what technique is fishing best! Aboard the 33’ Wellcraft you will find all the comforts of home. The vessel has a spacious berth that includes a bathroom and table. She is powered by twin Yamaha engines with a total horsepower of 660hp. Sleek, big, and fast, this boat is extremely comfortable and luxurious. She can comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests, plus the captain. Captain Tim will provide all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle you need for an amazing afternoon. You do need to bring a valid Michigan fishing license, which is easily acquired online. Other than that, you should wear appropriate clothing and bring a camera to record your possible trophy catch! Read More

If you've been dreaming of chasing big fish on Lake Michigan, then Captain Phil is the guide for you. With 20+ years of experience, and tons of knowledge about the Lake, he'll get you hooked up on monster Coho and King Salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and Steelhead! You'll be trolling for these big fish on Shimano rods and reels, provided by the Captain. Salmon love to put up a fight, so come prepared! Not only are these fish fun fighters, but they're great eating fish as well. Captain Phil is happy to clean your keepers for you, so bring a cooler! Captain Phil's 31' Tiara sportfisher is outfitted with all the top trolling equipment, including Cannon downriggers and custom Cannon rod holders, a Hummingbird sonar fish finder, and GPS navigation. With the power of the twin 270-HP Crusader engines, you'll be able to get on the fish and start trolling in no time. Phil's boat also has an onboard bathroom and plenty of seating to keep you comfortable all day on the water. Be sure to purchase a fishing license prior to your trip and bring along and food or drinks you may want while fishing. Soft soled shoes are preferred on the boat. Read More

From the end of August to early October, King and Coho Salmon migrate from Lake Michigan into many rivers along the west coast of Michigan. Captain Alex specializes in targeting these fish with a fly rod on remote upper stretches of the Betsie River and Little Bear Creek south of Traverse City, Michigan. Private access allows us to float stretches of river inaccessible to other fisherman. This results in beautiful, scenic floats where it is common to see more bald eagles than other fisherman. Throw in large numbers of fish and you have the recipe for a great day on the water! ​ Both stretches of river are cleared of large debris early in the season to ensure safe travel downstream. However, they are kept overgrown to promote healthy trout habitat as well as deter other boaters from floating it. For these reasons the boat may have to be pushed over a sandbar, under a log, or through brush... but that just adds to the experience! ​ Captain Alex targets these Salmon early in the run when they are fresh, aggressive, and staged up in large holes. Bottom bouncing techniques work best when run with egg flies, wooly buggers, or egg sucking leeches. Certain days will allow us to strip streamers for these fish as well. ​ Spinning gear can be provided to cast thundersticks or float skein under a bobber if anglers wish. Double check with your guide to ensure that this is an option. A hot lunch is also served stream-side on all full day trips. All you need to bring is a good attitude and your Michigan fishing license! Read More

If you've been looking for a premier sportfishing trip on Lake Michigan, you're in the right place. This epic Salmon and Trout trip with Captain Chad is ideal for any angler, whether you're aiming for a new personal best, hoping to fill your cooler with keepers, or all of the above! Many people don't know that the Great Lakes are home to some of the biggest, baddest freshwater sportfish in the USA. The stocks include Chinook (King) Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and Steelhead, all of which are powerful fighters and excellent table fare. You'll hunt these fish using a variety of baits and lures on trolling gear. All of the Salmonids—the family that includes Salmon and Trout—love to hit fast-moving targets, and when one of these fish takes the hook, you'll feel it! Salmon and Trout both have fast runs and big jumps, so these fights are nothing short of spectacular! Once your reel starts screaming, you better be ready! After you pull in a monster, you can store it in the icebox so it stays fresh during the remainder of your voyage. Back at the dock, Captain Chad will clean and bag your catch, so you can take home a delicious dinner. Captain Chad's 36’ Tiara has a spacious deck and twin Crusader engines with a total of 700 horsepower to get you out there fast. This vessel is built to cut smoothly through choppy lakewater, so you should be trolling with the utmost comfort. She also features a full kit of electronics, a comfortable cabin, live wells for bait, and coolers for your keepers. Captain Chad provides all the equipment needed for a successful day of fishing, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. You should bring food and drinks so you don’t get worn-out, plus appropriate clothing, some sunglasses, and sunscreen. Other than that, Captain Chad has got you covered! Read More

Looking for massive trophy fish you’ll never forget? Set out on Lake Michigan with Captain Matt! He will guide you to the best fishing areas known for Salmon and Trout, and try to put you on the catch of a lifetime. Salmon and Trout in the great lakes reach epic sizes, so be sure to bring a camera—without photo proof, your friends might not believe you! Captain Matt's 30’ Baha Cruiser comfortably fits up to 6 guests plus the captain, so you can bring your friends and family on this trip. The 395-HP Mercruiser engine will power you smoothly through the calm waters of the lake as you search for your prey. There is also a bathroom on board for your comfort. You will be trolling multiple lines, so you can sit back, relax, and wait for the scream of the reel. Everything you need on this journey will be provided by Captain Matt and his crew. They bring rods, reels, bait, and tackle for all 6 guests, and they’ll even clean your catch at the end of the day. You do need to acquire a valid Michigan fishing license, which is pretty easy to do online. You should also check the weather forecast before your trip, so you’re prepared with appropriate clothing. Read More

If you've gotten used to nymphing and dry-fly fishing, try this streamer trip with Casey on for size! This trip is a perfect way to expand your fly-fishing repertoire while going after some absolutely massive Trout on the rivers of northern Michigan. Brown Trout in particular love to hit fast-moving streamers, and if you want to hook a personal best, this trip is for you. Casey is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced guide when it come to fishing streamers, especially large ones. He's obsessed with catching trophy Browns, and will put you on the fish like none other! Fishing streamers is quite different from other types of fly fishing, because instead of looking for a perfect surface drift or trying to imitate a worm washing downstream, you're trying to match the action of a small baitfish or other prey item moving across or even against the current. You'll practice stripping in line and setting effectively on this trip, and you'll walk away a better angler with some epic memories and amazing pictures to boot! You'll be fishing the deck of Casey's 16' Stealthcraft jet boat, which is ideal for maneuvering on the river. She's powered by a 40 HP Mercury, so you'll have no trouble getting where the fish are. A half day trip does not include lunch, but on a full day Casey will put together a great midday meal. Casey will supply everything you need for an awesome trip, including rods, reels, tackle, and flies. Just bring a good attitude, a Michigan fishing license, and some sun protection and you'll be good to go! Read More

Take a trip out with Captain Dan and experience the great freshwater fishing that Lake Michigan has to offer! Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth-largest lake in the world, with just over 22,000 square miles of surface area. It's loaded with fish, including fantastic sportfish species such as Steelhead, King Salmon (also known as Chinooks), Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout—all of which you can target on this trip with Captain Dan. On this trip, you'll primarily be trolling lines to attract big Salmon, which love to take fast-moving baits and lures. When these powerful fish hit the hook, you'll feel it! Salmon are great fighters that will really test your strength, stamina, and skills—so bring your A-game! You'll also have the opportunity to drop your lines down to hook up some massive Lake Trout, which prefer the deeper, colder parts of the Lake. In addition to their fighting abilities, all of these species are terrific table fare! Whatever you're hoping to catch, Captain Dan is an expert when it comes to finding, hooking, and fighting fish in these waters. You'll be fishing from the deck of his 33' Wellcraft sportfisher. She's a beautiful boat with all the equipment necessary for a great day of fishing, including twin Volvo engines and a cabin to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the fall. Your captain will bring everything you need for an ideal trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Dan and his crew will also clean and package all your keepers at the end of the trip. All you need to bring is a Michigan fishing license with the appropriate stamps, a cooler with snacks and drinks, proper clothing, sunscreen, and a smile! Get out there and enjoy the clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan with Captain Dan! Read More

Although Traverse City is known for its Salmon and Steelhead fishing, this area is also prime territory for Smallmouth Bass! Captain Butch has decades of experiences hooking wallhangers in the Bay and on the nearby inland lakes, and he excels in putting his clients on big fish. Smallmouth Bass offer a great experience to all levels of anglers. These fish hit both baits and lures, and you can expect massive topwater takes in addition to big bites when you're jigging off the bottom. Captain Butch is happy to give you some expert advice so that you can improve your cast, perfect your retrieve, and hit a personal best! On your fishing adventure, you will be fishing aboard a 21' Ranger skiff. She's ideal for fishing the shallow waters where big Smallies like to hang out, and she's powered by a 250-HP Yamaha outboard so you'll get out there in a hurry. Captain Butch will bring everything you need for an awesome trip, including all the rods, reels, and tackle. Just bring weather-appropriate clothing, your MI fishing licenses, and some sun protection, and you'll be ready to whack some big ones! Read More

Please bring snacks and drinks. What truly distinguishes our service from other Michigan fishing charters is their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and unwavering dedication to safety. They go the extra mile to ensure that every angler enjoys a safe and enjoyable experience on each outing. From cutting-edge equipment to expert advice, they leave no detail unattended to ensure that your day on the river is nothing less than extraordinary. Read More