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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

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.

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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Pricing Matrix

	4 hours	8 hours
1 Person	$425.00	$600.00
2 People	$425.00	$600.00
3 People	$500.00	$700.00
4 People (two boats)	$850.00	$1,200.00
5 People (two boats)	$1,000.00	$1,400.00
6 People (two boats)	$1,000.00	$1,400.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Luke V.

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 V.

Independent Guide

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Brethren, Michigan

Areas Fished

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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Trip Details & 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.

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
Fly Fishing
Jigging
Light Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

Everything is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.