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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

Fish the productive waters of Michigan with a trip focused on versatility, seasonal patterns, and steady action. These trips take place on rivers like the Big Manistee and Saginaw, along with inland lakes, giving you access to a wide range of species and fishing styles throughout the year.

Depending on conditions, you’ll be targeting Steelhead (Rainbow Trout), Brown Trout, Salmon (Chinook and Coho), and Walleye, with chances at additional species like Perch and Crappie. Techniques vary based on the bite, but commonly include drift fishing, spinning, trolling, and bottom fishing using both light and heavy tackle.

You’ll be fishing from a 17’ jet boat, built to navigate shallow river systems and reach productive water that other boats can’t. The setup is ideal for up to 3 anglers, keeping the experience comfortable and hands-on.

Trips are offered as 6-hour (morning or afternoon) or full-day 8-hour options. The 6-hour trip is a great way to get in on the action and stay flexible, while the full-day option gives you more time to cover water and dial things in. On colder days, the boat is equipped with a heater to help take the edge off—especially during peak fall and winter steelhead fishing when conditions can be tough but the bite is often best.

All rods, reels, tackle, lures, and live bait (if needed) are included. At the end of the trip, your catch can be cleaned and filleted at no extra charge—just bring a cooler to take it home.

You’ll need to purchase a valid Michigan fishing license before the trip. Be sure to bring weather-appropriate gear, sunglasses, and any snacks or drinks you’d like. This is a flexible, well-rounded trip designed to adapt to conditions and give you the best possible shot at success.

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.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

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

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

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

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	6 hours	8 hours
1 Person	$425.00	$700.00
2 People	$425.00	$700.00
3 People	$500.00	$800.00

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

About Your Guide

James J.

Independent Guide

About Your Guide

James J.

Independent Guide

Captain James is a lifelong angler who has been fishing the Manistee River since he was a kid. Over the years, he’s developed a strong connection to these waters and a deep understanding of how to target Steelhead, Salmon, and Brown Trout throughout the seasons.

He runs trips with a focus on keeping things simple, productive, and enjoyable. Whether you’re new to fishing or have experience, James works to make sure you’re comfortable, involved, and having a good time on the water.

For him, guiding is about more than just catching fish—it’s about getting outdoors, enjoying the environment, and creating lasting memories with friends and family. His goal is to give you a solid day on the water and an experience that keeps you coming back.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Brethren, Michigan

Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Salmon & Steelhead Fishing Trips

Boat Type: Jet Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Polar Kraft
Year Built: 2023
Boat Length: 20'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Jet Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Polar Kraft
Year Built: 2023
Boat Length: 20'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 150
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: GPS, Fishfinder, Wireless trolling motor, 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.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

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

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

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

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

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

Bottom Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing

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 7 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 7 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.