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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

When the salmon and steelhead seasons slow down, the Big Manistee River continues to shine as an outstanding fishery for Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. Join Captain Chris for a fun-filled summer day targeting aggressive warmwater species in one of Northern Michigan's most scenic river systems.

Using light tackle, you'll fish river structure, current breaks, weed edges, and productive holding water where bass and pike spend their summer months feeding. Smallmouth Bass are known for their powerful fights and aerial displays, while Northern Pike provide explosive strikes and the chance to hook a true river predator.

These trips are available in half-day, 6-hour, and full-day formats, making them a great option for families, experienced anglers, or anyone looking for steady summer action on the water. Chris enjoys teaching techniques and helping anglers better understand how fish relate to river structure and seasonal conditions.

Fishing takes place aboard a comfortable river boat and includes all rods, reels, tackle, bait, drinks, snacks, and lunch on full-day trips. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, sharpening your bass fishing skills, or simply looking to enjoy a relaxing day floating the river, this trip offers a fantastic way to experience the Big Manistee during the summer months.

Peak Season: June and July.

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.

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.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 30 days before the trip.

Languages

English

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

	4 hours	6 hours	8 hours
1 Person	$350.00	$450.00	$525.00
2 People	$350.00	$450.00	$525.00

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

About Your Guide

Chris M.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Comfortable

Quality

Expert Oriented

About Your Guide

Chris M.

Independent Guide

Captain Chris has spent nearly two decades guiding anglers on some of Northern Michigan's most productive rivers, including the Big Manistee, Little Manistee, Pine, and Pere Marquette. Specializing in light tackle and fly fishing, he targets everything from king salmon and steelhead to trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.

As an independent guide, Chris takes a highly personal approach to every trip. When you fish with him, you're not one of many clients cycling through a large operation. His focus is on providing exceptional customer service, tailoring each trip to his guests, and creating an enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Chris especially enjoys introducing newcomers and young anglers to the sport. As a father himself, he understands the value of making memories on the water and takes pride in helping guests learn new techniques while enjoying some of Michigan's most beautiful rivers.

Fishing takes place aboard clean, well-maintained equipment using top-quality rods, reels, and tackle. Chris provides, snacks, drinks, and all necessary fishing gear. His goal is simple: provide opportunities, share his knowledge, and help guests enjoy everything Northern Michigan's incredible fisheries have to offer.

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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.

Wellston, Michigan

Areas Fished

Leave a note on checkout if there you have a preferred fishing location and we’ll do our best to make it happen, but please note this is subject to change based on fishing conditions.

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Summer Smallmouth Bass & Pike

Boat Type: Jet Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Fish Rite
Year Built: 2002
Boat Length: 16'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Jet Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Fish Rite
Year Built: 2002
Boat Length: 16'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 50
Number of Engines: 1

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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.

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.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 30 days before the trip.

Languages

English

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

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 30 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 30 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.