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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

Targeting Smallmouth, Largemouth Bass, Trout, Pike, and anything else that bites! Choose three different trip length options that best fit your schedule. 5-hour trips are a GREAT way to get in and out while still catching some fish. Choose a 7-hour trip that includes a grilled lunch (weather permitting) and relax and unwind for the entire day. The 6-hour option may be the exact length you're looking for to get on some hard-fighting river fish!

Use light tackle and gear specific to the species you're targeting. Snacks and drinks are included in the price.

Fishing options include the Muskegon River in Newaygo and the Pine River in Alma. Please ask what's fishing well.

The Muskegon in the summer is a wide and slow-flowing river whose beauty is stunning as its crystal-clear water cuts through high hills and contains a ton of wildlife to observe throughout the float.

2 fishermen max.

5-hour float trip

The season is from March to November.

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

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 10 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Languages

English

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	5 hours	6 hours	7 hours
1 Person	$280.00	$325.00	$375.00
2 People	$335.00	$385.00	$435.00

Pay $100 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Daniel N.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Quality

About Your Guide

Daniel N.

Independent Guide

Explore Michigan’s top rivers with Dan Nealy’s Fishing Buddies! Captain Dan brings unmatched experience, positive energy, and a true passion for the water. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned angler, Dan loves teaching new techniques, helping you improve skills, and guiding you to success on Michigan’s best fisheries.

Your trip takes place aboard a 16 ft Hyde Drift Boat that comfortably seats two anglers. Dan rows while you relax, take in the scenery, or fish from the boat. Two leg locks allow secure fishing while drifting, and wading is always an option. This slow, scenic float helps you cover more water and target more fish.

Fly fishing is our preferred technique, but spin gear is also available — including TFO rods and Pflueger President reels. You’ll use top‑quality equipment, often including flies tied by Dan himself. No technique is wrong if it helps us catch fish.

Depending on the season, you’ll be targeting Steelhead, Salmon, Trout, and Smallmouth Bass. Full‑day trips include grilled lunch (weather permitting), water, and snacks. Half‑day trips include water and snacks. Please remember your Michigan fishing license.

We fish several great Michigan rivers, including the Muskegon River (Newaygo), Tittabawassee & Chippewa Rivers (Midland), and The Pine River (Gratiot County). Join Captain Dan for a relaxing, educational, and unforgettable day on the water.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

31-pound King Salmon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Breakfast potato skillet

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

31-pound King Salmon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Breakfast potato skillet

What’s your favorite band?

Queen

What’s your favorite movie?

The original Jurasik Park

What’s your favorite sports team?

Detroit Pistons

What’s your drink of choice?

Root Beer

What was your last halloween costume?

Mr. Clean

What do you want for Christmas this year?

A new smoker

How did you get started guiding?

I started taking friends, then taking their family and friends, and I decided I wanted to find a way to make some money doing it...

What makes you different from other guides?

I'm a coach at heart and I'm willing to coach people to help them become better fisherman.

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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.

Croton, 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 River Bass, Pike & Trout Options

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Hyde
Boat Length: 16'
Boat Restroom: No

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Hyde
Boat Length: 16'
Boat Restroom: No
Additional Amenities: Very comfortable

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

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 10 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Languages

English

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

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

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 10 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 10 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.