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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

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!

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Lodging

Lodging is included for an additional fee.

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.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

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.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

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Pricing Matrix

	8 hours
1 Person	$750.00
2 People	$750.00
3 People (two boats)	$1,500.00
4 People (two boats)	$1,500.00

Pay 50% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

Add-On	Price
Lunch/Snacks	Included in the trip price

Add-ons can be added on the checkout page.

About Your Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Alex E.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Outfitter 13 years of exp.

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

Alex grew up fishing in Northern Michigan for Salmon and Steelhead, which sparked his lifelong passion for fishing and being in the outdoors. He attended Northern Michigan University and received his BS in Environmental Science and Biology. After working in Chemical Engineering and then Pharmaceutical Research, he realized that his true calling was to be a fishing guide. In 2017, he decided to make a career switch and moved to the Western Slope of Colorado,...

About Your Guide

Alex E.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Outfitter 13 years of exp.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

350lb+ Blue Marlin in Costa Rica

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

Blackfin sashimi in the Florida Keys... Or maybe some grilled Mutton Snapper

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

350lb+ Blue Marlin in Costa Rica

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

Blackfin sashimi in the Florida Keys... Or maybe some grilled Mutton Snapper

What’s your favorite band?

Depends on the mood, but I'm a classic rock guy

What’s your favorite movie?

Cops

What’s your favorite sports team?

Detroit Lions

What’s your drink of choice?

A good iced tea with lemon

What was your last halloween costume?

Sports referee

What do you want for Christmas this year?

More fishing gear

How did you get started guiding?

After working a few professional jobs out of college I realized that guiding was my true calling....and never looked back!

What makes you different from other guides?

I grew up fishing the same waters that I guide on and have insight into those rivers that few other guides have. I have perfected the methods of fishing that allow even a beginner angler to have a successful trip.

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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.

The lodging below offered by Alex is not included in the cost of your trip. Please let us know in the "notes" section during checkout if you'd like to stay, or see the map below for other hotels and VRBOs in the area.

Lodge photo for Northern Michigan Salmon Fishing

1/8

Thompsonville, 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 Northern Michigan Salmon Fishing

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Stealthcraft
Boat Length: 15'
Boat Restroom: No

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Stealthcraft
Boat Length: 15'
Boat Restroom: No

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Lodging

Lodging is included for an additional fee.

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.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

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.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent Thompsonville Fishing Reports »

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

Rods, reels & tackle included. Lunch is provided.

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

This trip is managed by an outfitter. Alex will be your point of contact and you will go out with one of their guides.

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%).

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable except for weather-related cancellations. 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.

Reviews

5.0

based on 1 review

Thomas

Verified Review

April 14

Great day!!! Alex is very knowledgeable regarding the river,the species, and VERY skillful boat captain. Personable, pleasant, and patient. Makes a great bowl of split pea and ham soup. Will definitely do this again.

Tom Johnson

Thomas

Verified Review

April 14

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Trip: Spring Steelhead Slam

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.