Guide:

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 November to May large numbers of Steelhead migrate from Lake Michigan into a number of rivers along the west coast of Michigan. After spawning in the late spring these fish return to the big lake and repeat the process for 8-10 years. These chrome fish are very aggressive as they have to maintain their bodyweight, and are usually plenty willing to crush an egg fly or spawn sack!

Alex and his guides target these magnificent fish on some of the most productive rivers south of Traverse City, Mi with both fly and spinning techniques. Once spring hits and the weather starts to warm we find fish in deep holes, on gravel, and in runs. Customers have success fly fishing with both nymphs and streamers, while spin fisherman use spawn bags and spinners. The weather can be variable this time of year but the exhilaration of landing a beautiful Steelhead makes it worth the effort!

A hot lunch is served streamside on full day trips. Please inform your guide of any food allergies or requests.

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 kids.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

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.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

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Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours
1 Person	$550.00
2 People	$550.00

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

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.

Reserve Your Trip

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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 Guide

Alex E.

Outfitter 11 years of exp.

About Your Guide

Alex E.

Outfitter 11 years of exp.

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, guiding his first year with the Smith Fork Ranch before moving to the Gunnison River to guide there. Alex returns to Michigan each September to chase salmon on remote stretches of Northern Michigan rivers, guiding on the same rivers that he grew up fishing.

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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.

Thompsonville, Michigan

Areas Fished

Betsie River
Little Bear Creek

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat

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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 kids.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

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.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

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

Artificial Lure Fishing
Fly Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing

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.

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Trip: Full Day Fishing Trip

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting 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, bait, 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.