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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

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.

Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours
1 Person	$650.00
2 People	$650.00
3 People (Second Boat)	$1,300.00
4 People (Second Boat)	$1,300.00

Pay $325 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the 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.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Outfitter 12 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,...

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.

Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

Thompsonville, Michigan

Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: SmithFly
Boat Length: 14'
Boat Restroom: No

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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

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 the current month (April).

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Steelhead

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

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