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

Fishing with Captain Dan on the Big Manistee River, launching from Tippy Dam, is a thrilling and action-packed adventure. This section of the Manistee River is legendary for its world-class runs of Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, and brown trout, making it a prime destination for anglers seeking trophy catches.

Captain Dan brings his expertise and passion to every trip, ensuring a professional yet relaxed experience. With his knowledge of the river’s currents, structure, and seasonal fish patterns, you’ll be strategically positioned to maximize your chances of success. Whether it’s casting spinners, drifting spawn, or float fishing jigs, Captain Dan keeps the techniques simple but effective, perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

The waters below Tippy Dam are renowned for their year-round productivity. In the fall, the river is alive with salmon making their spawning run, offering intense battles with these powerful fish. Winter and spring bring the excitement of steelhead fishing, as these acrobatic fish test your skills with their leaps and runs.

Amidst the towering pines and quiet wilderness of the Big Manistee, every trip is as much about the experience as it is about the catch. Whether you’re battling a massive Chinook or simply enjoying the peaceful flow of the river, a day with Captain Dan is one you’ll never forget.

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.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Scroll for more

Pricing Matrix

	6 Hours
1 Person	$450.00
2 People	$450.00

Pay $150 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

Total

NEW

Select a date to view pricing. The date you selected is no longer available. Please select another date.

Date

Select a group size to view pricing.

Select a duration to view pricing.

Select a start time to check out.

You won't be charged yet

Total

Browse Similar Trips

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

Dan S.

Outfitter

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Adventurous

Quality

Expert Oriented

About Your Guide

Dan S.

Outfitter

Captain Dan is anexperienced and passionate guide/captain, who delivers unforgettable fishing adventures on Michigan’s pristine waters. With years of expertise targeting salmon, steelhead, lake trout, and more, Captain Dan is committed to ensuring every angler—from beginners to seasoned pros—has a successful and enjoyable trip.

Specializing in Michigan’s top fishing destinations, Captain Dan combines expert knowledge, state-of-the-art equipment, and a personalized approach to help clients reel in trophy catches. Whether it’s battling Coho salmon in Lake Michigan or chasing chrome steelhead in local rivers, Dan offers a fishing experience that’s second to none.

Join Captain Dan for a professionally guided fishing trip that’s as much about creating memories as it is about catching fish. Book your adventure today and experience why Captain Dan is a favorite among anglers across the region.

Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

53 Inch Sturgeon

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

Pizza

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

53 Inch Sturgeon

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

Pizza

What’s your favorite movie?

Escanaba is Da Moonlight

What’s your favorite sports team?

Detroit Lions

How did you get started guiding?

Couldn’t get a real job

What makes you different from other guides?

On time and patient

Scroll for more

Start Location & Lodging Options

Brethren, Michigan

Areas Fished

Tippy Dam Public Fishing Access

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Jet Boat
Boat Manufacturer: smoker craft
Year Built: 2007
Boat Length: 16'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Jet Boat
Boat Manufacturer: smoker craft
Year Built: 2007
Boat Length: 16'
Engine Manufacturer: yamaha
Total Horsepower: 40
Number of Engines: 1

Scroll for more

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.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

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

Artificial Lure Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Sight Casting

Everything Else to Know

All rods, reels, and tackle are included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and any gear of your own you want to use on the trip.

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. Dan 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%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 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.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

George

Verified Review

Had a great time me and the guys really enjoyed the trip!...

George

Verified Review

Had a great time me and the guys really enjoyed the trip!...

Scroll for more

Trip: 8 hour Offshore Thrills

Diane

Verified Review

Fantastic trip! We had a wonderful time!

Diane

Verified Review

Fantastic trip! We had a wonderful time!

Scroll for more

Trip: Bank and Bight Backcountry

Charles

Verified Review

Super nice, knowledgeable, and accommodating! Highly recommend! Will use again!

Charles

Verified Review

Super nice, knowledgeable, and accommodating! Highly recommend! Will use again!

Scroll for more

Trip: Gulf Shores Adventure

Ralph

Verified Review

Super fun. Everyone enjoyed. Nice family time.

Ralph

Verified Review

Super fun. Everyone enjoyed. Nice family time.

Scroll for more

Trip: Biloxi Mixed Bag Trip

Danyel

Verified Review

Super cool and nice had a great time.

Danyel

Verified Review

Super cool and nice had a great time.

Scroll for more

Trip: In or Near Shore Experience

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.