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Matt Brejchas Stanwood Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guide
Smallmouth Bass River Fishing in Stanwood
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The Smallmouth Bass belongs to the order Perciformes and family Centrarchidae. It typically measures between 12 and 27 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 4 lbs. - Habitat includes lakes and rivers with rocky bottoms and clear water. - Popular among anglers for their aggressive fighting ability and acrobatic jumps.
Fishing Guide by Guide Matt Brejcha in August
Meet your Guide Matt Brejcha
- Full Time Professional Fishing Guide
Summary
Guide Matt Brejcha of On Target Fishing Guide Service on Friday August offers exceptional river fishing charters targeting smallmouth bass in Stanwood's pristine Michigan waters. This 4-hour morning fishing guide experience accommodates two anglers aboard an 18/60 custom jet boat equipped with heating for year-round comfort. Using proven techniques like drift fishing, bottom bouncing, and live bait rigging, anglers consistently land trophy smallmouth bass in these productive river systems. All essential gear including rods, tackle, and bait are provided, making this trip perfect for both experienced bass anglers and newcomers to the sport. Book your private charter today for an unforgettable Michigan river fishing adventure with hands-on guidance from a local expert who knows these waters intimately.
Fishing Charter with Guide Matt Brejcha – Rates & Booking
Guide Matt Brejcha of On Target Fishing Guide Service on Friday August provides 4-hour private river fishing charters starting at dawn for prime smallmouth bass action. This trip accommodates two anglers with an option for a third, departing at 7:00 am sharp from Stanwood's scenic river access. All essential fishing gear including rods, reels, tackle, and live bait are included in your charter rate. Fish comfortably from an 18/60 custom jet boat or drift boat equipped with heating for colder months, ensuring year-round fishing opportunities. Licensed guide Matt specializes in local techniques like drift fishing, bottom bouncing, and live bait rigging that consistently produce trophy catches. Book online or call to secure your Michigan river fishing adventure with this experienced local guide.
Highlights of Half Day Michigan River Brown Trout and Chinook Salmon Fishing Charter
This private charter targets multiple species including brown trout, Chinook salmon, and seasonal steelhead across Michigan's most productive river systems. The heated boat ensures comfortable fishing even during winter steelhead runs, while the custom jet boat design allows access to prime fishing spots other vessels cannot reach. Guide Matt provides hands-on instruction for all skill levels, teaching proven river techniques that maximize your chances of landing trophy fish. Recent trips have produced impressive catches including 21-inch smallmouth bass, demonstrating the quality fishing these waters consistently provide.
The 4-hour duration strikes the perfect balance between productive fishing time and comfort, allowing anglers to experience prime early-morning bite periods when fish are most active. All tackle is specifically selected for Michigan river conditions, and live bait rigging ensures natural presentations that trigger aggressive strikes from wary river fish.
Local Species Insights: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass thrive in Stanwood's clear, rocky river systems where current breaks and deep pools provide ideal ambush points for these aggressive predators. These bronze-backed fighters prefer water temperatures between 60-75°F and actively feed on crayfish, minnows, and aquatic insects throughout the summer months. In Friday August conditions, smallmouth position themselves near structure like fallen logs, rock ledges, and current seams where they can easily ambush passing prey. Guide Matt's drift fishing technique allows natural bait presentations that trigger explosive strikes from these territorial fish, with trophy specimens regularly exceeding 20 inches in these productive Michigan waters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter begins with a 7:00 am departure from the designated river access point, where Guide Matt will have all gear rigged and ready for immediate fishing action. The custom jet boat accommodates two anglers comfortably with bench seating and ample rod storage, while the onboard heater ensures comfort during cooler morning temperatures. All rods, reels, tackle, and live bait are provided and specifically selected for Michigan river conditions. Safety equipment including life jackets are available in all sizes, and the shallow-draft jet boat design allows safe navigation of varying river conditions. Plan for a 4-hour trip duration with opportunities to learn multiple techniques and target different species based on current river conditions and seasonal patterns.
Fishing in Michigan: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) within the order Perciformes. This bronze-backed gamefish features a dark green to black body with distinctive vertical brown stripes that fade with age, and striking red to brown eyes. In Stanwood waters this August, anglers consistently target these aggressive predators using techniques perfectly suited to Michigan's river systems.
Smallmouth Bass Overview
Smallmouth bass are renowned among freshwater anglers as one of the most exciting gamefish to target, known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fighting ability. These members of the black bass family prefer clear, rocky waters with moderate current, making Michigan's river systems ideal habitat. Anglers value smallmouth for their aggressive nature and the technical challenge they present in flowing water.
Smallmouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in clear, cool waters with rocky or gravel bottoms, preferring temperatures between 60-75°F. In Michigan rivers near Stanwood, they inhabit current breaks, deep pools, and areas with fallen timber or rock ledges. Smallmouth bass require well-oxygenated water and are often found where tributaries enter main river channels, creating the perfect ambush points for feeding.
Smallmouth Bass Size and Weight
Typical smallmouth bass range from 12 to 27 inches in length, weighing between 1 to 4 pounds. Trophy specimens in Michigan waters can exceed 20 inches and weigh over 4 pounds, with the state record standing at 9.98 pounds. River fish tend to be more muscular and fight harder than their lake counterparts due to constant current resistance.
Smallmouth Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on crayfish, minnows, aquatic insects, and small fish. They are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though river fish often feed throughout the day when current brings food past their ambush points. Smallmouth bass are territorial and will aggressively defend feeding areas, making them excellent targets for persistent anglers.
Smallmouth Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in late spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, typically May through early June in Michigan. Males create circular nests in shallow, rocky areas and guard eggs and fry aggressively. During post-spawn periods, hungry females provide excellent fishing opportunities as they recover and feed heavily.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective methods include drift fishing with live minnows, bottom bouncing with tube jigs, and casting spinnerbaits to current breaks. Live bait rigging with crayfish or nightcrawlers produces consistent results, while soft plastic tubes and grubs work well when bounced along rocky bottoms. In August, Stanwood anglers find success targeting deeper pools during midday heat and shallow riffles during low-light periods.
Smallmouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Smallmouth bass offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flaky when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Rich in protein and low in mercury, smallmouth bass provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve these valuable gamefish populations.
Smallmouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for smallmouth bass?
A: Live crayfish, minnows, and nightcrawlers are top choices, while tube jigs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic grubs work excellent as artificials in river conditions.
Q: Where can I find smallmouth bass near Stanwood?
A: Target current breaks, deep pools, rocky ledges, and areas with fallen timber in Michigan's river systems where these fish ambush prey.
Q: Is smallmouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, they offer firm, white meat with mild flavor, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to maintain healthy populations.
Q: When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass?
A: Early morning and evening periods are prime, though river fish often feed throughout the day when current brings food past their positions.
More species you can explore on this trip
On Target Fishing Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Fish from our custom 18/60 jet boat designed specifically for Michigan river conditions, featuring a shallow draft that accesses prime fishing spots other boats cannot reach. The boat comfortably seats two anglers with bench seating and ample rod storage, while the onboard heating system ensures year-round fishing comfort even during winter steelhead runs. This specialized river boat handles varying water levels and current conditions with ease, allowing us to drift fish effectively while maintaining precise boat control for optimal bait presentations.
