Expert-Guided Michigan River Fishing Charter

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the crafty old-timers of our Michigan rivers. These European transplants have thrived here since the 1880s, growing up to 5-8 pounds in our waters. You'll find them lurking in undercut banks, behind boulders, and in deep pools, especially in cooler, shaded stretches. Browns are most active in low light, so early mornings and evenings are prime time. Anglers prize them for their wariness and the skill it takes to fool them. When you do hook one, be ready for a dogged fight – these fish know how to use the current to their advantage. To catch browns, try drifting a nymph or swinging a streamer through likely holding spots. And here's a local secret: on summer evenings, try tossing big terrestrial patterns like hoppers or beetles. The splash can trigger explosive strikes from even the most cautious browns.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the heavyweight champs of our Michigan rivers. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with most falling in the 15-25 pound range. They run up our rivers from late summer through fall, seeking out deep pools and cut banks. Chinooks are powerful swimmers, so be ready for a serious tussle when you hook one. Anglers target them for their sheer size and the challenge they present. Plus, they make for some mighty fine eating. To catch these giants, try drifting salmon eggs or running plugs in deeper holes. Early mornings and evenings are often most productive. Here's a pro tip: if you see them rolling on the surface, switch to a brightly colored fly or lure – sometimes a flashy presentation is just what it takes to trigger a strike from these monster fish.

Muskellunge

Muskies are the apex predators of our Michigan waters, growing up to 50 inches and 40 pounds or more. These toothy giants lurk in weed edges, rocky points, and sunken timber, ambushing their prey. Late summer and fall are prime musky seasons when they feed heavily before winter. Anglers chase muskies for the thrill of the hunt and the potential for a true trophy catch. Be prepared for long hours of casting – they're called the "fish of 10,000 casts" for a reason. But when one hits, it's all worth it. To up your odds, try working large bucktails or jerkbaits around likely structures. And here's a tip from the pros: don't give up on a follow. If a musky tracks your lure but doesn't hit, try a quick figure-eight at the boat. Sometimes that last-second change in direction is all it takes to trigger a savage strike.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) Description 

Smallmouth Bass belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and is a popular freshwater fish among anglers.  Smallmouth Bass has a dark green or black color body, with vertical dark brown stripes that usually fade with age, and the color contrast may vary depending on the fish’s habitat. Their eyes are red or brown.  They have two dorsal fins; the front one has 10 fin spines while the other has 10 to 15 soft rays. 

Female Smallmouth bass are usually larger in size than males. The average size of smallmouth bass can be 18–20 inches. On average, they usually live only 5 to 6 years but can survive up to 15 years. Smallmouth bass found in lakes are larger than those found in streams and ponds. Females usually weigh from three to six pounds, while the males are around 2 pounds.

Smallmouth Bass Habitat 

This bass species can be found in clear waters, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They prefer rubble and rocky bottoms.  Smallmouth bass also prefer moderate temperatures, and they will swim deeper in the cooler water during summer.

Spawning

Smallmouth Bass spawn March-May when water temperatures reach between 59 and 64 degrees. The males build nests in the shallow waters of lakes and rivers. The nest is built building within 150 yards of where the male built his nest the previous year. 

Diet

The Smallmouth Bass eats small fish, crayfish, and insects. They hide behind a fallen tree or a rock and attack when the prey is near. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Smallmouth Bass 

A light breeze and calm waters are best suited to catch Smallmouth Bass. In spring and fall, they like to swim in open waters during bright days and warm temperatures. In summer, they swim deep under cooler water and are harder to find. It is best to fish for Smallmouth early morning or late evening.

Smallmouth bass are fighters. A spinning rod of light to medium action with a 6 to 10 pounds test line is recommended. 

There are plenty of baits and lures that work successfully to catch these fish; insects, jigs, minnows, plugs, plastic worms, spoons and night crawlers.  A favorite of anglers is to use spinning baits that when rigged weightless, can hang on top of the water. When the fish are in deeper water during the summer, use a rig with a weighted vertical drop hook. 

Fly-fishing Smallmouth Bass is popular due to their abundance and strength. When you want to cast into deeper water, use a 6, 7 or 8 weight rod. This will be suitable for strong winds, landing larger fish, and a long cast. A longer rod, 81/2- to 9-foot, is good when you need accuracy for casting near shoreline structures or long-distance casting.

Is Smallmouth Bass Good to Eat

Smallmouth bass have a firm filet with a mild, yet distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. So whether you prefer grilling, frying, or baking your catch, smallmouth bass is a tasty and versatile option that you won't want to miss out on.  What's more, smallmouth bass are a healthy food option, as they are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

With any freshwater fish, you need to be mindful of the water you are fishing.  Make sure if you are eating your catch, the water is clean and be aware that freshwater fish should always be cooked.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of the trout world. These sea-run rainbows spend a few years in the ocean before returning to our rivers, typically weighing 5-15 pounds and stretching 2-3 feet long. You'll find them in cold, fast-moving water, often holding behind boulders or in deep pools. Fall and spring are prime seasons as they run upriver to spawn. Steelhead are famous for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic leaps – hook one, and you're in for the fight of your life. Anglers love targeting them for their challenging nature and the pure rush of the catch. To up your odds, try drifting egg patterns or swinging streamers in likely holding spots. And here's a local tip: when water's high and cloudy, go big and bright with your flies or lures. These fish have an uncanny ability to find food even in tough conditions.