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Expert-Guided Michigan River Fishing Charter

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Michigan
  • $200 - $450 price range

Summary

Join expert guide Matt Brejcha for a 4-hour morning fishing trip on Michigan's rivers. You'll be casting from a custom 18/60 jet boat or drift boat, perfect for navigating the waters and comfortable for all skill levels. We've got the gear, so just bring yourself and up to two friends for a great day of trout fishing. In winter, we even heat the boat for those after steelhead. Whether you're new to angling or looking to sharpen your skills, this charter offers a chance to learn techniques, spot the best fishing holes, and hopefully land some impressive catches. It's a hands-on experience where you'll feel the excitement of the river and the satisfaction of reeling in your own fish.
Expert-Guided Michigan River Fishing Charter

River Fishing Action

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A single fisherman standing in Stanwood

Early Morning Brown Trout Hit

Person fishing in Stanwood

Chrome footballs for the win.🥇 🎯🎣

One 36-inch fish caught by 3 people in MI

Epic salmon run here in Michigan.

Sea trout caught in MI, 23 inches long

Wild Browns in Michigan Streams

A sea trout caught in MI while fishing

Brown Trout Hooked on the Michigan River

Fishing trip in MI

Big Brown Trout, Small Stream

A fisherman catches a sea trout in Stanwood

Michigan River, Monster Trout

Lone angler fishing in MI

Fly Rods and Trophy Browns

Caught a sea trout in Stanwood while fishing

Brown Trout Bite Is On!

Photograph of a 47-inch rainbow trout caught while fishing in MI.

Hooked a Michigan Steelhead

A single fisherman standing in Stanwood

Early Morning Brown Trout Hit

Person fishing in Stanwood

Chrome footballs for the win.🥇 🎯🎣

One 36-inch fish caught by 3 people in MI

Epic salmon run here in Michigan.

Sea trout caught in MI, 23 inches long

Wild Browns in Michigan Streams

A sea trout caught in MI while fishing

Brown Trout Hooked on the Michigan River

Fishing trip in MI

Big Brown Trout, Small Stream

A fisherman catches a sea trout in Stanwood

Michigan River, Monster Trout

Lone angler fishing in MI

Fly Rods and Trophy Browns

Caught a sea trout in Stanwood while fishing

Brown Trout Bite Is On!

Photograph of a 47-inch rainbow trout caught while fishing in MI.

Hooked a Michigan Steelhead

A single fisherman standing in Stanwood

Early Morning Brown Trout Hit

Person fishing in Stanwood

Chrome footballs for the win.🥇 🎯🎣

One 36-inch fish caught by 3 people in MI

Epic salmon run here in Michigan.

Sea trout caught in MI, 23 inches long

Wild Browns in Michigan Streams

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Michigan's Best 4-Hour Fishing Charter

Ready to reel in some action on Michigan's rivers? Hop aboard with On Target Fishing Guide Service for a 4-hour morning trip that'll have you hooked from the start. Led by seasoned pro Matt Brejcha, this isn't your average fishing charter - it's a full-on angling adventure tailored to both newbies and seasoned river rats alike. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring your enthusiasm and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising down Michigan's finest rivers in our slick 18/60 custom jet boat or drift boat, rod in hand, ready to land the big one. Whether you're after hard-fighting steelhead or trophy smallmouth bass, Matt's got the inside scoop on where they're biting. And hey, when the winter chill sets in, we've even got a heater on board to keep you toasty while you're waiting for that steelhead to strike. This trip's perfect for two anglers, but we can squeeze in a third if you've got a buddy who can't bear to miss out. Just remember, the early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the fish - so we'll be hitting the water bright and early to maximize your chances of a cooler full of keepers.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

Forget about those basic cast-and-hope methods. With Matt as your guide, you'll be dialing in techniques that the pros use. We're talking precision drifting for steelhead, finesse presentations for those wary brown trout, and maybe even some topwater action for smallies if conditions are right. Matt's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's reading the water to find those hidden honey holes or switching up lures to match the hatch. And don't worry if you're new to river fishing - Matt's got the patience of a saint and will have you casting like a champ in no time. We'll cover everything from proper hook-sets to fighting techniques that'll help you land that fish of a lifetime.

Customer Stories

Don't just take our word for it - here's what some happy anglers have to say about their trips with Matt:

"Matt is a great guide and a knowledgeable fisherman. Absolute fantastic experience and I guarantee you will catch fish with him." - Alicia

"Matt is truly a master fisherman... he had no problem putting us on fish and keeping us on fish all day.... I highly recommend On Target Fishing for a great day on the river" - Matthew

"Awesome day on the river with Matt!!! 38 smallies and a rainbow trout. Not a bad way to spend your birthday!" - Kevin

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: These bronze-backed brawlers are a Michigan favorite. Known for their acrobatic fights and aggressive strikes, smallies in our rivers can grow to trophy sizes. Spring through fall is prime time, with late summer offering some of the most explosive topwater action you'll ever experience. There's nothing quite like watching a big smallie crush your lure on the surface!

Steelhead Trout: Chrome-bright and full of fight, steelhead are the adrenaline junkie's dream catch. These sea-run rainbows make their way into our rivers throughout the year, with fall and spring being peak seasons. Weighing anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, hooking into one of these silver bullets will test your skills and your gear. The rush of a steelhead run is something every angler should experience at least once.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these brutes can tip the scales at over 30 pounds. Late summer and early fall see these monsters charging upriver, providing some of the most heart-pounding fishing action you'll find in freshwater. Fighting a big Chinook in a river is like trying to stop a freight train - it's an unforgettable battle that'll leave you grinning for days.

Brown Trout: Cunning and often elusive, brown trout are the thinking angler's quarry. These spotted beauties can grow to impressive sizes in our rivers, with fish over 20 inches not uncommon. Spring and fall offer the best shots at trophy browns, but they can be caught year-round. There's a reason why brown trout have a cult following among fly fishermen - outsmarting a big brown is a true test of an angler's skill.

Muskellunge: The famed "fish of 10,000 casts" lurks in some of our waters, providing a challenging and exciting target for those willing to put in the time. Muskies are ambush predators that can grow to massive sizes, with fish over 50 inches possible. While they're not as common as some of our other species, the thrill of boating a big musky is hard to beat. Late summer and fall are typically the best times to target these toothy critters.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, here's the deal - fish don't catch themselves, and prime dates fill up fast. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting smallies, test your mettle against a chrome steelhead, or experience the thrill of salmon season, Matt's got you covered. This 4-hour morning trip is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without eating up your whole day. Plus, with all the gear provided and Matt's expert knowledge, you're set up for success from the moment you step on the boat. So why wait? Grab a buddy (or two), pick a date, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you've experienced Michigan fishing with On Target Fishing Guide Service, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. Don't let another season slip by - book now and get ready for some reel action!

Customer Reviews

Fish Guaranteed

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Matt is a great guide and a knowledgeable fisherman. Absolute fantastic experience and I guarantee you will catch fish with him.

AM
Alicia M

September 14, 2024

Salmon Success Story

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Today was my first ever salmon fishing experience and Matt with on target fishing did not disappoint. Once he showed my the basics it was over. The fishing was great. Definitely considered booking your next river fishing experience with Matt!

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GK
GW K

September 4, 2024

Master of the River

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Matt is truly a master fisherman... he had no problem putting us on fish and keeping us on fish all day.... I highly recommend On Target Fishing for a great day on the river

MC
Matthew C

September 3, 2024

Family Fishing Fun

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My two boys and I had a great day fishing on the Muskegon River with Matt. He is extremely knowledgeable and was very patient with my sons. Highly Recommended!

RP
Ryan P

August 20, 2024

Birthday Catch Bonanza

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Awesome day on the river with Matt!!! 38 smallies and a rainbow trout. Not a bad way to spend your birthday!

KG
Kevin G

August 16, 2024

Smallmouth King Matt

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Matt was great to my Dad and his friend Bob! Highly recommend to anybody that wants to get out for any trip or especially a smallmouth trip. Matt is the man to book with!

TA
Tommy A

July 18, 2024

Top Guide Great Guy

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Highly recommend Matt. Great guy and even better guide. We’ll be back in the fall.

YG
Yash G

July 13, 2024

Memorable Fishing Pro

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Matt is an extremely polite and professional guide. Excellent with kids and newbies alike. Book with Matt and you will make life long memories. I've ran into him many times on the river. always a smile a wave and an honest report. appreciate you Matt! Thank you for making fishing on the Big Man enjoyable again.

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SH
Scott H

July 3, 2024

Gritty Guide Delivers

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Great day on the water with Matt. He got us in an afternoon float with very late notice after we killed some turkeys with one of his buddies. Fishing was terrific, boating rainbows, browns, smallies and walleye! Matt is a passionate and gritty fisherman that’ll work to ensure a good time. We had an oar break less than 30 minutes into the float and he never missed a beat, making do with half an oar and continuing to put us on the fish.

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JH
Jerick H

May 16, 2024

Top Notch Fish Finder

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Matt is a top notch guide! I highly recommend him! guy works his butt off to get you on active fish! even, pick-up a rod and fishes with you. so you get a chance to pull in a fish! I've fished with a lot guides. and Matt is one of the best. I've been with!

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JF
Jerry F

April 23, 2024

Expert Guide Duo

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The four of us went on a two boat fishing trip and Matt was absolutely amazing. Noah guided the second boat and he was a treasure. We caught tons of fish, mainly bass in early July but also walleye and some trout. Would highly recommend Matt as your expert guide!

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MS
Marni Scott

July 4, 2025

Perfect River Day

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We had a great day on the river. Matt and Noah were knowledgeable, patient and very helpful (even with a novice). It could not have been a better fishing experience.

MD
Maureen Doherty

July 5, 2025

First Brown Triumph

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awesome guide, caught my first ever brown trout! highly recommend for any skill level and age.

MK
Maxwell Kaminski

June 11, 2025

Patient Pro for All

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Was very knowledgeable, friendly and super patient with my daughter. We are novice fisherman, but he made the experience awesome. Caught tons of big fish.

BB
Brian Britton

May 15, 2025

Steelhead Bonanza

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Had an amazing trip with Matt, he put us on so many steelhead it went way beyond any expectations we had coming in. Matt was incredibly patient, too. It's obvious he loves what he does and puts a lot of energy into providing his clients a great experience. We can't wait to go again. Thanks Matt!!

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SS
S Sheler

May 3, 2025

Great Guide Great Trip

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Matt is a great guide. We had a great trip and I’d highly recommend him. I’m already looking forward to our next outing. Thanks Matt!

AM
Alexander Mandeville

April 10, 2025

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are wily and challenging to catch, usually in the 1-5 pound range but can grow much larger. They prefer cool, clear streams with plenty of cover like undercut banks and fallen trees. Spring and fall are great times to target them. Browns are known for their selective feeding and crafty nature - fooling a big one is a real accomplishment. They put up a strong fight and taste great too. Fly fishing with nymphs or terrestrials is popular, but spinners and live bait work as well. One trick is to fish during low light conditions when browns are more active. Be stealthy in your approach - these fish spook easily. The satisfaction of outsmarting a big brown keeps anglers coming back time after time.

Brown Trout

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the largest Pacific salmon species. Adults typically range from 10 to 50 pounds, with some topping 100 pounds. Look for them in deep, cold rivers and lakes. Fall is prime time as they return from the ocean to spawn. Kings are famous for their powerful fights - be ready for screaming reels and aching arms. They're also prized for their rich, flavorful meat. Trolling with downriggers is popular in lakes, while back-bouncing roe or plugs works well in rivers. One local tip: fish the early morning bite for best results. Kings can be finicky, so match your presentation to what they're feeding on. Landing a big king salmon is a true trophy experience. Just remember to pinch those barbs and handle fish carefully if releasing.

Chinook Salmon

Muskellunge

Muskies are the apex predators of freshwater, growing up to 50+ pounds. They lurk in weedy areas and along drop-offs in lakes and rivers. Fall is prime time as they bulk up for winter. Muskies are famous for their size, aggression, and elusiveness - they're called "the fish of 10,000 casts" for good reason. When they hit, hold on tight! Big lures like bucktails and jerkbaits are popular. One local tip: focus on spots where weeds meet deeper water. Patience and persistence are key - you might cast all day for one big fish, but it's worth it when that giant follows your lure. The adrenaline rush of a muskie strike is unmatched. Just be sure to handle them carefully and get a quick release to preserve these awesome predators.

Muskellunge

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a run for your money. They typically range from 2-6 pounds but can grow bigger. Look for them around rocky areas, submerged logs, and drop-offs in clear, cool water. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are moderate. Smallies are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, making them a blast to catch. In summer, try fishing deeper or early morning/late evening when it's cooler. One local tip: use tube jigs or crawfish imitations bounced along the bottom - smallmouth can't resist 'em. Whether you catch and release or take some home for dinner, smallmouth are tasty eating too. Just remember to handle them carefully so we can keep populations healthy for years to come.

Smallmouth Bass

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that return to rivers to spawn, usually weighing 5-15 pounds. They're prized for their hard-fighting spirit and taste great smoked. You'll find them in cool, fast-flowing rivers and streams. Fall and spring are prime seasons as they migrate upstream. Steelhead are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps - hang on tight! Fly fishing with streamers or nymphs is popular, but spinners and bait work too. One trick is to use brightly colored lures on overcast days to grab their attention. Be ready for a workout - these fish will test your skill and stamina. The challenge of landing a big chromer keeps anglers coming back year after year. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

Steelhead Trout

About the 18 ft Lowe Boat

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready for some classic Michigan river fishing? Join expert guide Matt Brejcha for a laid-back 4-hour morning trip chasing trout and steelhead. We've got you covered with all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and a buddy. You'll be fishing from a sweet 18-foot custom jet boat or drift boat that's perfect for navigating the rivers. There's even a heater onboard for those chilly winter steelhead trips. This trip is ideal for two anglers, but we can squeeze in a third if you want to make it a group outing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, Matt will show you the best spots and techniques to land some nice fish. It's a great way to spend a morning on the water and maybe bring home dinner too. So grab a friend, pack some snacks, and get ready for a fun day of Michigan fishing.
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Ready to reel in unforgettable moments on the water? Book your next adventure with On Target Fishing Guide Service in Michigan—where every cast brings excitement, connection, and the chance to land something truly special!

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