Michigan's Best Beginner Angler River Charter

Published Date: September 21, 2025
Fishing

Michigan
$350 - $450 price range

Summary

Join expert guide Matt Brejcha for a full day of fishing on Michigan's rivers. This 8-hour private charter is perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. You'll target brown trout, Chinook salmon, and winter steelhead using top-notch gear provided for you. Fish from a custom jet boat or drift boat, with a heater for those chilly days. Matt's hands-on approach means you'll learn about river currents, fish behavior, and local techniques while you cast. It's a great way to build your skills and land some impressive catches. The trip is ideal for two anglers, but there's room for a third if you want to bring a friend. Whether you're after your first big catch or looking to refine your river fishing skills, this charter offers a productive day on the water with personalized instruction from a seasoned pro.

Michigan's Best Beginner Angler River Charter

River Catches & Casts

Catching Michigan Brown Trout

Trophy Brown Trout on the Line

Trophy Fish from Michigan Rivers

Michigan Fishing Guide at Work

Michigan's Hidden Gems: Trout & Salmon Fishing

Get ready to wet a line in some of Michigan's most pristine rivers! This full-day charter with On Target Fishing Guide Service is perfect for newbies and seasoned anglers alike. You'll spend 8 hours on the water with Matt Brejcha, a local expert who knows these rivers like the back of his hand. Whether you're after brown trout, Chinook salmon, or winter steelhead, Matt's got the know-how to put you on fish. Best of all, everything you need is provided – rods, tackle, and bait. You'll be fishing in style from a custom jet boat or drift boat, complete with a heater for those chilly mornings. It's the perfect way to learn the ropes or sharpen your skills on some of Michigan's most productive waters.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a masterclass in river angling. Matt's custom boats are designed for comfort and stealth, letting you access honey holes that most anglers can only dream of. You'll learn to read the water, spotting those subtle current seams and eddies where big fish love to hide. Matt's hands-on approach means you'll pick up tips on everything from proper casting techniques to how to fight a trophy fish. And don't worry if you're new to this – Matt's patient instruction will have you feeling like a pro in no time. With room for two anglers (and the option to squeeze in a third), it's the perfect trip for a couple of buddies or a family outing.

Rigging Up for River Success

Forget about lugging your own gear – Matt's got you covered with top-notch equipment that's perfectly suited for these waters. You'll be using techniques like drift fishing, where your bait or lure drifts naturally with the current, or maybe some strategic nymphing for those picky trout. For salmon, you might find yourself swinging flies or bottom bouncing with roe bags. Matt's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, adapting to what the fish want on any given day. And here's a pro tip: pay attention to Matt's knot-tying lessons. A properly tied knot can mean the difference between a fish story and a fish dinner!

What Anglers Are Saying

"Matt was an excellent guild! The dog days of Summer is some of the toughest fishing in my experience, but not for Matt! He put us on fish right throughout our trip. My wife landed her PB small mouth and I lost count of the number of smallies landed. We had a blast, learned a lot and would highly recommend "On Target Fishing"! Thanks again for the excellent experience!" - Zak

Species You'll Want to Hook

Brown Trout: These crafty fish are a Michigan staple. Known for their selective feeding and wary nature, hooking into a big brown is a true test of skill. They love to hide under cut banks and fallen trees, so accuracy is key. Fall is prime time for trophy browns as they become more aggressive before spawning.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these powerhouses can tip the scales at over 30 pounds. They start their run in late summer, with peak action in September and October. Fighting a Chinook in a river is like trying to stop a freight train – get ready for some serious action!

Steelhead: These sea-run rainbow trout are prized for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors. Winter steelhead fishing is a Michigan tradition, with peak runs from November through April. Don't let the cold weather fool you – hooking into a chrome-bright steelhead will warm you up quick!

Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in the river. They thrive in Michigan's cool, clear waters and can be targeted year-round. Summer is prime time, when topwater action can be explosive.

Muskellunge: The "fish of 10,000 casts" is a true trophy. Muskies are ambush predators, known for following lures right up to the boat before striking. While not as common as other species, hooking into a musky is an unforgettable experience. Late summer and fall are your best bets for these toothy critters.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, Michigan's rivers are calling, and Matt's calendar fills up fast. This isn't just a fishing trip – it's a chance to learn from one of the best, hook into some serious fish, and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to land your first trout or you're after that wall-hanger salmon, Matt's got the skills to make it happen. Don't let another season slip by – grab your spot on the boat and get ready for some of the best fishing Michigan has to offer. Trust me, once you've fished these waters with a pro like Matt, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you on the water and into some fish!

Customer Review

Smallie Bonanza

Matt was an excellent guild! The dog days of Summer is some of the toughest fishing in my experience, but not for Matt! He put us on fish right throughout our trip. My wife landed her PB small mouth and I lost count of the number of smallies landed. We had a blast, learned a lot and would highly recommend "On Target Fishing"! Thanks again for the excellent experience!

Zak Hynes

August 11, 2025

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are wily predators that can grow to impressive sizes in Michigan waters. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but trophy browns pushing 10+ pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often tucked under cut banks or lurking near fallen trees. Browns are most active at dawn and dusk, especially in spring and fall. These fish are prized for their selective feeding habits and hard fights. Their buttery, orange flesh is a delicacy too. When targeting browns, stealth is key. Try drifting nymphs or tossing small streamers near cover. One local trick: on summer evenings, try skating a big dry fly across quiet pools - the explosion when a big brown hits the surface is unforgettable. Just be ready for a battle, as these fish know how to use the current to their advantage.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the largest of the Pacific salmon species. In Michigan, they typically range from 15-25 pounds, but monsters over 30 are possible. Look for them in deeper, cooler parts of the Great Lakes during summer, and in rivers during their fall spawning run. Chinooks are known for their powerful fights and long, screaming runs. They're also excellent table fare, with rich, orange flesh. When targeting kings, trolling with downriggers is effective on the big lake. In rivers, try drifting eggs or swinging large flies. These fish can be finicky, so matching your presentation to their mood is key. One local tip: during the river run, focus on deeper holes early in the morning or late evening when fish are most active. The adrenaline rush of hooking into a big king is something you won't forget.

Muskellunge

Muskies are the apex predators of Michigan's waters, and they're not called "the fish of 10,000 casts" for nothing. These toothy giants can stretch past 50 inches and weigh over 40 pounds. Look for them in weed beds, near drop-offs, and around underwater structure in lakes and large rivers. Late summer and fall are prime musky seasons. These fish are legendary for their fierce strikes and powerful fights. When a big musky hits, hold on tight! Catching one is a true trophy experience. For musky fishing, big is better - use large lures like bucktails or jerkbaits. Cover lots of water and be patient. One local tip: on sunny days, focus on weed edges where muskies ambush prey. And always use a leader - those teeth are no joke. Landing a musky is an unforgettable experience that'll keep you coming back for more.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are feisty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These bronze beauties typically range from 1-4 pounds, but can hit 6-8 in prime waters. Look for them around rocky areas, submerged logs, and drop-offs in clear, cool lakes and rivers. They're most active in warmer months, especially early morning and evening. Smallies are known for their acrobatic leaps and hard strikes, making them a blast to catch. Their firm, white meat is also excellent eating. When targeting smallmouth, try using tube jigs or soft plastic crawfish imitations. Bounce them along the bottom near structure - that's where these ambush predators like to hide. One local tip: on sunny days, cast parallel to shady shorelines where smallmouth often cruise for food.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are essentially sea-run rainbow trout, and they're some of the hardest-fighting fish in Michigan rivers. These silver bullets typically range from 5-10 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 20+. Look for them in faster currents, deep pools, and near structure in rivers. Fall and spring are prime seasons as they make their spawning runs. Steelhead are prized for their spectacular fights - expect blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Their firm, pink flesh is also top-notch eating. When targeting steelies, try drifting egg sacs or swinging streamer flies. Cover lots of water and be patient - these fish can be finicky. One local trick: during colder months, slow down your presentation and fish deeper pools where steelhead hold to conserve energy. The bite might be subtle, so stay alert.

About the 18 ft Lowe Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Hop aboard a custom jet boat or drift boat for a full day of fishing on Michigan's scenic rivers. Your expert guide, Matt Brejcha, will show you the ropes as you cast for brown trout, Chinook salmon, and winter steelhead. Whether you're new to angling or have some experience under your belt, you'll pick up local techniques and insights into fish behavior. The boats are set up for comfort, with heaters to keep you cozy on chilly days. All the gear you need is provided, so just bring your enthusiasm. With room for two (or three) anglers, it's a great way to learn or improve your skills while enjoying Michigan's beautiful waterways. By the end of your 8-hour trip, you'll have a better understanding of river currents, fish habits, and the satisfaction of a day well spent on the water.

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