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Premier Michigan River Fishing - Afternoon Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Michigan
- $350 - $450 price range
- Updated Date: September 21, 2025
Summary
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River Catches
Nice Chinook on the fly! Clear conditions made for an exciting day on the water.
Nice catch on the fly rod today! Clear conditions made for some exciting fishing.
Half-Day River Adventure: Brown Trout & Steelhead
Ready for some serious action on the rivers near Stanwood, Michigan? Grab your fishing buddy and hop aboard with Matt Brejcha from On Target Fishing Guide Service for a 4-hour afternoon trip that'll have you hooking into brown trout and winter steelhead. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Matt's got the know-how to put you on fish and show you a great time on the water.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're cruising down the river in a slick 18/60 jet boat or a classic drift boat, rod in hand, ready to tangle with some of Michigan's finest game fish. Matt's bringing all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so all you have to do is show up ready to fish. And don't worry about the chill; there's a heater on board to keep you toasty when the mercury dips. This trip is perfect for two anglers, but if you've got a third buddy who can't stand to miss out, there's room for them too (just give Matt a heads up).
River Tactics 101
Get ready to level up your river game. Matt's not just there to net your fish; he's a walking encyclopedia of river knowledge. You'll learn how to read the water like a pro, figuring out where those browns and steelies are likely to hang out. He'll school you on the best techniques for enticing strikes, whether you're drifting flies, bouncing bottom with spawn bags, or working a plug through a deep run. Pay attention, and you'll walk away with skills that'll serve you well on any river you fish.
Reel Talk from Happy Anglers
"Matt did an awesome job finding us some great fish. He is knowledgeable and knows how to show his clients a fabulous time. If you are looking to catch some fish ad have a great time then Matt is the guide you want." - Greg
"Wow what an amazing experience and time my dad brother and I had with Matt fishing for steelhead, he's the man to get a hold of if your wanting to have an unforgettable time and land lots of gorgeous fish, highly recommend! Thanks Matt!" - Jackson
"Matt is an incredible Guide very knowledgeable of the River system and Experienced angler, he knows where the fish are !" - Wayne
Fish on the Line
Brown Trout: These river-dwelling beauties are the crown jewels of many anglers' fishing careers. In the rivers around Stanwood, you can expect to tangle with browns ranging from scrappy 12-inchers to trophy-class fish pushing 20 inches or more. They're known for their cunning and tendency to hold in tricky spots, making each catch a real accomplishment. Fall is prime time for big browns, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look.
Steelhead: Winter steelhead fishing is the stuff of legends in Michigan. These sea-run rainbow trout return to the rivers as chromers - bright, silver missiles that'll test your gear and your resolve. Expect fish in the 5-15 pound range, with some true giants mixed in. They're famous for their acrobatic fights, often clearing the water multiple times before coming to net. The winter run typically kicks off in late fall and continues through early spring, offering some of the best action when other species have slowed down.
Chinook Salmon: While not the primary target on this trip, you might just run into some of these bruisers, especially in the fall. Known as "king" salmon for good reason, Chinooks can tip the scales at 20-30 pounds or more. They're notorious for their powerful runs and dogged fights. If you hook into one, hang on tight and listen to Matt's coaching - you're in for a battle!
Smallmouth Bass: These bronze-backed brawlers are a summer favorite in Michigan's rivers. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. Look for them in rocky areas and around submerged logs. A 3-4 pounder will give you a run for your money, and there's always the chance of hooking into a true monster over 5 pounds.
Muskellunge: The elusive "fish of 10,000 casts" might make an appearance on your trip, especially if you're fishing in the warmer months. Muskies are apex predators, known for their aggressive strikes and impressive size. While they're not a common catch, hooking into one of these toothy critters is an experience you won't soon forget. They can grow upwards of 50 inches in Michigan waters, so keep your eyes peeled for that distinctive follows!
Time to Wet a Line
Look, if you're itching to get out on some of Michigan's best rivers and tangle with some serious fish, this is your ticket. Matt's got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the passion to make sure you have a blast, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. With the variety of species on offer and the ever-changing conditions of river fishing, no two trips are ever the same. So why wait? Book your spot with On Target Fishing Guide Service and get ready for some tight lines and bent rods. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
Customer Reviews
Matts Fish Magic
Greg Olson
May 18, 2025
Steelhead Sensation
Wow what an amazing experience and time my dad brother and I had with Matt fishing for steelhead, he’s the man to get a hold of if your wanting to have an unforgettable time and land lots of gorgeous fish, highly recommend! Thanks Matt!
Jackson Smith
May 23, 2025
River Master Matt
Matt is an incredible Guide very knowledgeable of the River system and Experienced angler, he knows where the fish are !
Wayne Miller
August 25, 2025
Nonstop Fish Action
Hands down one of the best fishing experiences my dad and I had this year. All thanks to Matt and Noah. Noah made sure our lines were always in the water, and helped us net every single fish. We booked an entire day, and the only breaks we took were because our arms were sore from fighting the fish. On Target Fishing should be renamed to On Target Catchers.. We had less fishing and more catching.
Roland R
September 12, 2025
Fish Frenzy Nights
Myself and 2 buddies Fished with Matt and Noah the last 2 evenings. These guys take things to heart. These guys will do everything possible to put you on quality fish. Me and my buddies had nearly 50 opportunities per day. When I say opportunities, I meen. "Fish on" From the first interaction to the last, These guys are the real deal..
Brian Ahern
September 13, 2025
Fish Whisperer Matt
Matt does whatever it takes to get you on some fish. I use him for steelhead and salmon every chance I get. -Jason from TN
Jason Baiamonte
September 13, 2025
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout are the sly, wary tricksters of the trout world. These golden-hued beauties average 1-5 pounds but can grow much larger. You'll find them lurking in undercut banks, deep pools, and around submerged logs in cooler rivers and streams. Browns are most active at dawn and dusk, especially on cloudy days. They're known for their selective feeding and challenging nature - fooling a big brown is a real accomplishment. These fish put up a stubborn, dogged fight when hooked. To improve your chances, try drifting nymphs or swinging streamers through likely holding spots. A stealthy approach is crucial - browns spook easily. One local trick: wait for a hatch and match your fly to what's on the water. When you hook up, use side pressure to keep them from diving for cover. Browns aren't just great fighters - they're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one for dinner.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweights of the salmon world. These brutes can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50+. They start running upriver in late summer through fall, heading for spawning grounds. Look for them in deep holes and current seams of larger rivers. Kings are known for their powerful fights - when one hits, hold on tight. They'll peel off long runs that'll have your drag screaming. To target them, try back-bouncing roe or trolling plugs in deeper water. Dawn and dusk are prime times. The fall run is your best shot at a trophy, but be prepared for crowds on popular rivers. Kings are prized for both their fight and their rich, flavorful meat. Landing one of these bruisers is a real accomplishment. Just remember to let those big spawners go to keep the population healthy for years to come.
Muskellunge
Muskies are the apex predators of freshwater - think of them as freshwater barracudas. These toothy monsters can top 50 inches and 40 pounds. You'll find them lurking in weed edges, rocky points, and sunken timber in larger lakes and rivers. Fall is prime time when they feed heavily before winter. Muskies are known as "the fish of 10,000 casts" for good reason - they're notoriously challenging to catch. But when one hits, it's explosive. They'll try to shake the lure with violent head shakes and powerful runs. To up your odds, use large lures like bucktails or jerkbaits, and cover lots of water. One local tip: focus on spots where deep water meets shallow areas. Muskies often ambush prey along these edges. When you hook up, keep constant pressure to avoid losing them during their acrobatic jumps. Landing a big muskie is a true trophy - most anglers practice catch and release to keep populations healthy.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are feisty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These bronze beauties usually run 2-4 pounds, but can top out over 5. Look for them around rocky areas, submerged logs, and drop-offs in clear, cool rivers and lakes. They're most active in late spring through early fall when water temps are in the 60s-70s. Smallies are famous for their acrobatic leaps and hard-pulling fights - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest freshwater fish out there. To land one, try working a tube jig or crawfish imitation slowly along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap, set the hook hard and hang on tight! These fish will make several runs before you can get them in the net. As a bonus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that return to rivers to spawn, typically weighing 5-15 pounds. These chrome rockets are prized for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. You'll find them in cold, fast-moving rivers from fall through spring. Best fishing is often right after a good rain raises water levels. Steelhead are notoriously challenging to catch, which is part of their appeal. They'll test your skills and patience, but landing one is incredibly rewarding. To improve your odds, drift eggs or yarn flies near the bottom in deeper holes and seams where fish rest. A stealthy approach is key - these fish spook easily. When you hook up, be ready for an explosive fight. Steelhead will make multiple long runs and jumps before you can bring them to hand. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
About the 18 ft Lowe Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
Matt did an awesome job finding us some great fish. He is knowledgeable and knows how to show his clients a fabulous time. If you are looking to catch some fish ad have a great time then Matt is the guide you want.