Sample of Typical Itinerary:

We give you a call two days before your trip and confirm that the start time your guide gives us works for you. Start times vary by what species of fish you are fishing for and the season of your trip. Then, the day of the trip you meet your guide at the fly shop, load up the boat, and head to the river for a day to remember. If you are on a half-day trip, the guide will have snacks and refreshments on the trip. If you are on a full-day trip he will have snacks, refreshments, and cook you a gourmet meal right on the river. Our guides also supply all of the fishing equipment that is needed. The only things they don’t supply are waders, hats, and sunglasses.

What is Provided to Customer:

For our guide trips we provide all of fly rods, reels, terminal tackle, flies, food, and drinks (non-alcoholic).

What Should Customers Bring?

For a guide trip you will need to bring your waders (if you do not have waders, we do have waders you can rent), clothes for the appropriate weather, hat, and sunglasses.

Date Range:

Our operation is open all year long.

Species You Fish for by Season:

During the summer we fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, few brook trout, and skamania steelhead. For the fall we target king salmon, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Late fall through the winter we target steelhead, brown trout, and rainbow trout. During the spring season we target steelhead, brown trout, and rainbow trout.

Region/Terrain Where You Fish:

We mainly fish on the Pere Marquette River, which is a medium-sized river that flows around an average of 600cfs. There are a lot of logjams and overhanging trees, which makes it a great river to hold big fish. Most sections of the river you are able to wade through. There are a few large clay banks and little hills but for the most part the land is fairly flat with hardwood tree. We also offer guide trips on the Muskegon River and the Big Manistee River during the fall and spring. All three of the rivers are very accessible. They have two tracks that lead to access points on the river and also have roads that lead to boat launches as well. You are able to get to the access points with really any type of vehicle about 90% of the time. The only time you would not be able to get to the access points is if there are downed trees or during the winter when we have a heavy snowfall.

Typical Weather by Season:

Here in Baldwin, Michigan we have all four seasons. During the summer months it can range from 70 to 100 degrees during the day and at night from low 40s to the 70s. We receive a good amount of sunshine and can get a good amount of rain; however, there have been some small droughts. During our fall seasons the leaves change and the river glows with the beautiful colors. The fall is a great time because you have all of the beautiful colors of leaves, warm temps, not a lot of rain, and a lot of big fish in the river. It can get up to 80 degrees and get a little chilly at night, but once the sun comes peeking out over the trees it warms right up. Winter is a time for diehards; it can get to -15 degrees outside. Then again, it has gotten up to 50 degrees before. Most of the time it is colder than warmer. With that all being said, it is beautiful up here with the snow-covered ground and the snow in the trees. Then we have the spring season, the snowmelts, water and air temperatures are climbing, and the steelhead start flowing into the river in good numbers. It can be fairly cold in the morning and warm up to t-shirt weather in the afternoon. We normally do get a good amount of rain in the spring, so you want to make sure you have your rain jacket, but more rain means more fish in the river which leads to better fishing.

Is the guide tip included in the price?

No.

What is the distance to nearest town?

Ludington is 45 minutes and Big Rapids is 35 minutes away.