5.0(4 Reviews)St. Joe River Fishing with Captain Michael
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Captain Michael Frank brings 30+ years fishing expertise4 or 5 hour river charters accommodate up to 4 guestsSt. Joe River offers peaceful angling amid scenic landscapes
When you're looking for a solid fishing charter that delivers both fish and a good time, the St. Joe River should be at the top of your list. Captain Michael Frank has been working these waters for over 30 years, and it shows in every trip. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing experience or you're a weekend warrior looking to add some variety to your angling game, these 4 and 5-hour charters hit the sweet spot between productive fishing and pure enjoyment on the water.
The St. Joe River offers something you don't get on the big lake – intimacy with the water and a chance to really understand how fish move through a river system. Captain Michael runs a tight ship with space for up to 4 anglers, which means you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The river's character changes throughout the seasons, and that's part of what makes each trip unique. You might find yourself casting into deep pools where steelhead hold, or working the shallows where smallmouth bass patrol for crayfish. The scenery is a bonus – tree-lined banks and that peaceful river vibe that makes you forget about everything else for a few hours. Captain Michael knows every bend, every structure, and every spot where fish like to hang out, so you're not just casting blind and hoping for the best.
River fishing is a different game than lake fishing, and Captain Michael's approach reflects that. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find them. Drift fishing with live bait works great for walleye, especially when they're holding in the deeper holes. For smallmouth bass, we'll often switch to jigs and soft plastics, working them along rocky areas and drop-offs. When the salmon and steelhead are running, it's all about reading the current and presenting your bait at the right depth. Captain Michael provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. He's got everything dialed in for river conditions – lighter tackle for finesse fishing when needed, and heavier setups when we're targeting bigger fish in stronger current. The boat is set up specifically for river fishing, with the right electronics to mark fish and structure, plus all the safety equipment you'd expect from a top-rated charter operation.
"Our group had an absolute blast on our St. Joe River Fishing Charter with Captain Michael. His passion for fishing is contagious, and his knowledge of the river is unmatched. Already planning our next outing" - Joe. "Captain Michael's expertise and enthusiasm made for an unforgettable fishing experience on the St. Joe River. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, Dialed-In Fishing Charters is the way to go" - Randy. "Had an amazing experience with Dialed-In Fishing Charters on Lake Michigan! Captain Michael's expertise and professionalism ensured a successful day on the water. Highly recommend" - Baron.
Walleye are the bread and butter of St. Joe River fishing, and for good reason. These fish love the river's structure and current breaks, often holding in deeper pools during the day and moving shallow to feed at dusk. They're perfectly sized for the table – most run between 14 and 20 inches – and they put up a solid fight without going crazy on light tackle. Best time to target walleye is spring through fall, with early morning and evening being prime time. What makes walleye special here is how they use the river's features. They'll tuck behind boulders, hold in eddies, and cruise the edges of weed beds. Captain Michael knows exactly where to find them based on water levels, season, and time of day.
Smallmouth bass are the scrappiest fighters you'll find in the St. Joe River. Pound for pound, these bronze fighters are tough to beat when it comes to pure fight. They love rocky areas, fallen trees, and anywhere they can ambush prey. Most smallies in the river run 12 to 16 inches, with bigger specimens possible, especially in late spring and early summer. What guests love about smallmouth fishing is the visual element – you can often see the strike coming in clear water, and these fish jump and fight all the way to the net. They're active from spring through fall, with summer being especially productive when they're feeding aggressively on crayfish and small baitfish.
Coho salmon bring big-fish excitement to the St. Joe River during their fall runs. These silver rockets average 5 to 12 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. When coho are in the river, they're focused on spawning, which makes timing and presentation critical. Captain Michael knows exactly when they start showing up and where they like to hold. What makes coho special is their aerial displays – these fish jump repeatedly when hooked, and they make runs that test your drag system. The window for coho can be short but intense, usually running from late summer into fall depending on water temperatures and conditions.
Steelhead trout are the ultimate river prize – strong, beautiful, and absolutely relentless when hooked. These fish are built for current and they use every inch of river to their advantage. St. Joe River steelhead typically run 5 to 15 pounds, with chrome-bright fish fresh from Lake Michigan being the most prized. They're available during spring and fall runs, with each season offering different characteristics. Spring steelhead are often post-spawn fish heading back to the lake, while fall fish are fresh and aggressive. What anglers love about steelhead is their unpredictability – they might jump six feet in the air, make a blistering run downstream, or sulk on the bottom testing your patience. Each steelhead fight is different, and that's what keeps us coming back.
Our 24-foot fishing charter boat is built for serious anglers tackling the St. Joe River's prime fishing spots. With comfortable seating for up to four guests and plenty of deck space for casting, you'll have room to work those perfect holes where the big ones hide. Captain Michael Frank's three decades of river experience shows in every detail - from the fish finder that pinpoints schools to the GPS that navigates tight channels. The radar keeps you fishing even when morning fog rolls in, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 4-5 hour sessions. Whether you're working jigs for walleye or casting for salmon, this boat gets you to the productive water with all the gear you need for a solid day on the river.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure adrenaline on a rod. These chrome-sided fighters average 24-28 inches and 8-12 pounds, known for their spectacular jumps and long runs. During their spawning migration, they push up from the lake into river systems, following deeper channels and holding in pools near cover. Fall is prime time when they're fresh from the big water, still bright silver and full of fight. What sets coho apart is their acrobatic nature - they'll leap 6 feet out of the water and make screaming runs that test your drag. The orange-red meat is outstanding on the table too. They feed aggressively on smaller fish and can be caught on spoons, plugs, or flies. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run - trying to horse them in usually means a lost fish.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in the river. These bronze-colored scrappy fish typically measure 12-16 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, but don't let size fool you - they fight like they're twice as big. Look for them around rocky structure, fallen trees, and gravel beds in 5-15 feet of water. They prefer clear, cooler water and really turn on during spring and fall when temps are moderate. Summer finds them deeper, but early morning and evening still produce. What guests love most is the aerial show - smallmouth will jump, twist, and give you a workout on light tackle. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. My local secret: try a tube jig bounced slowly along rocky bottom. These fish can't resist that crawfish imitation.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the holy grail of river fishing - sea-run rainbows that return chrome-bright and incredibly strong. These silvery torpedoes typically run 24-30 inches and 6-12 pounds, though larger fish always lurk in deeper pools. They prefer clean gravel runs, deep holes with good current, and areas with structure like boulders or fallen timber. Fall through early spring offers the best fishing when they're migrating upstream to spawn. What makes steelhead legendary is their fighting ability - long powerful runs, aerial displays, and stubborn determination that can last 20 minutes. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, salmon-like meat. These fish are spooky and selective, often preferring subtle presentations. My best advice: use light leaders, natural baits like roe or worms, and fish the seams where fast water meets slow.
Sander VitreusWalleye are prized for their table fare and challenging nature. These golden-olive fish with distinctive glassy eyes typically run 18-24 inches and 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. They love rocky bottoms and drop-offs, staying deep during the day and moving shallow at dusk to feed. Their silver eyes help them hunt in low light, making evening trips most productive. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temps hit that sweet 60-70 degree range. What makes walleye special is their finicky bite - they can be picky eaters but reward patience with some of the best-tasting fillets you'll find. My go-to tip: slow your presentation way down and keep your bait right on bottom. These fish won't chase much, so bring the meal to them.
5.0 out of 5.0Our group had an absolute blast on our St. Joe River Fishing Charter with Captain Michael. His passion for fishing is contagious, ...
Had an amazing experience with Dialed-In Fishing Charters on Lake Michigan! Captain Michael's expertise and professionalism ensure...
Dialed-In Fishing Charters provided an unforgettable experience for our group. Captain Michael's attention to detail and dedicatio...
Captain Michael's expertise and enthusiasm made for an unforgettable fishing experience on the St. Joe River. Whether you're a sea...
New Buffalo, MI, United States