Full Day Michigan Salmon and Steelhead Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
6hour float trip targeting salmon and steelhead on Michigan riversAccommodates 2 guests with spin or fly rod options availableSnacks and drinks included with optional grilled lunch upgrade
Picture this: you're drifting down one of Michigan's pristine rivers, rod in hand, watching your line cut through crystal-clear water where chrome-bright steelhead and powerful salmon are staging. That's exactly what you'll get with this world-class 6-hour guided float trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Great Lakes trophy fish to your list or someone who just loves the challenge of fighting fish that refuse to give up, this trip delivers the goods. You'll be targeting two of the most sought-after species in the Midwest, using techniques that have been proven successful on these waters for decades.
Your day starts early with a meet-up at the launch point, where your guide will get you set up with everything you need. This isn't a rushed half-day affair – you've got a full 6 hours to really dial in on where the fish are holding and maximize your chances at some serious hookups. The beauty of a float trip is that you're constantly moving through new water, covering different pools, runs, and eddies where salmon and steelhead love to hang out. Your guide knows every bend, every deep hole, and every prime lie on the river. They'll position the boat perfectly so you can present your bait or lure in the strike zone. Between the action, you'll have snacks and drinks on board to keep your energy up, and if you want to make it a full day feast, you can add a grilled lunch that'll have you refueled and ready for the afternoon bite. Don't worry about bringing a cooler or packing food – your guide has that covered so you can focus on what you came here for: catching fish.
One of the best parts about this trip is the flexibility in how you fish. If you're a spin angler, your guide will have you set up with medium to heavy action rods that can handle the power these fish bring to the table. Think spawn sacs, plugs, spoons, and jigs – all the proven baits that drive salmon and steelhead wild during their runs. For the fly fishing crowd, this is premium water where swinging flies through runs and dead-drifting nymphs can produce some of the most memorable fights of your life. Your guide will read the water and adjust tactics based on what's working that day. Sometimes the fish want a subtle presentation, other times they'll slam a flashy spoon with zero hesitation. The key is having someone who knows these rivers intimately and can adapt on the fly. The drift boat setup gives you the perfect platform to fish both techniques effectively, and with only 2 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be bumping elbows with other fishermen.
Steelhead trout are the crown jewel of Great Lakes fishing, and Michigan's rivers see some of the best runs in the entire region. These fish are basically rainbow trout on steroids – they spend years feeding in the big water of the Great Lakes, packing on serious size and strength before returning to spawn. A typical steelhead here runs anywhere from 6 to 12 pounds, but don't be shocked if you hook into a 15-pounder that's been living the good life out in deep water. What makes steelhead so addictive is their fighting style – they're aerial acrobats that will jump, run, and test every inch of your drag system. February through May is prime time for fresh chrome steelhead, then they show up again from October through December. The fall fish are often darker and more aggressive, while spring steelhead are typically brighter and more acrobatic.
Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, are the bruisers of the system. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, averaging 15 to 25 pounds with some true giants pushing 30-plus. When a big king grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately – they don't mess around with subtle takes. October through early November is when the salmon action peaks, as these fish move up from the lakes to complete their spawning cycle. Unlike their Pacific cousins, Great Lakes chinook are landlocked and have adapted perfectly to this freshwater system. They're known for long, powerful runs that will have your reel screaming and test your knots like nothing else. The combination of size, strength, and the relatively tight quarters of river fishing makes hooking a big chinook one of the most challenging fights in freshwater angling.
This top-rated guided trip combines the best of Michigan's legendary salmon and steelhead fishing with the expertise of local guides who've been working these waters for years. With only 2 spots available per trip, you're getting a personalized experience that bigger charter operations simply can't match. The 6-hour timeframe gives you real value – enough time to adapt to conditions, try different techniques, and hopefully boat some fish that'll have you grinning for weeks. Remember to grab your Michigan fishing license before the trip, and don't forget to check the current regulations for the specific waters you'll be fishing. Whether you're after your first steelhead or looking to add another chapter to your salmon fishing adventures, this is the kind of day on the water that reminds you why you started fishing in the first place. Book now and get ready for some of the best freshwater fishing the Midwest has to offer.
This 14'6 Hyde drift boat is built for serious river fishing on Michigan's productive salmon and steelhead waters. The spacious cockpit features leg locks that let you stand and cast comfortably while drifting prime holding spots. With plenty of storage for tackle and gear plus generous legroom, you'll stay comfortable during long floats through productive runs and pools. The boat's shallow draft design handles Michigan's varied river conditions perfectly, from deeper pools where steelhead hold to the rocky runs salmon prefer. Whether you're swinging flies through classic steelhead water or casting spinners into salmon lies, this drift boat puts you in the perfect position to connect with hard-fighting fish. The stable platform gives you confidence when battling these powerful fish, while the quiet drift keeps you moving naturally through the water without spooking wary salmon and steelhead.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook - we call them kings for good reason. These bruisers are the heavyweights of Michigan's salmon runs, typically running 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. They prefer deeper water and will hug bottom structure during daylight hours since they're light-shy. October through early November is peak season when they're pushing up rivers to spawn. What draws anglers back is the combination of size and attitude - kings fight dirty with deep runs and head shakes that'll test your drag system. Plus, that orange-pink meat is as good as it gets on the dinner table. They're aggressive but smart, so presentation matters. Here's what works: get your bait down deep where they're holding. Whether you're swinging flies or drifting spawn, stay within a foot of bottom. Kings won't come up much, so you've got to bring it to them.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that made the journey to the Great Lakes and back - think of them as rainbows on steroids. These silver rockets average 24 inches but can push 35+ in Michigan waters. You'll find them in deeper pools and current breaks, especially around logs and boulders where they stage before spawning runs. Prime time is October through December and again February to May when they're fresh from the big water. What makes steelhead special is their raw power - they'll strip line like nothing else and jump repeatedly. The meat is fantastic too, firmer and richer than regular trout. Here's a local tip: when the water's cold, fish your presentations slow and deep. These fish are lethargic in winter, so dead-drifting spawn bags or swinging flies at half-speed near bottom structure produces way more hookups than aggressive retrieves.
Muskegon River