Michigan Bass, Trout, and Northern Pike Guided Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sevenhour guided trip targeting bass, pike, and trout speciesChoice between spin or fly fishing gear optionsGrilled lunch included during fullday river adventure
Pine River delivers some of Michigan's best multi-species fishing, and this seven-hour guided adventure puts you right in the heart of the action. You'll work productive stretches of river targeting hard-fighting Smallmouth Bass, aggressive Northern Pike, beautiful Brown Trout, and chunky Largemouth Bass. Whether you prefer spinning gear or want to test your fly fishing skills, we'll match the tackle to your style and the conditions. This isn't a rushed half-day trip – we're talking a full day on the water with enough time to really dial in the bite and put some serious fish in the net.
Pine River runs clean and clear through some gorgeous Michigan countryside, giving you that perfect mix of structure and open water that holds quality fish. We'll drift key pools and work productive runs where bass stage up, while also hitting the deeper holes where pike love to ambush baitfish. The river changes character as we move downstream, so you'll get to experience different types of water throughout the day. Expect to see plenty of wildlife along the banks – herons, kingfishers, and maybe even a bald eagle if we're lucky. The grilled lunch gives us a perfect midday break to refuel and talk strategy for the afternoon session. Don't worry about bringing a cooler or figuring out what to pack – we've got you covered with a hot meal that'll keep your energy up for the back half of the trip.
We'll set you up with quality rods and reels whether you want to throw spinners, work soft plastics, or strip streamers on the fly rod. For bass, we're typically throwing tubes, ned rigs, and topwater when conditions are right. Pike fishing means bigger baits – think spoons, large streamers, and sometimes live bait when the fish are being picky. The trout usually want more finesse, so we'll drop down to lighter tippets and smaller presentations. Water levels and seasonal patterns dictate our approach, but that's where local knowledge really pays off. I've been working this river system for years and know exactly where to find fish during different conditions. The beauty of Pine River is the variety – we might be sight fishing to cruising bass in the shallows one minute, then working deep structure for pike the next.
Smallmouth Bass are the bread and butter here, and Pine River grows them thick and healthy. These fish average 12-16 inches with plenty of 3-4 pounders mixed in. They'll absolutely crush topwater baits during the morning and evening periods, and watching a smallmouth explode on a popper never gets old. The fight is what smallmouth are famous for – they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw the hook. Best fishing runs from mid-May through late October, with peak action during the warmer months when they're most aggressive.
Northern Pike in Pine River are ambush predators that can show up anywhere, but they love the deeper pools and areas with good cover. These toothy critters range from 20-30 inches on average, with the occasional monster pushing 40 inches or better. Pike season starts in late April and runs through November, giving us a long window to target them. They hit hard and fast, so you better be ready when that rod doubles over. The initial run is pure power, and their acrobatic head shakes make for some exciting moments at the net.
Brown Trout are the wild cards that can really make your day special. Pine River holds some beautiful native browns that are spooky and selective, making them a real challenge on light tackle. Most run 10-14 inches, but the river produces some impressive 18+ inch fish that fight way above their weight class. They're most active during cooler periods and overcast conditions, often holding in the deeper runs and undercut banks. Landing a quality brown trout on the Pine River is something every angler remembers.
Largemouth Bass round out our target species and provide consistent action throughout the season. While not as numerous as their smallmouth cousins, the largemouth in Pine River are solid fish that love structure and slower water. They're suckers for soft plastics worked around fallen timber and weed edges. These fish might not jump like smallmouth, but they make up for it with bulldogging power and that satisfying thump when they inhale your bait.
This seven-hour guided trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Pine River has to offer. With lunch included and all tackle provided, you just need to bring your fishing license and be ready for a day of quality fishing. The single-angler format means you get personalized instruction and maximum time with your line in the water. Michigan's fishing seasons are relatively short, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Pine River consistently produces fish, but like any river system, timing matters. Book your trip now and get ready to experience some of Michigan's finest multi-species fishing action.
Your fishing platform for the day is a 14'6 Hyde drift boat, built specifically for river fishing success. This boat features leg locks that let you stand and cast comfortably while we drift down the Pine River, giving you the stability you need when a big smallmouth or northern pike hits your line. With plenty of storage for tackle and gear, plus ample legroom, you'll stay comfortable during our seven-hour journey downstream. The boat's design lets us navigate the river quietly and efficiently, positioning you perfectly for casting to prime holding spots where bass, trout, and pike wait. Whether you're throwing spinners or working flies, this drift boat puts you right where the fish are feeding.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in our waters, making them both challenging and rewarding to catch. These golden-sided beauties typically run 12-20 inches and prefer cool, clear stretches with gravel bottoms and overhead cover. You'll find them in deeper pools during summer heat, then moving shallow during cooler fall evenings when they feed most aggressively. Browns are prized for their wariness - they'll test your presentation skills like no other fish. The reward is sweet though: incredible fights and some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater. Fall nights are magic when they're chasing bait near the surface. My best advice is to fish upstream of structure and let your offering drift naturally. Browns hate anything that looks unnatural, so keep it simple.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the heavyweight brawlers of slower river sections and backwaters. These green giants average 12-20 inches and pack serious attitude around weedy cover, fallen logs, and shallow bays. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but summer mornings and evenings near structure produce the biggest fish. What draws anglers is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging power - they'll wrap you around cover if you give them slack. The firm white meat makes excellent table fare too. Around here, I've learned that slow-rolling a spinnerbait just above the weed tops drives them crazy. Keep steady pressure when they hit because largemouths will dive straight for the thickest cover they can find. Heavy tackle isn't overkill with these fish.
Esox LuciusPike are the river's apex predators - toothy missiles that ambush from weed edges and deep holes. These green torpedoes average 24-30 inches but can push 40+ in the Pine River's deeper pools. Look for them near vegetation lines, fallen trees, and slack water areas where baitfish gather. Late April through November is prime time, with cooler months producing the most aggressive strikes. Pike fishing is addictive because of their explosive hits and bulldogging fights. Plus, they're great eating when kept cold and filleted properly. Here's a local secret: work your lure slow and steady past cover, then pause it right at the edge. That's when pike lose control and hammer it. Always use a steel leader - their razor teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll test your tackle on every cast. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-18 inches and love rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and current breaks along the Pine River. You'll find them in 3-15 feet of water around boulder piles and fallen timber. Mid-May through October gives you the best action, especially early morning and evening when they're feeding aggressively. What makes smallmouths special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and bulldoze like fish twice their size. The meat's firm and tasty too. My go-to trick here is working a tube jig slowly along rocky ledges. Let it fall naturally and watch for that subtle tick - smallmouths often hit on the drop.
Muskegon River