Michigan Fly Fishing - 6 Hour Drift Boat Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sixhour drift boat fishing with experienced guide Nick BrittonTarget trout, pike, and bass across Michigan's local riversTrip accommodates two anglers with guide and boat included
Picture yourself casting into pristine Michigan waters, working your fly through perfect pools and runs while drifting silently downstream. That's exactly what you'll get with guide Nick Britton on this world-class 6-hour fly fishing adventure. This isn't your typical shore fishing – you'll be floating Michigan's top-rated rivers in Nick's drift boat, covering miles of prime water that most anglers never see. Whether you're chasing the legendary brook trout that Michigan is famous for or battling aggressive smallmouth bass in rocky runs, this trip puts you right in the sweet spots where fish actually live. Just bring your Michigan fishing license and whatever snacks you prefer – Nick's got the rest covered, including lunch to keep you fueled for a full day on the water.
You'll meet Nick at the launch point where he'll get you settled into his drift boat – these boats are specifically designed for river fishing, sitting low and moving quietly so you won't spook the fish. The beauty of drift boat fishing is that you're constantly moving to new water, and Nick knows exactly where to position the boat for the best casting angles. You'll be fly fishing the entire time, which means precise presentations to structure like fallen logs, undercut banks, and boulder fields where trout and bass love to hide. The rivers here change character throughout the day – one stretch might be deep pools perfect for nymphing, while the next could be fast riffles where dry flies shine. Nick reads the water like a book and will coach you through different techniques as conditions change. Don't worry if you're new to fly fishing – he's patient and knows how to get beginners casting effectively within the first hour. For experienced anglers, he'll push you to try new techniques and target the more challenging fish that separate good days from great ones.
Drift boat fishing is all about boat positioning and timing your casts. Nick handles the rowing, which means he can hold you in the perfect position to work a promising pool or slow the boat down so you can thoroughly fish a stretch of pocket water. You'll primarily be using weight-forward fly lines matched to the conditions – floating lines for surface action and sinking tips when fish are holding deeper. The techniques vary based on what's working: dead-drifting nymphs through deep runs, swinging wet flies across current seams, or presenting dry flies to rising fish. Nick provides all the flies, and his box is loaded with local patterns that Michigan fish can't resist – think woolly buggers, copper johns, and classic mayfly imitations. The boat setup gives you casting room without worry about backcasts hitting trees, which is a huge advantage over wade fishing. You'll learn to read the water from a different perspective, spotting fish-holding structure as it approaches rather than having to wade up on it. This approach lets you cover serious ground – often 5-8 miles of river depending on flows and how much time you spend working productive spots.
Brook trout are the crown jewel of Michigan fishing, and these native beauties are what dreams are made of. They average 8-14 inches but fight like fish twice their size, with brilliant orange fins and those iconic vermiculated patterns on their backs. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, often found in the deeper pools and under overhanging banks. What makes brookies special is their pickiness – they'll inspect your fly closely, making a successful hookup incredibly rewarding. The takes are often subtle, just a slight hesitation in your line, but once hooked they'll use every bit of current to their advantage.
Smallmouth bass bring pure aggression to your fly rod, especially during their summer spawn when they're defending beds in shallow gravel areas. These bronze fighters typically run 12-18 inches but pack serious power, often jumping multiple times and making long runs toward structure. They're opportunistic feeders, crushing streamers, poppers, and even large nymphs with reckless abandon. What anglers love about smallmouth is their attitude – they hit hard, fight harder, and often hunt in groups so you might boat several from the same spot.
Rainbow trout are the acrobats of Michigan rivers, known for their spectacular jumps and long runs. These silver bullets average 10-16 inches and are most active during cooler months and overcast days. They love current and oxygen-rich water, often holding in the heads and tails of pools where they can ambush drifting insects. Rainbows are less spooky than browns but more aggressive than brookies, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action with explosive fights.
Northern pike are the apex predators lurking in slower sections and backwater areas, especially where rivers widen or connect to lakes. These toothy monsters range from 20-35 inches and provide heart-stopping takes on large streamers. Pike fishing is about patience and big flies – think 6-inch patterns in bright colors that trigger their predatory instincts. When a pike decides to eat your fly, there's no mistaking it – they'll often follow the fly right to the boat before striking, giving you a front-row seat to pure freshwater savagery.
Brown trout are the smartest fish in the river, making them the ultimate challenge for serious fly anglers. These golden-brown beauties with their distinctive spots average 12-18 inches but can reach trophy size in Michigan waters. They're most active during low-light periods and are incredibly structure-oriented, often holding tight to fallen trees, undercut banks, and deep holes. Browns have seen every fly pattern multiple times, so presentation is everything – perfect drag-free drifts and natural presentations separate the rookies from the pros. When you finally fool a big brown, the fight is methodical and powerful, using every piece of structure to try breaking you off.
This 6-hour drift boat experience with Nick Britton represents the best way to fish Michigan's renowned river systems.
Salvelinus FontinalisMichigan's native brook trout are gems hiding in the smaller tributaries and cooler stretches of our rivers. These colorful fish typically run 8-14 inches with distinctive wavy markings and bright orange spots circled in blue. They're picky about water quality, so finding them means you're fishing clean water. Brookies love undercut banks, fallen logs, and deep pools in narrow streams. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during cooler morning hours. What makes them special is their willingness to rise to dry flies and their spirited fight despite their size. They're also excellent table fare. My go-to tip: cast small dry flies like a size 14 Adams right along undercut banks where the current creates a natural feeding lane.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in our Michigan rivers and the ultimate challenge for serious anglers. These golden-brown fish with black spots typically run 12-18 inches, though some monsters push over 20. They're homebodies, claiming prime spots like deep pools, undercut banks, and anywhere with good cover. Fall is magic when they feed aggressively before winter, but they bite year-round if you're careful. What makes browns special is their wariness - they've earned their reputation as the hardest trout to fool. They also fight hard and taste great. Many anglers consider catching a wild brown the pinnacle of river fishing. Here's the key: browns are night feeders, so don't overlook that last hour of daylight when they start moving to shallow feeding spots.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators lurking in our slower river sections and backwaters. These toothy fish average 24-30 inches but can stretch past 40, with that unmistakable elongated body and rows of razor-sharp teeth. Find them in weedy areas, slow pools, and near structure where they ambush prey. Spring after ice-out and fall are prime times when they're most active in shallower water. What gets guests excited is their explosive strikes and strong runs - plus they're impressive photo fish. Fair warning: they're not great table fare, but the fight is worth it. My best advice: use a wire leader and when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately. Pike like to grab and run before really taking the bait, so give them a few seconds before setting.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the workhorses of our Michigan rivers, stocked regularly and offering consistent action. These silvery fish with their signature pink stripe typically run 10-16 inches and are known for their strong runs and occasional jumps. Look for them in moderate current near gravel beds, deeper runs, and around structure like boulders or logs. They prefer water temps between 55-65°F, making spring and fall peak seasons, though they bite year-round. What makes rainbows popular is their willingness to take flies, their spirited fight, and excellent eating quality. They're also more forgiving than native trout, perfect for learning. Pro tip: during mayfly hatches in late spring, focus on the tail ends of pools where they line up to feed - that's when you'll find multiple fish rising consistently.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass in Michigan rivers are scrappy fighters that'll test your skills. These bronze-backed fish average 12-16 inches and are known for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. You'll find them around rocky structure, drop-offs, and current breaks in clearer water. They prefer temps between 60-70°F, making late spring through early fall prime time. Summer finds them in deeper holes during midday heat. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and determined fights - they're pound-for-pound one of the strongest freshwater fish. They also make excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: when the water warms up in summer, focus on deeper eddies and fish early morning or evening when they move shallow to feed.
Baldwin, MI