Summer Bass & Bluegill Trip with Captain Josh
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eight-hour guided fly fishing adventure on pristine Michigan lakesTarget largemouth bass and bluegill with professional tackle includedAll skill levels welcome with lunch and expert instruction provided
Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in crystal-clear Michigan water at sunrise, false casting your fly line while bass cruise the shallows looking for their next meal. Captain Josh's 8-hour guided fly fishing adventure puts you right in the thick of the action from May through September, when our local lakes come alive with hungry largemouth bass and feisty sunfish. At $450 for up to two anglers, this top-rated fishing experience includes everything you need except your fishing license and the willingness to get a little addicted to the tug of a bass on a fly rod.
Captain Josh knows these Michigan lakes like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting you on fish whether you've never held a fly rod or you're already hooked on the sport. We're talking about genuine 8-hour days here – none of that half-hearted "let's see what happens" approach. You'll launch at 8:00 AM sharp and spend the day working structure, weed lines, and those magical shallow bays where bass love to ambush prey. The beauty of targeting bass and sunfish together is that when one species goes quiet, the other usually picks up the slack. Josh provides lunch to keep your energy up because trust me, you're going to need it when these fish start hitting. The 3-day cancellation policy takes the pressure off booking, so you can reserve your spot without sweating the weather forecast too much.
Don't worry if you're intimidating by fly fishing – Josh provides all the rods, reels, and tackle, plus he's got the patience to teach you the basics or fine-tune your casting if you've got some experience under your belt. We're not talking about delicate trout presentations here; bass fly fishing is aggressive, visual, and downright addictive. You'll be throwing poppers, streamers, and foam bugs that create surface commotion and drive bass absolutely crazy. The technique is all about reading the water – finding those drop-offs, submerged logs, and weed pockets where fish set up to feed. Josh will position you for success, but the real magic happens when you see that explosive strike and feel a 3-pound largemouth trying to throw your fly back at you. Sunfish might be smaller, but they're scrappy fighters that bend a fly rod beautifully and provide non-stop action when the bass fishing slows down.
Largemouth bass are the crown jewel of Michigan lake fishing, and summer is prime time to target these aggressive predators. These fish typically run 1-4 pounds in our local waters, with the occasional 5+ pound hawg that'll test your drag and your nerves. Bass are most active during the early morning and evening hours, but Michigan's moderate summer temperatures keep them feeding throughout the day, especially around structure. What makes largemouth bass so exciting is their explosive strikes – they don't just take your fly, they absolutely demolish it. You'll see the fish coming, watch it inspect your offering, and then hold your breath as it makes its decision. When a bass commits, it's pure electricity running up your fly line.
Green sunfish might not get the same respect as bass, but these little fighters are the perfect complement to your day on the water. Running 6-10 inches on average, sunfish are aggressive, colorful, and always willing to play. They're particularly active during the warmer parts of the day when bass might be holding deeper, making them ideal targets for keeping your fly rod bent. Don't let their size fool you – sunfish fight with heart and provide excellent practice for fly fishing techniques. They're also incredibly reliable, so when you need that confidence boost or want to dial in your presentation, sunfish deliver every single cast. Plus, watching a bright green sunfish slam a surface fly in shallow water never gets old, no matter how many you've caught.
This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience Michigan's best lake fishing with a guide who lives and breathes these waters. Captain Josh's summer bass and bluegill adventure combines the technical challenge of fly fishing with the consistent action that keeps you coming back for more. The $450 investment covers a full day of guided fishing, all equipment, lunch, and the kind of local knowledge you can't get from YouTube videos or fishing apps. Whether you're looking to try fly fishing for the first time or add some Michigan bass to your species list, this trip delivers the goods. Book now for the best dates – May through September fills up fast, and the prime summer slots go to anglers who plan ahead.
Captain Josh's 16-foot Smokercraft drift boat gets you right where the bass and bluegill are biting on Michigan's lakes. This reliable rig seats up to 3 anglers comfortably and runs whisper-quiet with its 6 HP Mercury, perfect for sneaking up on those shallow water hotspots without spooking fish. The boat's built for steady casting all day long - no wobbling when you're working a fly through prime structure. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot summer sessions when the action heats up. Simple, no-nonsense setup that's dialed in for consistent fish-finding success on the water.
Lepomis CyanellusGreen sunfish might be small, but they're scrappy fighters that love to surprise fly anglers. These blue-green panfish typically run 4-7 inches with distinctive dark spots on their dorsal and anal fins. You'll spot them in shallow, weedy areas of our lakes where they aggressively defend territory year-round. Summer brings the best action when they're actively feeding near vegetation and fallen branches in 2-4 feet of water. What guests love about green sunfish is their willingness to hit almost any small fly - they're perfect confidence builders for new fly fishers and kids. Their aggressive nature means consistent action throughout the day. While they're quite bony for eating, the entertainment value is outstanding. Here's a local trick: use tiny nymphs or wet flies and fish them right in the thick weeds. These fish aren't shy and will dart out to grab your fly even in heavy cover.
Micropterus SalmoidesMichigan's largemouth bass are the prize of our summer fly fishing trips. These aggressive predators average 12-24 inches and pack serious fight when hooked on a fly rod. You'll find them prowling shallow, weedy areas and around fallen timber where they ambush prey. Their oversized mouths can easily crush a frog or bluegill, making them perfect targets for poppers and streamers. Summer fishing is prime time - they're active in the shallows during morning and evening feeding windows. What makes bass fishing so addictive is their explosive strikes and aerial shows once hooked. They're also excellent table fare when properly cleaned. My go-to tip for Michigan bass: work your popper slow near cover, then let it sit motionless for 10 seconds. That pause often triggers the most violent strikes when they can't resist any longer.
Brethren, MI, United States