5.0(7 Reviews)Half Day Brown Trout & Steelhead Charter
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Top Rated
Private 4hour afternoon charter targeting brown trout and steelheadCustom jet boat with heater accommodates two anglers comfortablyExpert guide provides tackle, techniques, and local river knowledge
Picture this: you're on the water with guide Matt Brejcha, working the productive runs around Stanwood, Michigan, targeting some of the finest brown trout and winter steelhead the region has to offer. This 4-hour afternoon charter puts you right in the sweet spot when fish are most active, using proven techniques that consistently produce results. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Matt tailors the experience to your skill level while maximizing your time on prime fishing water.
Matt runs this show from either his custom 18/60 jet boat or drift boat, depending on conditions and where the fish are biting best that day. The jet boat gets you into shallow water spots other guides can't reach, while the drift boat lets you work productive pools with stealth and precision. Both rigs come equipped with heaters – a game-changer during those cold Michigan winters when the steelhead fishing is at its peak. You'll have all the gear you need: quality rods, proven tackle, and the right bait for the conditions. This charter accommodates two anglers comfortably, with room for a third if your group needs it. Matt handles the technical stuff like reading water and boat positioning, so you can focus on what you came for – hooking into some serious fish.
Matt's approach centers on reading the river and adapting to what the fish want on any given day. He'll position the boat in the most productive runs and pools, teaching you how current seams and structure hold fish. You'll learn proper drift presentations for steelhead, bottom-bouncing techniques for browns, and how to work different water types from shallow riffles to deeper holes. The key is matching your presentation to the conditions – something Matt has dialed in after years of working these waters. He'll show you how to feel the difference between a strike and bottom contact, when to set the hook, and how to play fish in current. These aren't just fishing tips you'll use for the day – they're skills that will make you a better angler on any river system.
"Matt did an awesome job finding us some great fish. He is knowledgeable and knows how to show his clients a fabulous time. If you are looking to catch some fish ad have a great time then Matt is the guide you want." - Greg. "Wow what an amazing experience and time my dad brother and I had with Matt fishing for steelhead, he's the man to get a hold of if your wanting to have an unforgettable time and land lots of gorgeous fish, highly recommend! Thanks Matt!" - Jackson. "Hands down one of the best fishing experiences my dad and I had this year. All thanks to Matt and Noah. Noah made sure our lines were always in the water, and helped us net every single fish. We booked an entire day, and the only breaks we took were because our arms were sore from fighting the fish. On Target Fishing should be renamed to On Target Catchers.. We had less fishing and more catching." - Roland.
Brown trout are the bread and butter of Michigan's river systems, and for good reason. These fish are smart, selective, and put up fights that'll test your skills. Browns in this area typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional trophies pushing well beyond that mark. They're most active during overcast conditions and love structure like undercut banks and fallen timber. What makes browns special is their wariness – you need proper presentation and stealth to fool them consistently. When you do connect, expect powerful runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping.
Steelhead trout are the stars of the winter show, running up from the Great Lakes to spawn in these tributary rivers. These chrome-bright fish are pure muscle and attitude, averaging 6-12 pounds with occasional monsters exceeding 15. Winter steelhead fishing peaks from December through March when these fish are fresh from the big water. They hold in deeper pools and runs, often stacked up in good numbers when conditions are right. The fight is what steelhead are famous for – long, powerful runs combined with aerial displays that'll have you questioning your drag settings. Landing a fresh steelhead on light tackle is about as good as river fishing gets.
Chinook salmon bring serious power to the equation when they're in the system. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and will test every knot and connection you've got. They typically run in fall months, moving upriver in waves depending on water levels and temperatures. Chinooks prefer deeper water and strong current, where they'll hold before making their spawning runs. The takes are often subtle for such large fish, but once hooked, they'll take you into your backing faster than you'd expect. Fighting a big Chinook in river current requires patience and proper technique – something Matt excels at teaching.
Smallmouth bass add variety to the mix, especially during warmer months. These bronze-backed fighters punch well above their weight class, with fish in the 2-4 pound range providing exceptional sport on appropriate tackle. Smallies love rocky areas and current breaks, where they ambush baitfish and crayfish. They're aggressive feeders when active and known for their jumping ability and stubborn fights. What makes smallmouth special is their willingness to hit a variety of presentations, from live bait to artificials.
Muskellunge represent the ultimate prize for many anglers – the fish of 10,000 casts. These apex predators can exceed 40 inches and provide fights unlike anything else in freshwater. Muskies are ambush hunters that prefer structure and vegetation where they can surprise their prey. They're notoriously moody and can follow lures without striking, making each hookup that much more special. When you do connect with a muskie, expect a battle involving runs, jumps, and head-shaking that'll leave you exhausted and g
The On Target is your ticket to serious river fishing on Michigan's productive waters. This 2020 18-foot Lowe jet boat cuts through currents with ease, powered by a 115HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the best fishing spots fast. Built for navigating shallow runs and tight river bends where brown trout and steelhead hold, the jet drive lets you access water other boats can't reach. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without crowding. The boat's designed for Michigan's changing conditions - when the weather turns cold chasing winter steelhead, you'll appreciate having a real fishing platform that handles the elements. Perfect for targeting browns in deeper pools or drifting for salmon in the runs, this setup gets you where the fish are biting.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest trout in our rivers and the most challenging to fool consistently. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, though some Michigan rivers hold much bigger fish. They love cool, clear water around 54-65°F and hide near undercuts, fallen logs, and deep pools during the day. Fall brings the best action when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at night. What makes browns special is their wariness - they've earned their reputation as the most difficult trout to catch. When you do hook one, they fight smart using current and cover. The firm, mild meat is outstanding table fare. Since they were introduced here in 1883, they've become a cornerstone species. My advice: approach quietly and fish the edges of structure where they feel safe to ambush prey.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of our river system, averaging 12-39 inches and 15-30 pounds when they push upstream to spawn. These silver-sided bruisers have distinctive black spots and pack serious muscle from their time in the Great Lakes. They prefer deeper water and stay near the bottom, especially during bright conditions. Fall runs bring the best action as they move into tributary streams. What sets kings apart is their raw power - they're bulldogs that'll test your drag and make long, determined runs. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating, rich in omega-3s and perfect for the grill. Since they're light-sensitive, early morning and evening produce the best results. Pro tip: use weighted presentations to get down to their level and keep steady pressure once hooked - they'll use every bit of current to their advantage.
Esox MasquinongyMuskies are the apex predator of our freshwater systems - true trophy fish that can reach 6 feet and 70 pounds. These torpedo-shaped hunters average 2-4 feet and 15-36 pounds, with tiger-like stripes and needle-sharp teeth. They lurk around weed edges, rocky shoals, and shallow cover where they can ambush everything from fish to small mammals. Late summer through fall offers the best shot at landing one when they're most active. What draws anglers is the challenge - they're called "the fish of 10,000 casts" for a reason. When you do connect, the explosive strikes and bulldogging fights create memories that last forever. Use barbless hooks since those teeth make hook removal tricky. Here's my tip: work large lures near structure and always do a figure-eight at boatside - many follows turn into strikes right at the net.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll test your skills on light tackle. These bronze-backed beauties average 18-20 inches and typically weigh 2-6 pounds, with females running larger than males. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, fallen timber, and deeper pools where they can ambush crayfish and small baitfish. They're most active during spring and fall when water temps are moderate, hitting the shallows on bright, calm days. Summer pushes them deeper into cooler water. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - pound for pound, they're tough to beat. They jump, run, and never give up easy. The meat's firm with a mild flavor that takes seasoning well. My tip: work your lure slow near structure, then pause it. That's when they usually strike.
Oncorhynchus mykissWinter steelhead are the toughest fish swimming in our Michigan rivers. These sea-run rainbows average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and 50+ pounds. They spend years in the Great Lakes building muscle before returning to spawn, making them absolute powerhouses on the end of your line. Look for them in deeper runs, behind boulders, and near current breaks where they can rest between fighting upstream. Winter fishing from November through March is prime time - they're fresh from the lakes and aggressive. Steelhead are prized for their acrobatic fights and multiple jumps that'll get your heart racing. The silver sides and chrome finish make them beautiful fish too. Here's what works: keep your presentation natural and let it drift at the same speed as the current. Any drag and they'll ignore it.
5.0 out of 5.0It was tons of fun with Noah. Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable was Noah. Fun experience!!
Matt did an awesome job finding us some great fish. He is knowledgeable and knows how to show his clients a fabulous time. If you ...
Wow what an amazing experience and time my dad brother and I had with Matt fishing for steelhead, he’s the man to get a hold of if...
Matt is an incredible Guide very knowledgeable of the River system and Experienced angler, he knows where the fish are !
Hands down one of the best fishing experiences my dad and I had this year. All thanks to Matt and Noah. Noah made sure our lines w...
Myself and 2 buddies Fished with Matt and Noah the last 2 evenings. These guys take things to heart. These guys will do everything...
Matt does whatever it takes to get you on some fish. I use him for steelhead and salmon every chance I get. -Jason from TN
Michigan