5.0(1 Reviews)Michigan River Brown Trout & Chinook Salmon Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour private charter targets brown trout and Chinook salmonExpert guide provides instruction with all tackle and equipment includedCustom jet boat features heater for comfortable coldweather fishing
Picture yourself drifting down Michigan's pristine rivers with guide Matt Brejcha, targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Great Lakes region. This 8-hour private charter puts you on prime water for brown trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead, with all the gear and know-how you need to make it a day to remember. Whether you're just getting your feet wet in river fishing or you've been casting for years, Matt tailors the trip to your skill level while keeping everyone comfortable in his custom jet boat or drift boat.
You'll spend your day floating Michigan's top-rated trout and salmon rivers, learning the ins and outs of reading current, understanding fish behavior, and mastering local techniques that actually work. Matt provides all the rods, tackle, and bait, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear. His boats come equipped with heaters for those chilly Michigan mornings when the fish are biting but the weather's not cooperating. The trip accommodates two anglers comfortably, with space for a third if your group needs it. This isn't just about catching fish – you'll pick up skills and local knowledge that'll make you a better angler long after you head home.
Matt runs his charters using proven river fishing methods that get results on Michigan waters. You'll work the current seams, deep pools, and structure where brown trout and salmon love to hold. The drift boat setup lets you cover serious water while presenting baits and lures naturally with the flow. Matt switches between different techniques throughout the day – maybe starting with spawn bags in the morning holes, then moving to streamers or spoons as conditions change. His jet boat gives you access to spots other anglers can't reach, especially during low water periods when the fish get spooky. All tackle is included, from the rods and reels down to the hooks and weights, chosen specifically for the species you're targeting that day.
"Matt was an excellent guild! The dog days of Summer is some of the toughest fishing in my experience, but not for Matt! He put us on fish right throughout our trip. My wife landed her PB small mouth and I lost count of the number of smallies landed. We had a blast, learned a lot and would highly recommend "On Target Fishing"! Thanks again for the excellent experience!" - Zak
Smallmouth Bass pack serious fight in Michigan's rivers, especially during summer when they're aggressive and feeding heavily. These bronze-backed battlers average 2-4 pounds but can push 5+ pounds if you're lucky. They hit hard and jump like crazy, making them a customer favorite even when you're primarily targeting trout and salmon. Summer and early fall are prime time, when they're prowling shallow water and hitting everything from tubes to crankbaits.
Steelhead Trout are the holy grail of Great Lakes fishing, running up Michigan rivers from fall through early spring. These chrome-bright fish average 6-10 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. Winter steelhead are particularly special – they've been in the lake feeding and growing strong, so when they hit your line, you know you're in for a battle. The key is fishing them during their spawning runs when they're concentrated in the river systems.
Chinook Salmon, also called King salmon, are the giants of Michigan's river systems. These fish can reach 20-30 pounds and provide some of the most intense freshwater fishing you'll find anywhere. They enter the rivers in late summer and fall, staging in deep pools and current breaks before moving to their spawning areas. When a big King grabs your offering, you'd better hold on – they'll strip line, jump, and do everything possible to throw your hook. Their sheer size and power make them a bucket-list species for serious anglers.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in Michigan rivers, known for their wariness and selective feeding habits. They can live for years in the same pool, growing to impressive sizes while becoming incredibly difficult to fool. Fall brings some of the best brown trout fishing as they become more aggressive during their spawning period. A 4-5 pound brown is a trophy fish, with some Michigan rivers producing browns pushing double digits. They're notorious for taking your bait right at dark or in the nastiest weather, which is part of what makes them so challenging and rewarding.
Muskellunge represent the ultimate predator in Michigan's river systems. These toothy giants can exceed 40 inches and provide heart-stopping strikes that you'll remember forever. Muskie fishing requires patience – they're called "the fish of 10,000 casts" for a reason – but when one decides to eat, it's game on. They prefer deeper pools and areas with plenty of cover, often following baits for long distances before deciding to strike. Landing a river muskie is a career highlight for most anglers, combining the thrill of hooking into a true giant with the technical challenge of fighting it in current.
Matt's got the local knowledge, quality gear, and riverside patience to put you on fish when others are coming up empty. This world-class charter gives you access to Michigan's best river fishing spots while building skills that'll serve you for years to come. The combination of multiple target species, expert instruction, and comfortable boats makes this trip perfect for beginners looking to learn or experienced anglers wanting to up their river game. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best freshwater fishing the Midwest has to offer – book your charter with On Target Fishing Guide Service today.
Meet the On Target, your fishing platform for chasing Michigan's prized brown trout and Chinook salmon. This 18-foot Lowe jet boat cuts through river currents with ease, powered by a reliable 115HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the best fishing spots quickly. Built in 2020, she's designed specifically for Michigan's diverse waterways - from shallow riffles to deeper pools where the big fish hide. The jet drive means no propeller to worry about in rocky areas, letting you access prime fishing water that other boats can't reach. With space for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around without crowding your fishing partner. The boat handles beautifully whether you're drifting through productive runs or positioning for that perfect cast to rising trout. Captain Matt knows exactly how to work this rig to put you on fish, using the boat's agility to present your bait naturally in the current.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they can live 12+ years and get educated fast. Most run 8-24 inches, though big ones hit 30+ in Michigan waters. They love cool, clear streams with temperatures between 54-65°F, hiding under cut banks, logs, and deep pools during daylight. Fall nights are prime time when they feed aggressively before winter. What makes browns special is their wariness; they're the PhD students of trout fishing. The golden-brown flanks with black spots are beautiful, and the meat is excellent eating. These fish turn nocturnal as they mature, so low-light periods are key. Michigan tip: during fall spawning runs, focus on deeper pools below riffles and use subtle presentations - browns will inspect your offering before committing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of Michigan waters, averaging 15-30 pounds with some pushing 40+. These fish are light-sensitive, so they'll hug deeper water and structure during bright conditions. Fall is your window when they move into rivers to spawn - September through November. What makes chinook special is the sheer power; landing one is like wrestling a freight train with fins. The rich, orange-pink meat is restaurant quality. Since they avoid bright light, focus your efforts at dawn, dusk, or overcast days. Local secret: when fishing deeper pools, use heavier tackle and keep your bait moving near the bottom. These fish are aggressive but spook easily in shallow water, so approach quietly and fish the deeper holes first.
Esox MasquinongyMuskies are Michigan's apex freshwater predator, averaging 30-40 inches but capable of hitting 6 feet and 70+ pounds. These ambush hunters lurk near weed edges, rocky shoals, and structure in shallow to mid-depth water. Fall is prime time when they feed heavily before winter, though late summer can be productive too. What draws anglers is the trophy potential and bone-jarring strikes - landing a big muskie is a lifetime achievement. They're pure muscle with attitude to match. The tiger-like stripes and prehistoric look make them unforgettable. Michigan secret: use barbless hooks for easier release, and work large baits slowly through weedy areas. These fish will follow your lure forever before deciding to hit, so don't give up too quick on a spot.
Micropterus DolomieuMichigan's smallmouth bass typically run 12-20 inches and pack serious fight for their size. They love rocky bottoms and clear water, hanging around structure like boulders and fallen timber. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow on warm, bright days. During summer heat, they'll drop deeper into cooler water, making early morning and evening your best shots. What makes smallmouths special is their scrappy attitude - pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. Pro tip: when you're working rocky areas, try a weightless soft plastic that can hover just above the rocks - smallmouth can't resist that slow, tempting drop.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in the Great Lakes, coming back silver, strong, and mean. These fish average 24 inches but can stretch past 3 feet, with that streamlined muscle built for serious runs. They prefer moving water with gravel bottoms and good cover like logs or boulders. Winter steelhead fishing in Michigan rivers is legendary - mid-fall through spring when water temps drop. What draws anglers back is their raw power; steelhead will test every knot and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. The meat is top-shelf too. Here's a local trick: in winter conditions, dead-drift your presentation low and slow through deeper pools where they stage before spawning runs.
5.0 out of 5.0Matt was an excellent guild! The dog days of Summer is some of the toughest fishing in my experience, but not for Matt! He put us ...
Michigan