Private Michigan River Trophy Trout & Salmon Charter
Looking to test your skills against some of Michigan's most prized gamefish? This top-rated 8-hour private charter with Captain Matt Brejcha puts seasoned anglers right where the action is hottest on Michigan's legendary river systems. You'll be targeting trophy brown trout, hard-fighting Chinook salmon, and chrome-bright steelhead using proven techniques that separate the pros from weekend warriors. With space for two anglers (and room for a third if needed), this isn't your typical guided trip—it's an intensive masterclass in advanced river fishing that'll push your angling game to the next level.
What to Expect on the Water
Matt's got this dialed in perfectly for anglers who know their way around a rod. You'll launch from his custom jet boat or drift boat, depending on conditions and target zones for the day. Both rigs come equipped with onboard heating systems—a game-changer during those brutal Michigan winters when the steelhead are running hot and heavy. All your tackle, rods, and bait are provided, but Matt's not just handing you gear and pointing downstream. He's breaking down river hydraulics, explaining why fish hold in certain pockets, and teaching you to read water like a local pro. This is hands-on instruction that goes way beyond basic guiding. You'll learn advanced presentation techniques, how seasonal changes affect fish behavior, and insider tricks that'll make you more productive on every future outing. The full-day format gives you time to really dial in your technique and work multiple productive stretches without feeling rushed.
Advanced River Techniques
Matt's approach combines old-school river knowledge with cutting-edge tactics that consistently put fish in the boat. You'll master drift fishing presentations that keep your bait in the strike zone longer, learn to adjust your technique for different water temperatures and flow rates, and pick up subtle cues that signal when fish are ready to feed. The custom jet boat setup lets you access backcountry holes that most anglers never see, while the drift boat option provides stealthy approaches in pressured waters where spooky fish require finesse presentations. Matt's tackle selection is spot-on for Michigan rivers—quality rods with the backbone to handle big salmon but sensitive enough to detect subtle trout takes. You'll work with proven bait combinations and learn when to switch tactics based on water conditions, weather patterns, and fish activity levels. The heating system isn't just comfort—it's strategic, allowing you to stay focused and fish effectively even when temperatures drop and other boats head for the ramp.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Matt works tirelessly to get you on fish and makes sure it's enjoyable. If you never caught a King then look up Matt he'll definitely put you on the fish." - Alex
"Epic day on the water with Matt from On Target Fishing LLC! This guy knows his stuff—we were into fish all day and landed some absolute tanks. Over 20 hookups, top-tier guiding, and memories that'll last longer than the sore arms. If you're looking to get on fish, Matt's your guy!" - Ryan
"Matts the best there is on the muskegon. He will put you on fish and give you all the knowledge and details on why and how you're catching. Absolute blast and well worth it!" - Connor
Species You'll Want to Hook
Brown trout in Michigan rivers are absolute legends for good reason. These wary predators average 16-24 inches but regularly push into the 5-8 pound range, with true monsters exceeding 10 pounds lurking in deep holes and undercut banks. Peak action hits during spring and fall when they're aggressively feeding before and after spawn cycles. Browns are incredibly structure-oriented, hugging fallen timber, boulder fields, and current breaks where they can ambush prey. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability—one minute they're sipping insects delicately, the next they're crushing a streamer with bone-jarring strikes that'll test your drag system and nerves.
Chinook salmon turn Michigan rivers into battlegrounds from late summer through fall, with September and October offering world-class fishing. These chrome rockets regularly hit 15-25 pounds, with 30-pounders always possible. Fresh kings are pure dynamism—long screaming runs, aerial acrobatics, and enough power to smoke reels and snap lines if you're not ready. They stage in deep pools and current seams, often holding in massive schools that create feeding frenzies when conditions align. The challenge isn't just hooking them—it's the chess match of positioning your boat, reading their mood, and having the endurance for battles that can last 20 minutes or more.
Steelhead trout are the crown jewel of Michigan river fishing, available year-round but absolutely on fire during winter months when most fair-weather anglers have stored their gear. These sea-run rainbows average 6-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, combining explosive runs with spectacular jumps that'll have your heart pounding. Winter steelhead are particularly special—chrome-bright fish that have bulked up in the big water and are absolutely furious when hooked. They're notorious for their unpredictable behavior, sometimes going completely airborne six or seven times during a single fight. The cold water keeps them strong right to the net, making every hookup a memorable battle.
Smallmouth bass in Michigan's river systems are scrappy fighters that punch way above their weight class. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with fish averaging 2-4 pounds but occasionally reaching the 5-6 pound trophy range. River smallies are incredibly aggressive, smashing topwater presentations and putting up bulldogging fights in current that'll surprise anglers used to lake fishing. They love rocky structure, current breaks, and deeper pools where they can ambush crawfish and baitfish. What makes them special is their consistency—when you find one, there are usually more nearby, leading to fast
5.0(7 Reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Top Rated
Michigan
Private 8
