World Class Salmon & Steelhead Fishing with Captain Rodney
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour advanced fishing trip targeting trophy salmon and troutExpert guidance from Captain Rodney on Michigan rivers and lakesAll equipment, tackle, bait, and complimentary lunch provided
When you're ready to step up your game and chase some of Michigan's most prized fish, Captain Rodney's full-day advanced trip is where serious anglers go to test their skills. This isn't your typical weekend fishing outing – we're talking eight solid hours on Michigan's prime waters, targeting trophy Steelhead, massive Chinook salmon, feisty Coho, and aggressive Northern Pike. You'll be working with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand and isn't afraid to push you to new levels. Whether you're looking to land your personal best or fine-tune techniques you've been working on, this trip delivers the kind of action and expertise that keeps seasoned anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Rodney doesn't mess around when it comes to putting you on fish. This full-day adventure starts early and keeps you moving between his most productive spots across Michigan's river systems and connected lakes. You'll be fishing with top-quality rods, reels, and tackle – all provided – while learning advanced techniques that most weekend warriors never get to master. The beauty of an eight-hour trip is that you're not rushed. When fish are biting, you stay on them. When they're not cooperating, you've got time to move and adapt your approach. Lunch is covered too, so you can stay focused on what matters most: landing fish. The small group size – just two anglers max – means you get personalized attention and aren't competing for rod time or the captain's expertise. Bring your Michigan fishing license and come ready to work, because this trip is designed for anglers who take their fishing seriously.
This isn't beginner territory – Captain Rodney uses proven methods that produce results when targeting Michigan's top gamefish. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be working with everything from precision trolling setups to strategic drift presentations. For salmon runs, expect to master downrigger techniques and learn how to read water temperature breaks that hold fish. Steelhead fishing often means perfecting your presentation in current seams and learning to feel the subtle takes that separate successful anglers from those who go home empty-handed. The tackle selection changes throughout the day based on what's working – from spoons and plugs for salmon to more finesse presentations for trout. Northern Pike fishing brings out the heavy artillery with larger baits and steel leaders. Captain Rodney provides all the gear, but more importantly, he teaches you why specific setups work in different situations. You'll leave with knowledge that translates to better fishing on your own time, not just memories of a guided trip.
Rainbow Trout in Michigan waters are absolute fighters that'll test your drag system and your patience. These fish typically run 3-8 pounds, with the occasional double-digit specimen that becomes the story you'll tell for years. Spring through early summer offers the best action, especially when they're feeding actively in cooler water temps. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatics – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your arms burning by the time you get them to the net. Coho Salmon are the silver bullets of the Great Lakes system, averaging 5-12 pounds of pure energy. Peak season runs from late summer into fall, and these fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs. They're aggressive feeders when you find them, making for fast-paced action that keeps you on your toes.
Steelhead Trout are the holy grail for many Michigan anglers, and for good reason. These chrome-sided fighters average 8-15 pounds but can push well beyond that mark. Fall runs bring the most consistent action, though spring fishing can be phenomenal when conditions align. Steelhead are known for their incredible stamina and ability to strip line like nothing else in freshwater. They're also notoriously finicky, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. Chinook Salmon are the kings of Michigan waters, with mature fish commonly hitting 15-25 pounds and monsters pushing 30-plus. Late summer through early fall is prime time, and these fish represent the ultimate test of your tackle and technique. When a big King hits, everything else becomes secondary – your full attention goes to playing the fish without breaking it off.
Brown Trout round out the target list and are arguably the smartest fish you'll encounter. They're typically more cautious than their rainbow cousins but grow larger on average, with fish in the 5-12 pound range being common and true trophies exceeding 20 pounds. Browns are most active during low-light conditions and can be incredibly selective about presentations. Landing a trophy brown requires patience, skill, and often a bit of luck with timing and location.
Michigan's salmon and trout fishing represents some of the best freshwater angling in North America, and Captain Rodney's advanced trip gives you access to techniques and locations that produce consistent results. Eight hours on the water with expert guidance, quality gear, and strategic spot selection creates the perfect setup for personal bests and skill development. The intimate group size ensures you get real value from the experience, not just a ride to fishing spots you could find yourself. This trip fills up quickly during peak seasons, especially when fish are running hot and word gets out about recent catches. If you're serious about taking your salmon and trout fishing to the next level, don't wait – book your spot and get ready for a day on Michigan waters that'll remind you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
Hit the water in this well-equipped 18' aluminum boat built for serious fishing action on Michigan's rivers and lakes. With room for three anglers, this reliable vessel comes loaded with everything you need to track down trophy Steelhead, Chinook, Coho Salmon, and Northern Pike. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on course to the hottest spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 8-hour adventure. Captain Rodney knows these waters inside and out, guiding you to productive holes and runs where the big fish lurk. The stable aluminum hull handles river currents and lake chop with ease, giving you a solid platform for casting and fighting fish. Perfect setup for experienced anglers ready to test their skills against Michigan's finest gamefish.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Michigan waters, averaging 8-24 inches and known for their wariness. They love cool, clear water around 54-65°F and prefer cover like overhanging banks, rocks, and vegetation. Fall brings the best fishing when they feed aggressively before spawning. What makes browns special is their intelligence - they're incredibly difficult to fool, making them the ultimate trophy for skilled anglers. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. These fish are mostly nocturnal, so low-light conditions work best. During summer, they retreat to deeper, cooler spots. My best advice: fish them at night in fall when they're most active. Use natural presentations and approach their lies quietly - one careless step and they're gone for hours.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of the Great Lakes, averaging 12-39 inches and 15-30 pounds in Michigan waters. These giants prefer deep, cold water and are light-sensitive, so they stay near the bottom during the day. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move up to feed. What makes chinooks special is their sheer size and bulldogging fight - they don't jump much but pull like freight trains. The meat is rich, orange-pink, and perfect for smoking. Spring and fall offer the best action, especially during their spawning runs. Since they're bottom-oriented, you need weighted presentations. Here's my secret: when trolling the deep water, run your lures deeper than you think. These fish often sit 10-20 feet below where most anglers are fishing.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, though Michigan's Great Lakes produce some real bruisers. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their aerial shows - they can jump up to 6 feet when hooked. You'll find them in deeper, cooler water during summer, moving to tributaries for their fall spawning runs. What sets cohos apart is their aggressive nature and willingness to chase lures. The meat is outstanding - bright orange-red flesh that's perfect on the grill. Fall is prime time when they're running rivers, but they can be caught year-round in the lakes. Here's a local tip: when they're holding in deeper water, try twitching a jig with a long tail near structure. The action drives them crazy.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 8-24 inches and weigh 2-8 pounds in Michigan waters. You'll find them in cooler depths during summer, but they move to gravelly shorelines and flowing areas when feeding. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, so spring and fall offer the best action. What makes rainbows special is their scrappy fight and those beautiful pink stripes along their silver sides. They're excellent table fare too, with mild, flaky meat. These fish are smart - they spook easily in clear water. My go-to trick is fishing them at dusk when they're actively feeding. Keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom, and don't be afraid to downsize your tackle. They'll often hit smaller presentations when the bite gets tough.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in the Great Lakes, growing bigger and stronger. They average 24 inches but can reach 45 inches, with that streamlined, silvery body built for fighting current. These are the ultimate challenge fish - they're incredibly strong and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. You'll find them near structure like boulders and woody cover, especially during their spring spawning runs. The best fishing runs from mid-fall through spring when they're moving through tributaries. What makes steelhead special is their raw power and the technical skill needed to land them. They're wary fish that require precise presentations. Pro tip: use a 13.5-foot rod for better line control when swinging flies or drifting rigs through their lies.
Michigan