Half Day Guided River Float Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
4hour guided fishing on Saint Joe River watersTargets bass, steelhead, and northern pike seasonallyPerfect introduction for firsttime fly fishermen
Picture yourself drifting down Southwest Michigan's pristine waters with a seasoned guide who knows every bend, every deep hole, and exactly where the fish are holding. That's what you're signing up for with St Joe Angler's half-day river float—a 4-hour guided fishing adventure that'll put you right in the action on the Saint Joe River and other hidden gems that most folks never even hear about. Whether you're a first-timer looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler wanting to tap into local knowledge, this trip delivers the goods. With space for just two anglers, you're getting personalized attention that big charter operations simply can't match.
This isn't your typical crowded fishing experience. St Joe Angler keeps things intimate with a maximum of two guests, which means your guide can focus entirely on putting you on fish. The Saint Joe River system offers some of the most diverse fishing in Southwest Michigan, and depending on the season, you might find yourself battling everything from acrobatic smallmouth bass to chrome-bright steelhead fresh from Lake Michigan. Your guide will read the water conditions, adjust tactics on the fly, and position you in the sweet spots that produce consistent action. The float format lets you cover serious water while staying comfortable—no need to wade through tricky currents or hike to remote pools. You'll drift naturally with the flow, hitting prime feeding areas and structure that holds fish throughout the day.
The beauty of this trip is the flexibility in approach. Come with your own tackle if you've got favorites, or rely on the guide's arsenal of proven setups. Float fishing opens up multiple presentation options—you might be working topwater plugs over shallow flats in the morning, switching to jigs and soft plastics around midday structure, then finishing with streamers as evening approaches. The guides at St Joe Angler are particularly skilled at reading water and matching techniques to conditions. They'll teach you how to work different sections of the river, from the fast riffles where smallmouth ambush baitfish to the deeper pools where steelhead stage during their runs. Fly fishing enthusiasts will love the personalized casting instruction—these guides break down the fundamentals in a way that clicks, whether you're learning your first roll cast or refining your mending technique for drag-free drifts.
Smallmouth bass are the backbone of Southwest Michigan's river fishing, and these bronze-backed fighters are absolutely electric when hooked in current. They typically run 12-16 inches with plenty of 18+ inch fish mixed in, especially during the summer months when they're actively feeding on crayfish and minnows. What makes smallmouth so special here is their aggressive nature—they'll crush topwater baits with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Peak action runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August offering the most consistent bite. The rocky structure and current breaks of the Saint Joe system create perfect smallmouth habitat, and your guide knows every productive ledge and boulder field.
Steelhead trout bring a completely different dimension to these waters, especially during their spring and fall migration runs. These Lake Michigan natives can push 25-30 inches and fight with a combination of power and aerial acrobatics that few freshwater fish can match. Spring steelhead (March through May) are typically in prime condition after feeding heavily in the big lake, while fall fish (September through November) are beginning their spawning preparations and can be incredibly aggressive. The key with steelhead is timing and presentation—they can be finicky, but when everything clicks, you're in for the fight of your life. These fish will test your drag system and your nerves as they make blistering runs downstream.
Northern pike add the wildcard element to Southwest Michigan river fishing. These toothy predators lurk in slower sections and backwater areas, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. Pike in these systems typically range from 20-35 inches, with the occasional monster pushing 40+ inches and weighing double digits. They're most active during cooler months—early spring and late fall produce the biggest fish, while summer action tends to focus on smaller, more numerous pike in shallow cover. What pike lack in jumping ability, they make up for in raw power and unpredictability. They'll follow baits for long distances before deciding to strike, and when they do commit, it's usually with a violence that'll straighten hooks if you're not ready.
St Joe Angler's half-day float trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot. With only two spots per trip, availability fills quickly among anglers who know the value of quality guide service on these productive waters. You'll need a current Michigan fishing license, and a 20% deposit locks in your date—small prices to pay for four hours of top-tier fishing with guides who live and breathe these rivers. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, explore waters you've never fished, or simply enjoy a day on the river with expert guidance, this trip delivers an authentic Southwest Michigan fishing experience that'll have you planning your return before you've even reached the takeout.
Cast your line from our 16-ft Clacka Craft drift boat, designed specifically for fly fishing Southwest Michigan's pristine waters. This stable, maneuverable vessel seats two anglers comfortably and comes fully rigged with everything you need for a productive day on the St. Joe River. The boat's shallow draft lets your guide navigate prime fishing spots while you focus on working the water for bass, steelhead, and northern pike. With rod holders, tackle storage, and comfortable seating positioned for optimal casting angles, you'll have plenty of room to perfect your technique whether you're a first-time fly fisher or seasoned angler. The Clacka Craft's responsive handling means smooth drifts through productive runs and quiet approaches to skittish fish holding in deeper pools.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators in our weedy backwaters and slower river sections. Most run 24-36 inches with teeth that'll slice through regular line in seconds. They lurk around weed edges, fallen trees, and drop-offs where they can ambush bluegills and suckers. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're shallow and aggressive before moving deeper in hot weather. Pike are pure excitement - explosive strikes followed by powerful runs and head-shaking fights. They're not picky eaters, hitting spoons, spinners, and big streamers retrieved steadily to mimic injured baitfish. Wire leaders are mandatory with these toothy critters. The meat's decent if you know how to deal with the Y-bones. Pro tip: when you feel that initial hit, don't set the hook immediately. Pike often grab prey sideways first, so give them a second to turn and swallow before you pull.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass run 18-20 inches around here and fight like fish twice their size. They love rocky bottoms and clear water, which we've got plenty of in Southwest Michigan rivers. You'll find them hanging around boulders and fallen timber, ambushing crayfish and minnows. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallow water during warm afternoons. Summer pushes them deeper, so early morning or evening work best then. What makes smallmouth special is that hard pull - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like no other bass. Light spinning gear with 6-10 lb test handles them perfectly. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild fillets. My local trick: when the water's low and clear, try a weightless soft plastic that can hang just under the surface near cover.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are Lake Michigan fish that run up our rivers to spawn, typically 24-30 inches and built for speed. These chrome bullets migrate through from fall through spring, with peak action in late fall and early spring when water temps are right. They stage in deeper pools and current breaks, using woody cover and undercut banks. What gets anglers hooked is the raw power - steelhead jump repeatedly and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They're excellent table fare too, with firm pink meat. Fall fish are especially aggressive, while spring spawners can be moody. Fly fishing works great with nymph rigs or swinging streamers. Here's a local tip: after heavy rains bring fresh water into the system, focus on the deeper holes just below fast water where they rest between pushing upstream.
St. Joseph, MI