5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Salmon Fishing Trip In Michigan
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target Steelhead, Salmon, and Lake Trout on guided river tripsSmall groups of three anglers with expert local guidesSeptember through December fall fishing season in Michigan
Michigan's fall fishing season is pure gold for salmon anglers, and our guided river trips put you right in the heart of the action. From September through December, the Great Lakes tributaries come alive with migrating salmon, and we know exactly where to find them. Picture this: crisp autumn mornings, steam rising off the water, and the unmistakable tug of a chinook on your line. Our expert guides keep groups small – just two anglers max – so you get personalized attention and prime positioning on the most productive stretches. Whether you're chasing your first salmon or adding to your trophy collection, this full-day adventure delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime.
We start early to catch the salmon at their most active, hitting the river when the light is just breaking over the treeline. Michigan's tributaries offer diverse fishing conditions throughout the fall run, from deeper pools where big chinooks stage to faster runs where cohos and atlantics love to hold. The scenery alone is worth the trip – Michigan's fall colors provide a backdrop that's tough to beat while you're working a drift or swinging a spoon through a promising hole. Our guides read water like a book, positioning you in spots where salmon are funneling through on their spawning runs. You'll spend the day moving between proven honey holes, learning new techniques, and experiencing the raw power these fish bring to the fight. Lunch is included, so you can fuel up riverside and keep your energy high for the afternoon bite. The intimate group size means more coaching, better water access, and frankly, more fish in the boat.
We fish these Michigan rivers using proven salmon techniques that match the conditions and fish behavior. Drift fishing with spawn bags and fresh roe is a go-to method, especially in the deeper pools where salmon stack up during their upstream migration. We'll also work spoons and spinners through the runs, targeting aggressive fish that haven't lost their feeding instincts yet. Your guide provides all the tackle you need – from the right rod action to handle these powerful fish to terminal tackle that's sized for Michigan salmon. We use everything from 10-15 pound test depending on water clarity and snag potential, and our guides know when to switch up presentations based on what the fish are telling us. Stealth is key on these clear tributaries, so we approach each spot carefully and make our casts count. The guides will teach you how to read the water, identify salmon lies, and detect the subtle takes that separate successful salmon anglers from weekend warriors. All gear is included, but if you have favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along.
"I've caught many different fish species before, but this was my first-ever steelhead!" - Steve
Chinook salmon are the kings of Michigan's fall run, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and fight like freight trains once they feel the hook. They start showing up in serious numbers by late September and keep coming through October. Chinooks prefer the deeper water and often hold in pools during the day before moving at dusk and dawn. What makes them special is their sheer power – they'll strip line, jump, and bulldoze toward structure with a determination that tests your drag and your nerves. The satisfaction of landing a big chinook on river tackle is something every salmon angler needs to experience.
Atlantic salmon bring a different kind of excitement to Michigan waters. These acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. Atlantics typically run smaller than chinooks, averaging 8-15 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. They love current breaks and often hold in the tailouts of pools where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time as they're still aggressive and haven't fully transitioned to spawning mode. What's really cool about atlantics is their stamina – they'll fight hard right to the net, often surprising anglers with last-second bursts when you think you have them beat.
Coho salmon, or silver salmon, are the speed demons of the salmon world. These fish are built for action with their streamlined bodies and aggressive feeding behavior. Cohos typically range from 5-12 pounds but punch way above their weight class when it comes to fighting ability. They love faster water and will chase lures with an enthusiasm that makes them a blast to target. September through November is peak coho time in Michigan tributaries, and they often travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll likely find more. Their chrome-bright sides and acrobatic displays make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate both beauty and battle in their quarry.
Michigan's fall salmon season doesn't wait around, and neither should you. The prime weeks fill up fast because local anglers and visitors alike know this is when the fishing peaks. Our small group format means limited availability, but it also means you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The combination of expert guiding, prime fishing locations, and Michigan's world-class salmon runs creates an experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Whether you're looking to check salmon off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler wanting to experience Michigan's legendary fall run, this trip delivers. Book now and get ready to feel that unmistakable pull of a Great Lakes salmon on the other end of your line.
Hit the Michigan rivers aboard our 2019 Steathcraft Jetsled, a game-changing fishing machine built for serious anglers. This cutting-edge motorboat comes equipped with advanced fish finder technology that'll help you spot steelhead, salmon, and lake trout hiding in the depths - no more guessing where the fish are biting. The Jetsled's sleek design cuts through river currents with ease, getting you to those prime fishing holes quickly and quietly. Perfect for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around the deck. Whether you're working the deeper pools for big salmon or targeting steelhead runs near structure, this boat handles Michigan's diverse river conditions like a pro. The fish finder gives you that crucial edge every angler wants - seeing what's below before you drop your line.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon in Michigan waters run 28-30 inches and pack serious muscle at 8-12 pounds. These sleek, silver-bodied fish are built for speed and known for their aerial displays once hooked. They prefer cooler water temperatures and often hold in deeper pools during warmer parts of the day. Fall brings the best fishing when they're moving into tributaries. What sets them apart is their incredible stamina - they'll make long runs and jump repeatedly, making every hookup memorable. The meat is top-shelf quality with that classic salmon flavor. One thing I've learned over the years: match your fly color to the water conditions. In clear water, go subtle with natural tones, but when it's cloudy or stained, darker patterns like black and purple really get their attention.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of Michigan's salmon fishing, running 12-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing even bigger. These silver-sided fighters with black-spotted backs and tails love deep, cold water and will test your drag like nothing else. Fall is prime time when they're staging in river mouths and tributaries. What makes them special? That legendary fight combined with rich, orange meat that's hard to beat on the table. They tend to hug bottom structure, so don't be afraid to get your gear down deep. Here's a local trick: when the water's stained from fall rains, bright chartreuse and orange lures really shine. Kings are light-sensitive, so early morning and evening sessions often produce the best action.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of Michigan's fall runs, typically running 8-12 pounds and known for their spectacular jumps - they can clear 6 feet vertically when hooked. These bright silver fish with dark backs love structure like fallen trees and undercut banks in deeper pools. September through November is peak season when they're fresh from the big water and full of fight. Cohos are aggressive feeders and will hit lures hard, making them perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. The bright orange meat is excellent eating too. They respond well to movement, so I always tell guests to keep their presentations active. A good trick for holding water is twitching a jig with a long tail - that subtle movement drives them crazy when they're being finicky.
5.0 out of 5.0I've caught many different fish species before, but this was my first-ever steelhead!
Grand River, MI