Expert-Guided 7-Hour River Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Muskegon River
$185 - $825 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of action-packed fishing on the river! This 7-hour trip targets hard-fighting Smallmouth Bass, Pike, and Trout, depending on the season. From mid-May through October, you'll chase Smallmouths known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Pike fishing kicks off in late April on the Pine River, offering chances at these toothy predators through November. Choose between spin or fly gear to match your style – our guide will help you dial in the right techniques. We'll stop for a grilled lunch to keep your energy up as you cast for these prized fish. The river's always changing, so every trip brings new challenges and opportunities. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to improve your skills, this full-day outing gives you plenty of time to work different spots and tactics. Don't forget your fishing license, and be ready for a day of bent rods and screaming reels!

Expert-Guided 7-Hour River Fishing Adventure

River Fishing Action

Rainbow Trout caught while fishing in MI

Kids Fish for free in July!

Peaceful waters, big bass ahead!

Angler reeling in a 19-inch fish in Michigan

Scenic fishing on Michigan’s rivers.

Trophy fish waiting in Michigan!

Full-Day River Adventure: Bass, Pike, and Trout

Get ready for an action-packed day on the water with our 7-hour river fishing trip. We'll be targeting some of the most exciting gamefish in the area - Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Brown Trout. This trip is perfect for anglers who want to maximize their time on the river and experience the thrill of battling multiple species. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to river fishing, our expert guides will make sure you have a blast and hopefully land some trophy fish.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start early to make the most of the day, meeting at our launch site on the Pine River. Your guide will go over the game plan, rig up your gear, and get you settled in the boat. Depending on the season and water conditions, we'll target different areas of the river known for holding big fish. You can choose between spin or fly gear - we've got both covered. Throughout the day, we'll float downstream, hitting prime fishing spots and working different techniques. Your guide will be there every step of the way, offering tips and helping you perfect your technique. Around midday, we'll stop for a delicious grilled lunch on the riverbank - nothing beats a hot meal in the great outdoors. Then it's back to the action for the afternoon bite. By the end of the day, you'll have covered miles of pristine river and hopefully tangled with some hard-fighting fish.

Techniques & Terrain

River fishing is all about reading the water and adapting to conditions. We'll use a mix of casting and drifting techniques, targeting structure like fallen trees, deep pools, and rocky shorelines where big fish love to hide. For Smallmouth Bass, we often use soft plastics, topwater lures, or streamer flies. Pike respond well to big, flashy lures or streamers that mimic wounded baitfish. When targeting trout, we might switch to more delicate presentations with nymphs or dry flies. The Pine River offers a diverse mix of habitats, from fast-moving riffles to deep, slow-moving pools. Your guide will explain how different species use these habitats and how to effectively fish each one. Be ready for some wading if conditions allow - there's nothing like feeling the current around your legs as you cast to a rising trout.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: These bronzebacks are the stars of the show from mid-May through late October. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. Expect acrobatic jumps and strong runs when you hook into a good one. They typically range from 1-3 pounds, but 4-5 pounders aren't uncommon. Smallies love current and structure, so we'll focus on rocky areas and woody debris.

Northern Pike: If you're after a toothy predator, Pike are your target. We can chase these guys from late April through November on the Pine River. They're ambush predators, often lurking in weed beds or near drop-offs. Pike hit hard and fight dirty, so be ready for some excitement. Most fish run 2-5 pounds, but 10+ pounders are possible. The cooler months of spring and fall are prime time for trophy Pike.

Brown Trout: These wary fish are a challenge to catch, but well worth the effort. Browns are known for their selective feeding and cunning nature. We target them year-round, but spring and fall offer the best chances at big fish. Expect most Browns to be in the 12-16 inch range, with the occasional bruiser pushing 20 inches or more. The thrill of watching a big Brown rise to a dry fly is hard to beat.

Largemouth Bass: While not as common as their Smallmouth cousins in rivers, we do encounter Largemouth in certain sections of the Pine. They prefer slower water and areas with lots of cover like fallen trees or weed beds. Largemouth put up a great fight and can grow quite large in river systems - 2-4 pounders are common, with the chance at a 5+ pound fish.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our full-day river trips offer something for everyone. Beginners love the hands-on instruction and variety of species, while experienced anglers appreciate the opportunity to fish different techniques and cover lots of water. The scenery along the Pine River is stunning, with forested banks, wildlife sightings, and crystal-clear water. It's not uncommon to spot eagles, otters, or deer during your trip. The included lunch is always a hit - there's nothing like swapping fish stories over a hot meal on the riverbank. Many of our repeat customers say this trip offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. You'll leave with new skills, great memories, and hopefully some photos of your catch to show off back home.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience some of the best river fishing the area has to offer? Our 7-hour trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to tangle with hard-fighting Smallmouth, battle toothy Pike, or outsmart a wary Brown Trout, this trip has it all. Remember to grab your fishing license before the trip, and we'll take care of the rest. Bring your camera, a positive attitude, and get ready for a day of non-stop action on the water. Don't miss out on this top-rated fishing adventure - book your spot now and get ready to make some lasting memories on the river!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are wily and challenging to catch, which is why anglers love pursuing them. They typically run 12-20 inches but can grow much larger. Look for browns in cool, clear streams with plenty of cover like undercut banks and fallen trees. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are cooler. Anglers prize brown trout for their fighting ability and selective feeding habits. They can be picky eaters, so matching the hatch is crucial. Try nymphs, streamers, or dry flies depending on conditions. A local secret: focus on fishing during low light periods like early morning or dusk when big browns are more likely to feed. And remember, a stealthy approach is key – these fish spook easily.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the heavyweight champs of freshwater fishing. They average 1-5 pounds but can grow over 10. You'll find them in weedy shallows, near submerged logs, or hanging around docks. Spring and fall are prime, but they'll bite year-round. Anglers love largies for their explosive strikes and powerful fights. They're not the best eating, but catch-and-release keeps 'em growing. Plastic worms, jigs, and topwater lures all work well. Try flipping jigs into thick cover or working a buzzbait across the surface at dawn. Here's a tip: when bass are sluggish in summer heat, slow down your retrieve and fish deeper structure. And don't forget to set the hook hard – these fish have tough mouths!

Northern Pike

Northern pike are toothy predators that'll test your skills. These "water wolves" average 2-3 feet but can grow much bigger. They hang out in weedy shallows and along drop-offs, ambushing prey. Spring and fall are hot times as pike move shallow. Anglers prize them for their fierce fights and impressive size. Be ready for explosive strikes and powerful runs. Pike aren't known for taste, but they're a blast to catch. Try big spoons, inline spinners, or large minnow baits. Cast to weed edges and retrieve steadily. Here's a tip: use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. And keep your fingers away from that mouth when unhooking!

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a run for your money. They typically run 12-20 inches and prefer cool, clear waters with rocky or gravel bottoms. Look for them around submerged logs, boulders, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active in shallower areas. Anglers love smallies for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also tasty eating if you're into that. For best results, try soft plastic tubes or jigs bounced along the bottom. A local trick: on calm days, walk the banks quietly and sight-fish for cruising smallmouth – it's a blast when you can watch them attack your lure. Just remember to use lighter line, as they can be line-shy in clear water.

About the My Buddy

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Nissan

Maximum Cruising Speed: 10

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 5

Hop aboard for a full day of fishing action on the Pine River! This roomy vessel has space for you and your gear as we cruise the waters in search of feisty smallmouth bass, pike, and trout. With seven hours to explore, we'll hit all the prime spots where the fish are biting. Whether you prefer spin casting or fly fishing, we've got you covered with the right equipment. As we navigate the river, keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks. When lunchtime rolls around, we'll fire up the grill for a tasty meal to recharge. The comfortable setup lets you focus on reeling in the big ones without worrying about a thing. Just bring your fishing license and sense of adventure - we'll take care of the rest on this laid-back river journey.

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