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Michigan's Top-Rated 5-Hour River Fishing Trip

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Muskegon River
  • $185 - $825 price range

Summary

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing on Michigan's scenic rivers! This 5-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to target a variety of species, including Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Pike, and Trout. You'll use light tackle with spin or fly gear options to suit your style. The trip runs from May through October, giving you plenty of chances to land that trophy catch. With room for up to two anglers, it's a great opportunity to fish with a buddy or get some one-on-one time with your guide. Water and snacks are provided, so you can focus on the fishing. Remember to bring your license, and get set for a day full of casts, bites, and the peaceful flow of the river. Whether you're after the thrill of reeling in a big one or just want to enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this trip has you covered. It's a fantastic way to experience Michigan's diverse fisheries and improve your angling skills.
Michigan's Top-Rated 5-Hour River Fishing Trip

River Fishing Action

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Fisherman with 35-inch northern pike in MI

Chasing pike in Michigan’s rivers.

Chain Pickerel fish caught in Alma

Hooked on Michigan river fishing!

Catch of the day: a mighty Northern Pike, 22 inches long, reeled in from the waters of MI.

Pike fishing at its finest!

A single rainbow trout caught in Alma

Big catches, calm waters—Michigan fishing.

Rainbow Trout caught while fishing in MI

Kids Fish for free in July!

Successful fishing trip in MI

Peaceful waters, big bass ahead!

Angler reeling in a 19-inch fish in Michigan

Scenic fishing on Michigan’s rivers.

Fishing in MI with one fish

Trophy fish waiting in Michigan!

Northern Pike fish caught in MI

Reel in the action on Michigan rivers!

Impressive Northern Pike caught fishing in Alma

Cast, reel, repeat—Michigan style.

Fisherman with 35-inch northern pike in MI

Chasing pike in Michigan’s rivers.

Chain Pickerel fish caught in Alma

Hooked on Michigan river fishing!

Catch of the day: a mighty Northern Pike, 22 inches long, reeled in from the waters of MI.

Pike fishing at its finest!

A single rainbow trout caught in Alma

Big catches, calm waters—Michigan fishing.

Rainbow Trout caught while fishing in MI

Kids Fish for free in July!

Successful fishing trip in MI

Peaceful waters, big bass ahead!

Angler reeling in a 19-inch fish in Michigan

Scenic fishing on Michigan’s rivers.

Fishing in MI with one fish

Trophy fish waiting in Michigan!

Northern Pike fish caught in MI

Reel in the action on Michigan rivers!

Impressive Northern Pike caught fishing in Alma

Cast, reel, repeat—Michigan style.

Fisherman with 35-inch northern pike in MI

Chasing pike in Michigan’s rivers.

Chain Pickerel fish caught in Alma

Hooked on Michigan river fishing!

Catch of the day: a mighty Northern Pike, 22 inches long, reeled in from the waters of MI.

Pike fishing at its finest!

A single rainbow trout caught in Alma

Big catches, calm waters—Michigan fishing.

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Michigan's River Fishing Paradise Awaits

Get ready to reel in some serious action on Michigan's pristine rivers! Our 5-hour private trip puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're after hard-fighting smallmouth bass, toothy northern pike, or elusive brown trout, we've got the spots and the know-how to make it happen. Grab your favorite rod, and let's hit the water for a day you won't forget.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step into our boat, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise down scenic riverways, surrounded by Michigan's lush forests and wildlife. Our expert guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll have you on fish in no time. Light tackle is the name of the game here – it's all about finesse and feeling those subtle strikes. Don't worry if you're new to river fishing; we'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time. With snacks and water on board, you can focus on what matters: landing that trophy catch.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

River fishing is an art, and we've got all the tricks up our sleeve. For smallmouth bass, we might start with a finesse worm on a drop shot rig, working those rocky areas where the big ones love to hide. When targeting pike, we'll switch it up to some flashy spinnerbaits or maybe even try our luck with topwater lures – there's nothing quite like seeing a pike explode on the surface! If you're after trout, we'll break out the fly rods and show you how to present those flies just right. Whether you prefer spinning gear or want to try your hand at fly fishing, we've got you covered with all the right equipment and techniques.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Awesome time best guide ever" - Michael

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: These bronze bruisers are the kings of the river. Known for their acrobatic fights, smallies in Michigan can grow up to 5-6 pounds. They love fast water and rocky areas, so we'll target these spots with finesse baits. The best time to chase smallmouth is from mid-May through late October when the water's warm and they're actively feeding. There's nothing quite like feeling that first headshake when a big smallie takes your lure!

Northern Pike: These toothy predators are the perfect target if you're looking for some serious action. Michigan pike can grow well over 40 inches, with a season running from early May to November on the Pine River. We'll use heavy-duty leaders and big lures to entice these aggressive fish. Pike are known for their powerful strikes and long runs, so hold on tight when one of these guys hits!

Brown Trout: For those who love a challenge, brown trout are the ticket. These wary fish require stealth and precise presentations, but the reward is worth it. Michigan's rivers hold some trophy-sized browns, often lurking in deep pools and undercut banks. We'll use light tippets and match-the-hatch flies to fool these smart fish. The thrill of watching a big brown rise to your dry fly is hard to beat!

Largemouth Bass: While not as common in rivers as their smallmouth cousins, largemouth bass can still provide some exciting action. These fish love structure and cover, so we'll target fallen trees and weed edges. Michigan largemouth can grow up to 8 pounds or more, and they're suckers for a well-placed topwater lure. When a big largemouth blows up on your bait, it's an adrenaline rush like no other!

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, there's a reason why our trips are always in high demand – we deliver the goods. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a newbie hoping to land your first river catch, we've got you covered. With our expert guides, top-notch gear, and insider knowledge of Michigan's best fishing spots, you're in for a day of non-stop action. Don't let another fishing season slip by without experiencing the best that Michigan's rivers have to offer. Grab your fishing buddy (or come solo – more fish for you!), and let's make some memories on the water. Book your trip now, and get ready to tell your own fish tales!

Customer Review

Unforgettable Guide

quotes

Awesome time best guide ever

MS
Michael Swanson

June 3, 2024

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are a prized catch in Michigan's cool, clear streams. They typically run 12-20 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them holding in deep pools, under cut banks, or near fallen trees. Browns are most active in spring and fall when water temps are cooler. They're known for being selective and wary, making them a challenge to catch. Anglers love browns for their beauty and the skill it takes to fool them. To up your odds, try drifting nymphs or tossing small spinners in low light conditions. One local trick: focus on undercut banks during midday heat - that's where the big ones hide. Whether you're fly fishing or spin casting, landing a big brown trout is always a thrill.

Brown Trout

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the heavy hitters of Michigan's lakes and slow-moving rivers. They average 2-5 pounds but can top 10. Look for them around structure like fallen trees, weed beds, and docks. They're most active in warmer months, especially during low light periods. Largemouths are famous for their explosive topwater strikes and powerful fights. Anglers love targeting them for their size and the variety of techniques that work. To entice a big one, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near cover. One local tip: in summer, focus on deeper weed edges where big bass hang out to stay cool. Whether you're after quantity or quality, largemouth bass fishing offers non-stop action and the chance at a real trophy.

Largemouth Bass

Northern Pike

Northern pike are the ambush predators of Michigan's rivers. They're long and sleek, averaging 24-30 inches but can top 40. Look for them in weedy areas, especially near drop-offs. Pike are most active in cooler water, so spring and fall are prime. These toothy critters will smash big lures and put up a mean fight. Anglers love targeting pike for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. When hooked, they'll often leap clear out of the water. To land one, use a steel leader - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through regular line. Try tossing big spoons or swimbaits near weed edges. Pike fishing is all about patience and precision casting. When you hook into a big one, hang on tight!

Northern Pike

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are real fighters, usually running 12-20 inches and 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in clear, cool rivers with rocky bottoms. They love hanging around structure like fallen trees or boulders. Prime fishing is from mid-May through October when the water's warm. Smallies are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll give you a run for your money on light tackle. To entice a bite, try working a tube jig or crawfish imitation slowly along the bottom. These bass have excellent eyesight, so natural colors and stealthy presentations work best. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to tangle with a hard-fighting fish, smallmouth bass deliver an exciting day on the water.

Smallmouth Bass

About the My Buddy

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Nissan

Maximum Cruising Speed: 10

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 5

Get ready to hit Michigan's scenic rivers for an action-packed 5 hours of fishing! We'll be targeting a variety of species including Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Pike, and Trout. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to make the most of their time on the water. You can choose between light tackle, spin gear, or fly fishing equipment to suit your preferred style. We welcome up to two guests, so bring a buddy if you'd like. Water and snacks are provided to keep you fueled up as you cast your line. The prime Smallmouth Bass season runs from mid-May through late October, while Pike fishing on the Pine River is excellent from early May to November. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or just want to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature, this trip has you covered. Don't forget your fishing license, and get ready for a fantastic day on Michigan's beautiful rivers!
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Top-Tier Michigan River Fishing

Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies Guide Service welcomes you for a day full of adventure. Join Daniel Nealy, who has years of fishing experience in these waters. The Pine River is his home stream, but you can also do trips on the Chippewa and Muskegon Rivers.


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