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Michigan's Premium Full-Day River Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Michigan
- $400 - $500 price range
- Updated Date: September 13, 2025
Summary
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Big Catches on Display
Fishing dreams in Michigan!
Trophy trout territory!
Drifting for steelhead!
Steelhead season is here!
Fall fishing in Michigan!
Michigan’s trout trophy waters!
Fly fishing paradise!
Bait, cast, catch, repeat!
Fishing dreams in Michigan!
Trophy trout territory!
Drifting for steelhead!
Steelhead season is here!
Fall fishing in Michigan!
Michigan’s trout trophy waters!
Fly fishing paradise!
Bait, cast, catch, repeat!
Fishing dreams in Michigan!
Trophy trout territory!
Full Day Salmon & Trout Fishing in Michigan
Get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget! Our full-day Michigan fishing trip puts you right in the action, targeting some of the most sought-after game fish in the Great Lakes region. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will make sure you have a blast reeling in monster salmon and trophy trout. We've got all the gear you need, a delicious lunch to keep you fueled up, and insider knowledge of the best spots to land the big one. So grab a buddy and let's hit the water!
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't your grandpa's lazy day of fishing! We're talking about 8 full hours of non-stop action on Michigan's prime fishing grounds. You and your fishing partner will hop aboard our fully-equipped boat, ready to chase down steelhead, salmon, and even the toothy northern pike. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some world-class angling. We provide all the top-notch gear you need, from rods and reels to the latest tackle and bait. And don't worry about packing a lunch - we've got you covered with a hearty meal to keep your energy up (just let us know if you've got any food allergies). Whether we're hitting the rivers or exploring the lakes, you're in for a day of fish-filled fun.
Techniques & Gear Rundown
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of tried-and-true techniques to land those big fish. Depending on the season and target species, we might be trolling with downriggers for deep-running salmon, or working the shorelines with crankbaits for aggressive pike. For trout and steelhead, we often use drift fishing techniques, letting our bait or lures float naturally with the current. We've got a full arsenal of gear at our disposal - everything from light spinning tackle for finesse fishing to heavy-duty trolling setups for battling those hard-fighting salmon. Our guides will walk you through each technique, showing you the ropes if you're new or helping you fine-tune your skills if you're an old pro. And hey, if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, feel free to bring it along!
Top Catches This Season
Anglers have been hauling in some real beauties lately! The salmon run has been hot, with some monster chinooks tipping the scales at over 20 pounds. Steelhead action has been picking up too, with chrome-bright fish fresh from the big lake giving anglers the fight of their lives. And let's not forget about those wily brown trout - we've seen some real footballs coming to the net. The best part? Every trip is different, and you never know when that fish of a lifetime is going to hit your line. That's what keeps folks coming back year after year for another shot at Michigan fishing glory.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Rainbow Trout: These acrobatic fighters are a favorite among anglers for their stunning colors and spirited fights. In Michigan, you can find them in both stocked and wild populations throughout the year. They love cold, clean water and are often found in faster-moving sections of rivers. Rainbow trout typically range from 1-5 pounds, but larger specimens are not uncommon. Spring and fall are prime times to target these beauties, when water temperatures are optimal and they're feeding aggressively.
Coho Salmon: Often called "silver salmon," cohos are known for their hard-hitting strikes and spectacular leaps when hooked. These fish typically weigh between 5-10 pounds and are at their peak in late summer and early fall when they begin their spawning runs. Cohos are prized for their delicious orange-red flesh and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're often found near river mouths and along shorelines, making them accessible to both boat and shore anglers.
Steelhead Trout: Steelhead are essentially sea-run rainbow trout, and they're some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll ever encounter. These chrome rockets can reach weights of 5-15 pounds and are famous for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Michigan sees two main runs of steelhead - a fall run starting in October and a spring run peaking in March and April. Hooking into one of these silver bullets is an experience you won't forget!
Chinook Salmon: Also known as "king salmon," chinooks are the largest of the Pacific salmon species found in the Great Lakes. These bruisers can top 30 pounds and put up an epic battle on rod and reel. The peak of the chinook run is typically in September and October, but you can find them in Michigan waters from late summer through fall. Trolling with downriggers is a popular method for targeting these giants, and landing one is often the highlight of an angler's season.
Brown Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these fish come in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns. Brown trout are known for their wariness and can be a real challenge to catch, which makes landing one all the sweeter. They typically range from 2-8 pounds but can grow much larger. Browns prefer cooler water and are often found near structure like fallen trees or undercut banks. Early morning and evening are prime times to target these elusive predators, especially with fly fishing techniques.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks - if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Michigan's finest game fish, now's the time to lock in your trip. For just $500, you and a buddy can spend a full day chasing salmon, trout, and pike with all the gear and guidance you need to make it happen. And if you've got a third angler in your crew, it's only an extra $50 to bring them along. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit and hear your reel screaming, you'll be hooked for life. Don't miss out on the chance to create some epic fishing memories - give us a call and let's get your adventure on the books. The fish are waiting, and the water's calling your name!
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout are the crafty veterans of Michigan streams. These fish typically run 12-20 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them in cool, clear rivers and streams, often tucked under cut banks or lurking near logs. Browns are known for being selective and wary, which makes them a fun challenge. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on summer evenings when they come out to feed. Anglers prize browns for their beautiful spotted patterns and their reputation as tough fighters. They also make for excellent table fare. When targeting browns, stealth is key. Try drifting nymphs or casting streamers near cover. Here's a local tip: in the fall, go big with your flies or lures - browns get aggressive as they prepare to spawn. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to outsmart these clever fish, brown trout offer a rewarding experience for any angler.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, or "kings," are the heavyweight champs of the Great Lakes. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with most falling in the 15-25 pound range. They're found in deep, cold waters of Lake Michigan and run up our rivers to spawn in fall. Chinooks are prized for their powerful fights and rich, flavorful meat. When lake fishing, we target them by trolling deep with downriggers, typically 50-100 feet down. In rivers, look for them in deep holes and behind current breaks. Fall is prime time as they make their spawning runs, but summer lake fishing can be red hot too. Anglers love kings for their sheer size and strength - hooking one feels like you've snagged a freight train. Here's a tip: when river fishing, try skein under a float or swinging large flies. These fish hit hard, so hold on tight!
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are a favorite target here in Michigan. These fish typically weigh 8-12 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them in our larger rivers and out in the Great Lakes. Fall is the prime time to catch coho as they make their spawning runs upriver. That's when they're most aggressive and their meat is at its best. Anglers love coho for their acrobatic leaps and hard runs - they'll really test your gear. When fishing rivers, look for them in deeper pools and near cover. Out on the big lake, we troll for them in the top 30 feet of water. Here's a tip: when river fishing, try swinging bright spinners through likely holding spots. Coho hit hard and fast, so be ready! Whether you're after a trophy or just want some delicious fillets, coho salmon are hard to beat.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a blast to catch and a staple in Michigan waters. These beauties typically run 12-24 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often hanging out near rocks or fallen trees. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can land them year-round. Rainbows are known for their acrobatic jumps and stunning colors - that pink stripe along the side is unmistakable. They're also excellent eating fish, with a mild, nutty flavor. When targeting rainbows, try drifting nymphs or eggs through deep pools. A local trick: on bright days, use flashy, attention-grabbing flies. These fish can be picky eaters, so matching the hatch is key. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, rainbow trout offer an exciting challenge and a tasty reward.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of the trout world. These sea-run rainbow trout average 24 inches but can push 30-plus inches and 15 pounds. They're known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps. In Michigan, we catch them in rivers and the Great Lakes. Fall and spring are prime seasons when they're running upstream to spawn. Steelhead love cold, fast-moving water, so focus on riffles and deep pools. These fish are prized for their hard-fighting nature and tasty, pink flesh. Fly anglers swear by swinging streamers or drifting egg patterns. If you're spin fishing, try bouncing spawn bags or drifting jigs under a float. Here's a local tip: when water's high and cloudy, go big and bright with your lures. Steelhead fishing can be challenging, but landing one of these chrome beauties is an experience you won't forget.
About the River Chasing Guide Service
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 24
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
