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Michigan's Premier Guided Drift Fishing Experience
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Baldwin, MI
- $150 - $475 price range
Summary
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River Trout Action
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Reel in Adventure: Guided Drift Fishing in Michigan
Get ready to cast your line into some of the best trout waters in the Midwest! Our guided drift fishing trips take you straight to the heart of Michigan's pristine rivers, where wild browns and brookies are waiting to test your skills. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, our expert guides will help you navigate the currents and land the catch of a day. With year-round trips and space for two in our trusty drift boat, you're in for a day of top-notch fishing and pure Michigan beauty.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're gliding down a crystal-clear Michigan river, fly rod in hand, as your guide points out the perfect spot to drop your line. That's what you're in for with our guided drift fishing trips. We'll spend a full day on the water, hitting prime fishing spots that change with the seasons. Our drift boat gives us access to parts of the river that waders can't reach, upping your chances of hooking into something special. And don't worry about growling stomachs - we've got lunch covered, so you can focus on the fish.
Michigan's rivers are famous for their wild trout, and for good reason. These fish are born and raised in the river, making them smart and tough to catch. It's a challenge that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Whether you're after the golden-flanked brown trout or the jewel-like brook trout, our guides know exactly where to find them and what they're biting on any given day.
Casting Techniques & River Know-How
Drift fishing is an art, and our guides are masters at it. We'll teach you the ins and outs of presenting your fly just right, whether that's a delicate dry fly presentation or a streamer strip that'll make a big brown move. You'll learn to read the water, spotting those subtle current seams and underwater structures where the big ones like to hide.
We provide all the gear you need, from top-quality fly rods to the flies that are working best that day. Our guides tie their own patterns, so you'll be fishing with flies that are proven to work on these specific waters. And if you're new to fly fishing, don't sweat it. We'll start with the basics and have you casting like a pro in no time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Brook Trout: The native jewels of Michigan's rivers, brook trout are a sight to behold. These colorful fighters might not grow as big as their brown trout cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in beauty and spunk. Look for them in faster, colder water, especially near log jams and undercut banks. Fall is prime time for brookies when their colors are at their most vibrant.
Brown Trout: The kings of Michigan's rivers, brown trout are the trophy fish many anglers dream about. These clever fish can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 20 inches or more. They're most active during low light conditions, so early mornings and evenings can be magic. Brown trout love to hang out near deep pools and undercut banks, waiting to ambush their prey.
Rainbow Trout: Known for their acrobatic fights, rainbow trout are a blast to catch on a fly rod. They tend to prefer faster water than browns and are often found in riffles and runs. Spring and fall are excellent times to target rainbows, especially when insect hatches are in full swing.
Smallmouth Bass: When the water warms up in summer, smallmouth bass fishing heats up too. These hard-fighting fish love rocky areas and sunken logs. Throwing streamers or poppers for smallies is some of the most exciting fly fishing you can do. They hit hard and fight even harder, often leaping clear out of the water.
Northern Pike: The toothy predators of Michigan's rivers, northern pike add an extra thrill to any fishing trip. They're ambush predators that love to hang out in weedy areas and near fallen trees. Catching a pike on a fly rod is a real rush - they hit like a freight train and put up a fierce fight. We use wire leaders when targeting pike to prevent those razor-sharp teeth from cutting the line.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about drifting down a Michigan river, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature. It's not just about the fishing - though that's pretty darn good. It's about disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with the natural world. Our guests often tell us that a day on the river is like hitting a reset button for their stress levels.
And let's not forget the learning aspect. Whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or you're looking to fine-tune your technique, our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge. You'll come away from the trip with new skills, a deeper appreciation for Michigan's waterways, and probably a few fish stories to tell.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to test your skills against Michigan's wild trout? Our guided drift fishing trips are booking up fast, especially for prime seasons. With only two spots per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with your guide to really dial in your technique. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or want to give someone an unforgettable gift, a day on the river with us is just the ticket.
Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the best fly fishing Michigan has to offer. Give us a call or hop online to book your trip. We'll handle all the details - you just need to show up ready for a day of world-class fishing in some of the most beautiful rivers you'll ever see. Trust us, once you've fished Michigan's rivers from a drift boat, you'll be hooked for life.
Learn more about the species
Brook Trout
Brook trout are the jewels of Michigan's rivers, typically ranging from 8 to 12 inches. These native beauties thrive in cold, clean streams with plenty of cover. You'll find them tucked away near fallen logs and undercut banks. Brookies are most active in spring and fall when water temps are cooler. Anglers love targeting them for their stunning colors and the challenge they present. These fish are wary and easily spooked, so a stealthy approach is key. When fly fishing, I always tell folks to keep their casts short and accurate - no need for long, showy presentations here. A well-placed dry fly or small nymph right along the banks can be deadly. And don't overlook those tiny pocket waters - some of the biggest brookies often hide in the smallest spots. There's nothing quite like the thrill of fooling a wild brook trout on a light rod in a pristine stream.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are the wily trophies of Michigan's rivers, typically ranging from 12-20 inches but capable of growing much larger. You'll find them in cooler streams with plenty of cover - undercut banks, fallen trees, and deep pools are prime lies. Fall is the best season for big browns as they become more aggressive before spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their selective feeding habits and powerful fights. These fish are often most active at low light, so don't be afraid to fish early mornings or evenings. One local tip: when fishing larger rivers, don't overlook smaller tributary mouths. Big browns often cruise these areas looking for an easy meal. Streamer fishing can be incredibly effective, especially with larger patterns that imitate baitfish or crayfish. There's nothing quite like the heart-stopping take of a trophy brown inhaling your fly!
Northern Pike
Northern pike are the aggressive predators of Michigan's waters, typically ranging from 24-36 inches but capable of growing much larger. You'll find them lurking in weedy bays and along drop-offs in lakes and slower rivers. Spring and fall are prime pike seasons when they're most active in shallow water. Anglers love targeting pike for their explosive strikes and powerful fights. These toothy critters will hit just about anything that moves, making them a blast on both conventional and fly gear. One local trick: when pike are following but not committing, try a figure-eight retrieve right at the boat. Sometimes that last-second change of direction triggers a strike. Just remember to pack your wire leaders - those razor-sharp teeth will make quick work of regular line. There's nothing quite like the rush of a big pike smashing a topwater lure or streamer fly!
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a favorite target in Michigan's rivers, typically running 12-20 inches. You'll find them in cool, well-oxygenated streams, often hanging out in deeper pools and runs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are ideal. Rainbows are known for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors, making them a blast to catch on light tackle. Anglers love the challenge of fooling these wary fish with carefully presented flies or lures. One local tip: don't overlook the "banana water" - that golden-colored foam line where currents converge. It's often loaded with insects and prime feeding lies. When nymphing, a tandem rig with a larger stonefly pattern followed by a smaller mayfly nymph can be deadly. And keep an eye out for hatches - there's nothing quite like sight-fishing to rising trout during a good mayfly or caddis hatch.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are one of Michigan's most exciting gamefish, averaging 1-4 pounds but capable of reaching 6+ pounds. You'll find them in clear, rocky areas of lakes and rivers, often near drop-offs or current breaks. Early summer is prime time as they move shallow to spawn. Smallies are famous for their acrobatic fights - pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish out there. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and aerial displays when hooked. In rivers, focus on deeper pools and eddies, especially during summer's heat. One local trick: when the water's warm, try topwater lures early morning or late evening. There's nothing like the explosion of a big smallmouth crushing a surface bait. Just be ready to hold on tight - these bronze backs don't give up easily!
About the Hyde
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Oars
Maximum Cruising Speed: 10
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 1
