MICHIGAN KING SALMON FISHING GUIDES
• LIGHT TACKLE • FLY FISHING • SALMON • STEELHEAD GUIDES •
All Inclusive Michigan guided King Salmon fishing trips. Salmon, Trout & Steelhead Reports.
Open Guides Dates for Smallmouth – Trout trips on the Muskegon & Big Manistee Rivers.
BOOK YOUR KING SALMON TRIP HERE
(King Salmon trips from August 25th – October 25)
Morning Half Days Available.
Michigan King Salmon Fishing Report – September 2nd, 2026
Open guide dates: Sept. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28
October: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23…
(We have 5 boats available)
(9/2/26) Great News!! It seems like this year’s King Salmon run is going to be a little bit early. Over the past several days, a good number of fresh salmon have moved up river, from Pine Creek, up towards the Tippy Dam area. This seems to be about two weeks earlier than normal.
Decent numbers of fresh Kings in Pere Marquette Lake. Jigging P-Line Jigging spoons has been doing well. Wonder bread and Blue Herrings spoons getting the strikes. Starting to see a handful of King Salmon in the Big Manistee River, and the Little Manistee River. The area below the “Tubes” on the Little Manistee River, is holding a decent amount of fish. There is also a few in the Pere Marquette River, Indian Bridge to Custer – Scottville. Casting Thunder sticks, has been working well. Floating skein eggs under a float has also been working well for fresh King Salmon.
Trout fishing on the Muskegon River has been excellent. The new 15″ size limit on brown trout that was implemented a few years ago, has made for some epic trout fishing, and a much larger average size of Brown trout. Trout, both Browns, and resident Rainbows have been feeding heavily on small crayfish, Salmon Fry, Spot tail Shiners, and a plethora of small bait fish. Streamer fishing, Spinners, and castings small crank baits, have all been fishing well. The water clarity is now very good. The Muskegon River is clear, with 4′ – 6′ visability. Insect hatches with be coming soon, including the Isonychia Bicolor, Cinnamon Sedge Caddis, and the up coming Gray Drake Spinner Fall. (Usually Late May, June)
The Muskegon River Sucker Spawn is coming up in mid to late May. Spawning Redhorse Suckers, White Sucker, and Hog Nose Sucker, provide great trout fishing behind the spawning suckers redds. The annual sucker migration provides numbers of actively feeding trout, during the day. Our techniques offer both fly fishing, and light tackle spinning gear, and offer the chance for anglers to land the Trout of a lifetime. Trophy Trout are available at this time!
Manistee River King Salmon – The last week of October is usually peak week for Michigan Salmon fishing. This year, mother nature is two weeks or more behind. Kings salmon are just now beginning to dig gravel, and spawn. The main peak run this year should be around Oct 15th. There are a good number of King Salmon, Coho, Fall run Steelhead, are in the river. Salmon fishing is now very good, with both shore anglers, and boats – guides are all doing well.
Best bite has now been drifting flies with a light pencil sinker. Black, and brown, natural colored flies have been fishing the best.
We received a big rain the past two days in West Michigan, and cold nights. There are now plenty of Salmon to fish, especially on the Big Manistee River, and Pere Marquette. Both rivers now have a lot of fish.
Good luck out there angler friends. Tight lines.
Lower Pere Marquette River, from Indian Bridge, Custer, and Scottville has a decent amount of fresh Salmon moving through the system. The Dow Plant (Twin Bridges) near PM Lake has been producing Salmon. Casting Fire Tiger Thunder sticks has been the key. Floating Salmon skein through the deeper holes has been good during the mid day sunshine. Pockets of shade, are holding fish.
Now booking Michigan Salmon Fishing trips for the Muskegon and Big Manistee Rivers. All inclusive, fully guided Salmon fishing adventures on Western Michigan’s best Salmon and Steelhead Rivers during September and October 2025.
We are now booking Summertime Trout, Smallmouth, and Fall Salmon dates for the Muskegon River.
Please text me, or you may make your reservation here.
Fall Steelhead Rates for the Muskegon River 2025
Half Day, $395 – 2 anglers, * All Inclusive.
Full Day. $495 – 2 anglers, *All Inclusive.
** A 3rd angler may be added for an additional $150.
RIGHT NOW IS PRIME TIME FOR MICHIGAN KING SALMON FISHING!! We received a lot of rain today in the Brethren area. The fresh rain has the fish cranked and ready to start spawning. Salmon have been late to start digging redds this year, due to the low, clear water conditions. The Salmon are absolutely stacked in the deeper holes. Skein fishing has been excellent, as fish are waiting to spawn. The guides that are flossing, are getting limits of King Salmon at this time. More fish should definitely start piling in now.
The Big Manistee below Tippy Dam, is loaded with big numbers of fresh bright Chinook Salmon. There are big numbers of King Salmon in the deeper holes, basically loaded! (There is a shit ton of Salmon this year at Tippy!) We had a pretty good rain this morning, and some cooler weather. The fresh rain bumped up the water levels in the rivers. More King Salmon and Skamania Steelhead and Coho at Tippy. Lots of bright King Salmon showing up at Tippy Dam. Expect lots of Salmon at Tippy in the next few weeks. At least 80% or more of the Salmon migration, has entered the river. More fish entering the rivers each day, plenty more to come. Mid to Late October offers the best Salmon and Steelhead fishing of the whole year. There should be lots of Fall Steelhead this year. The hatchery / stocking 2020 mess is over. Steelhead are on a 3 year cycle so fishing should be normal the Fall, for Fall Steelhead. (Oct 15 – December 15th)
Next up, is floating Salmon Skein to get bit from Salmon. Dyed red Salmon cut into small pieces, drifted under a float, through the deeper areas. This has some savage bites, and some really good jumps!
Big Manistee River, below Tippy Dam- Starting to see a few Skamania Steelhead, and an occasional King Salmon entering the river. The big rain earlier this week, pushed up a handful of salmon. We are also starting to see King Salmon coming in closer to the piers, near Manistee, and Ludington. We are not far off from the Fall Salmon Season!!
Book a fishing guide>> (231) 519-7348
Smallmouth Bass fishing has also been great. These exceptionally strong fighters love warmer water. The best Smallmouth Bass fishing during the year, is later June, July, and August. The hotter the weather, the better the bite!
We also catch lots of other species during the summer months. Panfish, Pike, Musky, and Walleye abound in the Muskegon River. Good numbers of Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout are available during the summer. T
~ King Salmon Fishing on the Pere Marquette and Big Manistee Rivers. Light Tackle and Fly Fishing Guides ~
All Gear, Tackle, Flies, and Bait Included. All Inclusive Guided Salmon Fishing
FAQ – Questions about Salmon Trips and fun facts about Michigan Fall Steelhead Fishing.
(Please read this… )
1) Our guided Salmon – Steelhead fishing trips are all inclusive. All gear, tackle flies, bait, and tackle, rods, and reels are included Steelhead fishing trips in Michigan. You don’t need to bring anything. Lunch is not included.
You may keep 3 Salmon or Steelhead.
Morning Full Day $500 for 2 Anglers. Afternoon Half Day – $400 for 2 Anglers
We also clean your fish for free.
2) We only fish from jet boats. therefore there is no need for waders, etc. Soft soled shoes are recommended for the guided Salmon fishing adventures. tennis shoes, muck boots, soft soles shoes help anglers walk around our boats. and fight Michigan Salmon.
We do not offer wading trips. We keep customers inside our jet boats for liability, and insurance purposes.
3) We offer light spinning tackle, bait caster, and fly fishing trips for Fall Salmon & Steelhead. November and December are the best month for these great fish! We fish with a variety of baits however, trout beads, and hand tied spawn sacks typically work best.
Here is a video on fly fishing for salmon. ANYONE Can do this style of fly fishing for King Salmon in Michigan.
(Please watch the video to learn how)
4) King Salmon do not bite flies during the spawning season. We run the line and leader through their mouth while the fish is breathing. This technique is called lining, or flossing salmon. It is the same technique used for Sockeye Salmon in Alaska. A salmon hooked in the corner of the mouth is considered a legal catch. We do not keep salmon that are hooked else where.
Open Guide Dates for Trout – Conventional Tackle (Spinning / Bait Caster)
**Fly Fishing is Available**
Manistee and Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing – Fly or Light Tackle Spinning.
$500 – 2 anglers- Full Day. $400 – 2 anglers – Half Day. 3rd Angler – $150
Good number on Chinook King Salmon on gravel , beginning to spawn in the upper Manistee River near Tippy Dam Recreational Area. Coho Salmon are also now starting to stage in the soft pockets of water. Pastor Creek and Pine Creek both have nice pockets of Coho Salmon on the Manistee River. Also a handful of Skamania and Fall Steelhead milling around, hunting Salmon eggs.
Look for excellent Brown Trout fishing behind the spawning salmon. Trout beads are a must this time of year for Trout and early Steelhead. Other species are all feeding behind spawning Salmon below Tippy Dam.
Join us for World Class Steelhead fishing on Michigan’s Muskegon River, Located 30 minutes North of Grand Rapids, MI. Salmon Fishing Guides for Michigan’s Muskegon River, Pere Marquette, and Big Manistee River. Guided Steelhead Trips are all Inclusive, Includes all the gear, tackle, rods, reels that you may need. Heck, We’ll even clean your King Salmon for you!
• LIGHT TACKLE • FLY FISHING • STEELHEAD GUIDES
Good number of Michigan Fall Steelhead on the Muskegon River. Not a whole lot going on for Smallmouth Bass on the Muskegon River, however, Steelhead fishing has been excellent!! November is the best time for Fall Steelhead.
A good selection of trout beads, small spawn sacks, and Salmon beads, all working well. Natural colors, as water has been very low and clear. Flourocarbon leaders, a bit light line, and a smaller presentation has been key. Look for Steelhead fishing to continue to remain strong over the next month or so. Big Fish, and lots of em!
MICHIGAN SALMON FISHING REPORT
Michigan Salmon Fishing – The upper sections of the Manistee River, near Tippy Dam to the High Bridge Boat Launch have been fishing very for King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Skamania Steelhead. Spawning is in full swing right now with lots of Salmon visible and on gravel. Sight fly fishing for Salmon has been outstanding! Vicious strikes while watching King Salmon take the fly, has made for some heart pounding action!
King Salmon fry patterns, stone flies, and green caddis, have all been working well for bright chrome Michigan Salmon. Kings begin to key on Alewife bait fish patterns, Casting Thunder stick crank baits, and Salmon Skein Roe under a float fishing. Alewives and salmon fry are major food sources for both steelhead, Brown Trout, and resident Rainbow trout. Salmon smolt also feed well on Stone flies and Caddis.
Bead fishing has also been very good. Both 8mm and 10mm trout beads are fishing well this time of year. Natural colors, mostly orange, and peach have been fishing well. Most productive techniques have been bead fishing on light spinning tackle. Rolling spawn sacks along the bottom, or jigs and wax worms under a float (Bobber fishing).
Fly fishing has also been very good for Manistee River King Salmon. Drifting eggs and nymphs along the bottom has been producing some nice King Salmon, Steelhead and Brown Trout.
We start our salmon season fishing the lower end of the Pere Marquette River near Ludington. Early morning trips consist of casting Thunder stick crankbaits for King Salmon and steelhead. We also offer guided trips with spinning or bait caster tackle for floats (bobber) and skein (salmon eggs) trips. Center pin angling for salmon is also a blast during the early season. Center pin fishing for salmon.
Fly Fishing brings us to the Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam. Hordes of salmon crowd this river in the upper stretches where anglers see salmon everywhere they look. Big numbers days are normal below Tippy dam near Wellston, MI. Best times for king and Coho salmon on the Muskegon and Manistee River are mid September through late October. Bead fishing for trout and steelhead can also be phenomenal at this time!!
MICHIGAN TROUT FISHING GUIDES
Dry fly fishing and hatch time is upon us! Muskegon River hatches such as the Gray Drake, Isonychia Bicolor, and Cinnamon Sedge Caddis are all going strong now. Hot and humid weather has put the trout fishing into over drive. Consistent hatches now in the evenings.
Afternoon’s are offering the best Muskegon River trout fishing.
We offer both light spinning tackle, morning trips, and afternoon -evening Hatch Master Trout Fly Fishing Trips on the Muskegon and Manistee Rivers. All gear, tackle, and flies provided at no charge. Casting instructionals are also included in all guided fishing trips.
We look forward to introducing you to some World Class Trout fishing!
HATCH MASTER’S EVENING FLY FISHING TRIP
$350 / 2 ANGLERS 5PM – 10PM
(Ultra Lite Spinning Tackle Morning Trips – 2 anglers 7am – 11am)
Our main focus now is Trout & Smallmouth Bass fishing at this time. The Muskegon River is at a nice level (1790 cfs) clear with water temps in the 60s. Large numbers of Salmon, Steelhead, and Sucker fry are present. Caddis are the prime hatch at this time. Muskegon River Trout feed heavily on Caddis and Caddis emergers all summer long. The native insects provide a staple food source for our resident Brown and Rainbow trout. Evening hatch fishing trips provide some great Trout fishing action for novice anglers. Casting instruction is included in all Hatch Master trips. Fly rods and flies are also included with the trips.
Within the next several weeks, we should start seeing good numbers of King (Chinook) Salmon in the Lower sections of the Pere Marquette and Big Manistee River. Salmon fishing should be excellent this Fall season with good catches from charter boat captains on Lake Michigan.
SPRING STEELHEAD, CHINOOK SALMON, OR TROUT ON LIGHT TACKLE GEAR OR FLY FISHING.
Fish for Michigan Steelhead, Trout, or Salmon on the famed Muskegon, Pere Marquette or Big Manistee. Spring Steelhead ascent the Muskegon River in early March, and April. Chinook and Coho Salmon enter Western Michigan Rivers in late August – September, offering exceptional angling opportunities. Fall Steelhead come in shortly after, typically late October – November. Trophy Brown and Rainbow Trout are available year around on the Muskegon River.
Spring is a wonderful time to be on the water! Chase brilliantly colored Brown Trout, or Rainbow Trout during the Michigan Sucker spawn! There are many fishing options, Fall Steelhead. Chinook Salmon, acrobatic, chrome Steelhead. No other time of year offers such wonderful fishing opportunities like Spring in Western Michigan. It’s a great time to be on the water with nice weather and great fishing!
BEST FLY FISHING IN MICHIGAN! CHINOOK SALMON ON THE FLY! MANISTEE – PERE MARQUETTE – MUSKEGON RIVER
Michigan’s Premier River Guide Service for Steelhead, Salmon & Trout, located on the Muskegon River. Fly Fishing & Light Spinning Tackle.
Guided Light Spinning & Fly Fishing Adventures for Steelhead and Trout on the Muskegon River, White, Big Manistee, Pere Marquette, and Au Sable Rivers.
Call or Text
(231) 519-7348
PRIMARY SPECIES CAUGHT
Michigan Steelhead Fishing – Steelhead is the crown jewel of Michigan Rivers – NOTHING in fresh water fights as hard as chrome bullet Fall steelhead on light tackle. Steelhead ascend the rivers beginning in mid October, November, then winter over in the river, ( December, January, February) Winter Steelhead feed heavily throughout the winter months and stage until the Spring Steelhead season, (March, April, And May) Skamania Steelhead are available during June, July August on the Manistee and St. Joseph Rivers. Muskegon River fishes best, November through late May.
We offer three phenomenal techniques for Michigan Steelhead Fishing, Float fishing with spinning gear, Center pin float fishing, and fly fishing free style nymphing. We also specialize in Alaska style bead fishing for steelhead and trout. Float fishing trips are best during Fall, Winter, and early spring Steelhead. Fly fishing is best in April and May for spawning fishing on gravel. We supply all the gear, tackle, and flies for guided trips. Everything is included in our guided fishing trips.
The Might Muskegon River (Newaygo, MI) is located 45 minutes North of Grand Rapids, and offers exceptional trout fishing throughout the year. Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and smallmouth bass.
Trophy Brown Trout fishing on Michigan’s Muskegon River. Fantastic dry fly fishing on the Muskegon River with epic hatches, big numbers of rainbow trout, brown trout, and steelhead. Emerging Caddis every evening with tons of rising trout. Come fish Michigan’s best kept secret – Muskegon River Trout Fishing .
Evening “Hatch Masters” Michigan Trout specials going on now! $250 for an afternoon – evening of great Gray Drake, and Caddis hatches, entomology lessons, casting, and all around great trout fishing. Work all day, then hit the river for an evening hatch! June evening hatch trout trips on the Muskegon & Manistee Rivers. Morning Half days also available. Fly Fishing for trout is a great way to spend the day.
Call Now or Text –
(231) 519-7348
The hotter the better, Muskegon River Smallmouth Bass fishing on the upper and lower sections near Maple Island, Bridgton, and Newaygo offer some world class river smallies on light tackle. Hot summer days in July and August offer explosive top water action for warm water species. Northern Pike, Walleye, Musky, Largemouth, and trophy Smallmouth on a scenic and wild river in Northern Michigan.
Conventional tackle guided tours seems to work best when hunting trophy Smallmouth. Top water fishing offers heart stopping bites from aggressive fish. Soft plastic baits also work exceptionally well.
Over the past few days steelhead fishing has been heating up! Lots of new fish have entered the river making for some outstanding fishing trips in Michigan, Muskegon River. Out Steelhead guides have been doing well using floats (bobbers) and spawn sacks. Fly fishing has also been great. Free style nymphing has been very productive. Stone flies and small egg patterns have been working best for getting anglers in numbers of trout and steelhead. We have landed some great fish over the past three days. Brown trout, Steelhead, and Walleye have been our main fishing targets. We have been doing great on the Pere Marquette, Manistee, and Muskegon Rivers for Michigan Steelhead Fishing.
Our guided fishing trips are all inclusive. All gear, tackle and flies are provided. We offer light spinning tackle, centerpin, and baitcaster fishing for fall and winter steelhead. We provide quality fly fishing rods, reels, tippet, leaders, what ever you may need for Steelhead, Salmon, Smallmouth bass and Trout.
We have custom 18′ Headwater Jet Boats & Hyde Drift Boats. These boats are top notch, clean, spacious, and above all comfortable. Heaters are included during the winter months. We guide year round for Salmon, Trout, Steelhead, and Smallmouth on Michigan’s finest rivers!
Professionally Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter since 1996.
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