Guide:

Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours
2 People	$550.00
1 Person	$550.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

About Your Trip

From the end of August to early October, King and Coho Salmon migrate from Lake Michigan into many rivers along the west coast of Michigan. Captain Alex specializes in targeting these fish with a fly rod on remote upper stretches of the Betsie River and Little Bear Creek south of Traverse City, Michigan. Private access allows us to float stretches of river inaccessible to other fisherman. This results in beautiful, scenic floats where it is common to see more bald eagles than other fisherman. Throw in large numbers of fish and you have the recipe for a great day on the water!

Both stretches of river are cleared of large debris early in the season to ensure safe travel downstream. However, they are kept overgrown to promote healthy trout habitat as well as deter other boaters from floating it. For these reasons the boat may have to be pushed over a sandbar, under a log, or through brush... but that just adds to the experience!

Captain Alex targets these Salmon early in the run when they are fresh, aggressive, and staged up in large holes. Bottom bouncing techniques work best when run with egg flies, wooly buggers, or egg sucking leeches. Certain days will allow us to strip streamers for these fish as well.

Spinning gear can be provided to cast thundersticks or float skein under a bobber if anglers wish. Double check with your guide to ensure that this is an option. A hot lunch is also served stream-side on all full day trips. All you need to bring is a good attitude and your Michigan fishing license!

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

No live bait is provided with the price of this trip.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

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About Your Guide

Captain Alex

Outfitter 11 yrs of exp.

About Your Guide

Captain Alex

Outfitter 11 yrs of exp.

Alex grew up fishing in Northern Michigan for Salmon and Steelhead, which sparked his lifelong passion for fishing and being in the outdoors. He attended Northern Michigan University and received his BS in Environmental Science and Biology. After working in Chemical Engineering and then Pharmaceutical Research, he realized that his true calling was to be a fishing guide. In 2017, he decided to make a career switch and moved to the Western Slope of Colorado, guiding his first year with the Smith Fork Ranch before moving to the Gunnison River to guide there. Alex returns to Michigan each September to chase salmon on remote stretches of Northern Michigan rivers, guiding on the same rivers that he grew up fishing.

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Start Location

17230 Cadillac Hwy, Thompsonville, MI 49683, USA

Areas Fished

Betsie River
Little Bear Creek

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Hyde
Boat Length: 15'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Hyde
Boat Length: 15'

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

No live bait is provided with the price of this trip.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Potential Target Species

Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Fly Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing

Packing / Extras

Rods, reels & tackle included. Lunch is provided.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

This trip is managed by an outfitter. Alex will be your point of contact and you will go out with one of their guides.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable (but if the weather is too bad to go out, you will still receive a credit back to your account).

If the weather doesn’t cooperate you’ll be covered by our 100% weather guarantee and you won’t lose your deposit.

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is the home of over 1500 Damn Good fishing and hunting guides. Our mission is to unlock the outdoors for everyone, and we want to help you get out there through our no-hassle online booking experience and our team of outdoors experts.

We vet our guides to make sure they are the best of the best. We want guides who not only put you on 'em, but show you a great time, keep you safe, and give you a memorable experience with your group.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the case of inclement weather, our guides will make the call and we'll work with you to reschedule your trip or issue a credit for the full deposit of the trip to be used on any of our trips across the country. Your safety is our top concern.

Each trip’s price is set by the guide and factors in all of their costs. A big determinant of cost is often the type of boat and associated fuel costs, but other guide costs include leases, marina / slip fees, bait costs, and the cost to provide and maintain all of the gear you’ll need on your trip.

Once you book the trip, we will connect you directly with the guide to go over any additional details. In the meantime, our team is always available to answer your questions via email, text, chat, or call!