THE BEST FISH STORY OF YOUR LIFE BEGINS HERE

This is the place where you cast your fly to wild rainbow and brown trout,
chase Steelhead, and hook a 25-pound King Salmon.
It’s where you fight the line for hours a day, and go
home with stories they won’t believe.

FISHING THE PERE MARQUETTE RIVER
The Pere Marquette River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River–covering 70 miles. It flows westerly from Lake County, through the communities of Baldwin, Branch, Walhalla, Custer, Scottville, and Ludington–draining into Pere Marquette Lake and Lake Michigan.

The Pere Marquette River’s main hub for fisherman is the small town of Baldwin on M-37. It is located on the west side of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula about an hour’s drive north of Grand Rapids and an hour south of Traverse City.

Starting in August, Pere Marquette starts getting its annual run of King Salmon, which will last until late October. Fall steelhead will start to enter the system along with resident brown trout, making for an exciting time of year.

GUIDED TRIPS

DETAILS
Guided drift boat trips on the Pere Marquette River for Steelhead and Salmon. Full-Time Guide for 20+ Years. Licensed and Insured.

Your full-day trips will be approximately 8 to 9 hours on the water, half-day trips are 4 hours on the water. Start times depend on your schedule and season. Transportation to and from the river is included.

All guide trips are catch and release and we cater to most methods including fly-fishing, float fishing, and spinning gear. Please let us know if you have a preference when booking so that we can better plan your trip or, be sure you discuss it with your guide prior.

Included in your trip is a hot shore lunch (full day) and snacks (half day). Feel free to bring along any snacks or drinks of your choice.

COST

Full Day (2 anglers) $550
Full Day (3 anglers) $700

1/2 Day (2 anglers) $350

*Gratuity not included in the cost of the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

Fishing license
Chest waders
Polarized sunglasses
Rain gear
Snacks/drinks
Dress appropriately

KEVIN KESSEL (GUIDE)
I grew up fishing the lakes and rivers of Northern Michigan and I believe Northwest Michigan (specifically, the Pere Marquette River) holds some of the best year-round fly fishing opportunities in the country.

In 2023 I was awarded Lake County Corrections Officer of the Year and retired in 2024 as a Deputy Corrections Officer for Lake County Michigan.

Guiding is now my full-time passion and on most days you will find me on the river guiding clients for salmon, migratory wild steelhead, and trout.

CONTACT

To book a trip or have questions, please fill out the form below or call

(231) 239-9462