Fishing Excursions with St Joe Angler

As a lifelong angler and outdoorsman, Jon Chizmadia grew up near Flint, Michigan where he spent his time fishing light weight conventional gear for warm water species in the muddy lakes and streams of the Saginaw River watershed. He picked up a fly rod in his early teens and became infatuated with the idea of catching fish on natural materials crafted to imitate other natural food sources. He began catching bass and bluegills locally and traveled to the trout water of Northern, MI frequently.

After his basic schooling Jon joined the Marine Corp and after his service returned to Michigan to attend college in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He continued exploring the woods and waters of the Superior State with his fly rod and as a working professional, traveled and fished throughout the U.S. and Canada. He spent time guiding on Alaska's Nak Nek River for world class rainbow trout as well as the pristine spring creeks of Northern, MI.

Today Jon lives in St. Joseph, MI and fishes for everything from Carp to Steelhead. He still prefers light tackle tactics especially on a fly. Jon's active with several conservation groups promoting sustainable fisheries. He has been the director of the Michigan Trout Unlimited Youth Conservation and Trout Camp since 2021 and is passionate about introducing new anglers to the sport.

When not on the water he can probably be found in the northern MI woods. Behind a bird dog and alongside his son.