Premium Bass & Trout Fishing in Northern Michigan

Published Date: October 17, 2025
Fishing

$220 - $550 price range

Summary

Hop aboard the St Joe Angler with Captain Jon Chizmadia for a 4-hour fishing trip in Northern Michigan's pristine waters. You'll be targeting brook trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass on this private outing for up to two guests. The 16-foot ClackaCraft is set up for both comfort and productive fishing. Whether you're new to angling or looking to sharpen your skills, Captain Jon offers hands-on guidance from start to finish. He'll help you improve your casting technique and show you the best ways to land fish. This trip is a great way to learn about local fish species and pick up some new fishing tricks. Remember to grab your Michigan fishing license before the trip. A 20% deposit locks in your spot on the boat. It's a perfect half-day adventure for anglers wanting to explore Northern Michigan's excellent fishing opportunities.

Premium Bass & Trout Fishing in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan Catches

Cast, wait, catch, repeat

Where the water meets adventure

One rainbow trout caught while fishing in MI

Rainbow Trout on the fly—unforgettable

Lake Michigan magic on the line

Reel in the Action: Half-Day Bass & Trout Trip

Get ready to wet a line in Northern Michigan's prime fishing waters! This 4-hour guided trip with Captain Jon Chizmadia puts you right where the action is. Whether you're chasing the elusive brook trout, battling a feisty brown, or going toe-to-fin with hard-fighting smallies, you're in for a treat. Perfect for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike, this trip delivers hands-on instruction and plenty of rod-bending fun.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll be launching from Berrien County Sportsman's Club aboard the St Joe Angler, a 16-foot ClackaCraft that's dialed in for these waters. This isn't some cramped johnboat – you've got room to cast and fight fish comfortably. Captain Jon's got years of experience under his belt, so you're tapping into some serious local knowledge. He'll walk you through everything from reading the water to presenting your bait just right. And when that line goes tight? He'll be right there to help you bring in your catch. With a max of two guests, you're getting the VIP treatment – no fighting for elbow room or waiting your turn here.

Techniques You'll Master

This trip's all about versatility. You might start off drifting flies for trout in the morning, then switch gears to tossing crankbaits for bass as the day heats up. Captain Jon's a pro at matching the hatch and reading conditions, so be ready to switch tactics on the fly. You'll learn the finesse of presenting a nymph to wary trout, and the aggressive retrieve that triggers a smallmouth strike. Expect to work on your casting accuracy, learn how to "mend" your line for a better drift, and pick up tricks for setting the hook just right. By the end of your half-day, you'll have a whole new bag of tricks to add to your fishing arsenal.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Brook Trout: These native beauties are the jewels of Northern Michigan streams. Known for their stunning colors – olive backs with worm-like markings and red-dotted sides – brookies are a sight to behold. They're typically smaller, averaging 8-12 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight and beauty. Spring and fall are prime times to target these guys when the water's cooler. There's nothing quite like the delicate take of a brookie sipping a dry fly off the surface.

Brown Trout: The bullies of the trout world, browns are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. These fish can grow big in Northern Michigan waters, with specimens over 20 inches not uncommon. They're more active in low light conditions, so early morning or late evening can be magic hours. Browns are wary and smart, making them a true challenge that'll test your skills. Landing a big brown is often the highlight of any angler's trip.

Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. These bronze bombers are known for their acrobatics – expect jumps and powerful runs when you hook into one. Northern Michigan's rocky, clear waters are perfect smallmouth habitat. They typically range from 1-4 pounds, but bigger ones lurk in these waters. Summer is prime time for smallmouth action, when they're aggressive and feeding heavily. Topwater strikes from smallmouth will get your heart racing every time.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. This trip offers a perfect blend of action, education, and pure Michigan scenery. You're fishing some of the most picturesque waters in the state, surrounded by lush forests and maybe even catching a glimpse of local wildlife. Captain Jon's approach is all about making sure you're not just catching fish, but learning how to become a better angler. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or you're an old hand wanting to dial in your technique, this trip delivers. And let's be honest – there's nothing like the rush of a fish on the line to keep you coming back for more.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Northern Michigan's finest game fish, this is your chance. Remember, you'll need a valid Michigan fishing license – but that's a small price to pay for access to these world-class waters. A 20% deposit holds your spot, so don't wait until the calendar fills up. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, learn some new skills, or just enjoy a morning on the water, Captain Jon's got you covered. Give St Joe Angler a call and get ready to make some fishing memories. The fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?

Learn more about the species

Brook Trout

Brook trout are the jewels of Northern Michigan's streams. These feisty little fighters typically run 8-12 inches, with some topping out around 20. You'll find 'em in cold, clear waters, often hugging the banks or hiding near fallen logs. Spring and fall are prime times, when water temps are just right. Anglers love 'em for their beautiful colors and the challenge they present in small streams. They're also tasty if you decide to keep a few. When you're after brookies, try drifting a small nymph under an indicator through deeper pools. And here's a local tip: on cloudy days, don't be afraid to throw dry flies even if you don't see any surface action. These opportunistic feeders will often come up for a well-presented fly.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the crafty veterans of our streams, averaging 12-20 inches but sometimes pushing 30. You'll find them lurking in deeper pools, under cut banks, or near submerged logs. They're most active in low light conditions, so early mornings and evenings are your best bet. Browns are known for their selective feeding and wary nature, which makes them a real challenge and a prize catch. They put up a great fight and taste fantastic if you decide to keep one. If you're after a big brown, try throwing large streamers at night. And here's a tip: when you spot a good fish, don't cast directly at it. Land your fly upstream and let it drift naturally to the trout. These guys are smart and will spook easily if your presentation isn't just right.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are the hard-fighting bruisers of our Northern Michigan waters. Most run 12-18 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 20-incher. You'll find them around rocky areas, drop-offs, and submerged structures in both rivers and lakes. They're most active when water temps hit the 60s, making late spring through early fall prime time. Anglers love smallies for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll give you a run for your money on light tackle. They're also great eating if you want to keep a few. When targeting smallmouth, try working a tube jig slowly along the bottom near rocky points. Here's a local trick: if you're not having luck during the day, try fishing topwater lures right at dusk. The explosion when a big smallie hits your lure on the surface is something you won't forget.

About the St Joe Angler

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Ready for some Northern Michigan fishing action? Captain Jon Chizmadia's got you covered with a 4-hour trip chasing brook trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. You and a buddy can hop aboard the St Joe Angler, a 16-foot ClackaCraft that's all set up for a sweet day on the water. Launching from Berrien County Sportsman's Club, you'll get hands-on tips from the captain himself. Whether you're a total newbie or an old pro, Jon's there to help you land some beauties. Just remember to snag your Michigan fishing license before you show up. Oh, and a quick heads up - a 20% deposit locks in your spot. So grab your gear, bring a friend, and get ready for some quality time with the fish in Northern Michigan's pristine lakes.

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