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Premium Bass & Trout Fishing in Northern Michigan
- Published Date: October 17, 2025
- Fishing
- St. Joseph, MI
- Updated Date: December 13, 2025
Summary
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Riverbank Catches
Reel in the Action: Half-Day Michigan Fishing
Ready to wet a line in Northern Michigan's pristine waters? Captain Jon Chizmadia's got you covered with a 4-hour guided fishing trip that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Whether you're chasing the elusive brook trout, battling feisty browns, or going toe-to-fin with hard-fighting smallmouth bass, this trip's got something for every angler. Grab a buddy and hop aboard the St Joe Angler for a morning or afternoon of top-notch fishing action.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising down a Michigan river in a sleek 16-foot ClackaCraft, custom-rigged for serious fishing. Captain Jon's at the helm, ready to put you on the fish. This isn't your average guided trip – it's a hands-on masterclass in angling. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be learning the ins and outs of reading the water, selecting the right lures, and perfecting your cast. And when that line goes tight? Jon's right there to coach you through the fight, all the way to that Instagram-worthy grip-and-grin shot.
This trip's perfect for anglers of all stripes. Never held a rod before? No sweat. Jon's patient guidance will have you casting like a pro in no time. Seasoned angler looking to up your game? Get ready for some local intel that'll change the way you fish these waters. With room for two guests, it's an ideal setup for buddies, couples, or even a parent-kid duo looking to make some memories on the water.
Techniques & Gear Lowdown
On this trip, you'll be diving into the world of river fishing, Northern Michigan style. Depending on the target species and conditions, you might find yourself finessing a dry fly for rising trout, working a streamer through deep pools, or chunking crankbaits for aggressive smallies. Captain Jon's got a full arsenal of techniques up his sleeve, and he's all about tailoring the approach to what's working on any given day.
Gear-wise, you're in for a treat. The St Joe Angler is decked out with top-of-the-line rods, reels, and tackle. We're talking premium graphite rods that'll let you feel every nibble, and reels smooth enough to make that drag-screaming run a true thrill. Jon's always got a well-stocked tackle box, but if you've got a lucky lure, feel free to bring it along. Just remember to snag that Michigan fishing license before you show up – it's required, and Jon's serious about keeping things by the book.
Top Catches This Season
While every day on the water is different, anglers have been crushing it lately. Early morning trips have been lighting up with brook trout sipping bugs off the surface, while the afternoon bite's been all about the smallmouth action. One group even managed the coveted "Michigan Grand Slam" – landing a brookie, brown, and smallie all in one trip. Now that's bragging rights!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Brook Trout: The jewel of Northern Michigan's rivers, these native beauties are a sight to behold. Known for their vibrant colors and spunky attitude, brookies are the perfect target for light tackle enthusiasts. They might not grow as big as their brown trout cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in sheer beauty and the challenge of coaxing them out from under cut banks and fallen logs. Spring and early summer are prime time for targeting these guys, especially if you're into dry fly fishing.
Brown Trout: The heavyweight champs of Michigan's trout scene, brown trout are the fish of a thousand casts – and worth every one. These wary predators are known for their selective feeding habits and hard-fighting nature. Fall is the golden season for trophy browns, as they bulk up for spawning. There's nothing quite like the heart-stopping moment when a big brown slams your streamer in a deep, dark pool. Captain Jon's got the inside scoop on where the monsters lurk, so get ready for some serious action.
Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. These bronze bruisers call Northern Michigan's rivers home, and they're always up for a brawl. Summer is prime time for smallmouth action, when the water warms up and they're aggressively feeding. From topwater explosions to deep-water battles, targeting smallmouth bass offers non-stop excitement. And the best part? They're not too picky – whether you're throwing soft plastics, crankbaits, or even fly fishing, smallies are usually game to play.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, that's a big part of it. What keeps folks coming back to fish with Captain Jon is the whole package. You're not just a client; you're part of the crew for the day. Jon's got a knack for reading people as well as he reads the water, adjusting his approach to match your skill level and what you're looking to get out of the trip.
Then there's the setting. Northern Michigan's rivers are something straight out of a postcard – crystal clear waters, lush forests, and if you're lucky, maybe even a bald eagle soaring overhead. It's the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
And let's not forget the learning factor. Whether you're picking up a rod for the first time or you've been fishing these waters for decades, you're guaranteed to walk away with new skills, fresh insights, and maybe even a few of Jon's closely guarded "secret" spots (just don't tell anyone we told you).
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing Northern Michigan has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, it's just a 20% deposit to secure your date, and with only two spots per trip, they tend to fill up fast – especially during prime seasons.
Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, want to introduce someone to the joys of angling, or just need a solid excuse to play hooky from work (we won't tell), a half-day trip with Captain Jon is just the ticket. So grab your fishing buddy, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. The fish are calling – are you ready to answer?
Learn more about the species
Brook Trout
Brook trout are a real treat to catch in Northern Michigan. These colorful little fighters usually run 8-12 inches, with some topping out around 2 pounds. You'll find them in cold, clear streams and small rivers, often hiding near fallen logs or boulders. Spring and fall are prime times, when water temps are cool. Anglers love 'em for their beauty and the challenge - they're pretty wary fish. To land one, try drifting a small nymph or dry fly through shaded pools. My local tip? Use light tippet and make your first cast count. These guys spook easy, so a stealthy approach is key. Whether you're after the thrill of the catch or looking for a tasty dinner, brook trout won't disappoint. Just remember, they're sensitive to warm water, so we practice catch and release when it heats up.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are a favorite target here in Northern Michigan. These guys typically run 12-20 inches, but trophy fish over 5 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them in deeper pools of rivers and streams, especially near undercut banks or submerged logs. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are cooler. Browns are known for their smarts and their fight - they'll give you a run for your money once hooked. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and their tasty, pink flesh. To up your chances, try fishing at dawn or dusk when they're feeding. My go-to trick? Use a small streamer and strip it slowly across the current. Browns can't resist chasing down what looks like an injured baitfish. Just remember, these fish are wary, so a stealthy approach and accurate casting are key to success.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are a blast to catch in Northern Michigan. These bruisers typically run 1-3 pounds, with some topping 5 pounds in our bigger waters. You'll find them around rocky areas, drop-offs, and submerged logs in lakes and rivers. They're most active when water temps hit the 60s, making late spring through early fall prime time. Smallies are famous for their acrobatic fights - expect some airtime when you hook one. To target them, try working a tube jig or soft plastic crawfish imitation along the bottom. My local tip? When the water's calm, watch for their shadows - you can sight-cast to specific fish. Smallmouth are great eating too, with firm, white meat. Just be sure to release the big ones to keep the population healthy. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to feel that tug, smallmouth bass fishing is hard to beat.
About the St Joe Angler
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
