Guided Trips

Michigan Brown Trout (September - May)

Northern Michigan offers some of the finest opportunities to chase wild brown trout in the Midwest. Watching a large predatory brown emerge from a logjam to inhale a streamer fly is an iconic scene on Michigan trout streams. A challenging and highly rewarding species to target.

River Systems We Fish

• Betsie River

• Platte River

• Little Manistee River

• Bear Creek

• Au Sable River

• Big Sable River

Michigan King Salmon (August - October)

Transplanted from their native range in the Pacific Northwest, Michigan king salmon make their annual river spawning run in the late summer and early fall. Reaching weights upwards of 30 pounds, these powerful fish offer exceptional angling. While fly fishing opportunities exist to target these tremendous fish, spinning gear is often utilized to match the demands of their explosive runs and acrobatic fights.

River Systems We Fish

• Bestie River

• Big Manistee River

• Pere Marquette River

Michigan Smallmouth Bass (April - June)

Smallmouth bass on fly has exploded in popularity recently, and for good reason. Arguably the hardest fighting warm water species in Michigan, smallies are both highly aggressive and abundant. A flat-out fun gamefish to chase with a fly rod or light spinning tackle.

River Systems We Fish

• Grand River

• Lookingglass River

• Shiawassee River

• Maple River

• Flat River

• Manistee River

2025/2026 Daily Rates

Full Day (7-8 Hours) 2 People - $450.00

Full Day (7-8 Hours) 1 Person - $375.00

Half Day (4-5 Hours) 1-2 People - $325.00

(Group Trips Available, up to 6 Anglers)

(Third angler option available for jet boat trips, add $100 to full and half day rates)

(Cash, check, Venmo, or Credit Card may be used to pay for the trip rate. A 3% convenience fee will be applied to all credit card and Venmo transactions)

What’s Included

Lunch, snacks, and beverages are prepared on full-day floats. If you have any dietary restrictions, please inform your guide via email prior to the trip. All angling equipment such as rods, flies, tackle, etc. are provided.

What to Bring

A current Michigan fishing license, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing are required of all anglers. Waders are often beneficial, but not mandatory.

How to Book

Checkout the ‘contact’ page on this website for all means of connecting with Green Drake Outfitters. Or click on the “Book A Trip” button below to submit an inquiry form directly to us. A $100.00 deposit is required to book a trip. Venmo and credit card may be used to secure the deposit.

After booking, location details, meeting times, recommended accommodations, and other day-specific details will be discussed thoroughly.

How to Get There

Our river systems lie along the beautiful coast of Lake Michigan between Ludington and Traverse City, Michigan. Cherry Capitol Airport (TVC) in Traverse City offers the closest airport for travel from out-of-state.

Policies/Info

Yourself or a friend doesn’t fly fish? No problem. Spinning rods, center pins, and other conventional gear is available and regularly utilized.

Gratuities are commonplace in the guided fishing experience, and deeply appreciated. Gratuity standards are similar to those in the dining industry, and are a direct reflection of your guide’s diligence, preparation, engagement, and effort to provide a memorable and safe day on the water.

Cancellation Policy: Green Drake Outfitters may cancel or reschedule any trip due to adverse weather or fishing conditions. Should we decide to cancel your trip, your deposit will be applied to another open date of your choosing. Deposits are non-refundable. If guests choose to cancel a trip for any reason when the guide would have planned to be on the water, your deposit will be forfeited.

Purchase A Gift Card

Gift Cards available for full day trip rates or custom amounts. A great way to gift an experience to a friend or family member who enjoys time on the water.