A Weeklong All - Inclusive Pere Marquette River Adventure

I wanted to take some time to share a deeper look into one of our recent all-inclusive trips on the Pere Marquette River last season. Weeks like this are exactly why we created this experience in the first place.

For those unfamiliar with our all-inclusive trips, these are exclusive offerings available to private groups of 2–8 anglers a handful of times throughout the season. They’re designed for guests who want the highest level of service and the best possible fishing experience in Michigan — without having to think about a single logistical detail. From the moment you arrive, your only responsibilities are to fish hard, eat well, and relax.

When we organize these trips, we utilize several different lodge venues throughout the season and tailor the location to the group’s goals. Whether that means proximity to a specific river system, privacy, or a certain style of lodging, we build the week around what the group wants most. Trips typically range from 3–6 days (2–5 nights), but we’re flexible and can customize the schedule to fit almost any timeframe.

Each day includes a full breakfast, packed or riverside lunch, and a hearty dinner back at the lodge. Guests can choose from five different river systems depending on conditions and preferences. That might mean running a jet boat on the Big Manistee, floating the Pere Marquette in a drift boat, or slipping quietly down one of Michigan’s secluded creeks in a raft. Our goal is to be a true one-stop shop — giving you access to Michigan’s best fisheries, centrally located lodging, exceptional meals, and an atmosphere that allows you to spend quality time with friends and family. This is a unique lodge-based fishing experience in Michigan, and we’re proud to offer it.

The Trip

This particular week featured a group of four anglers making their first-ever trip to Michigan. All of them were experienced fly fishermen from around the country, but none had tangled with Michigan steelhead before — and they arrived with modest expectations.

On the first evening at the lodge, one of the guests, Kevin, jokingly announced to the group that there was “no possible way” a 10-pound fish could come out of a river that size. And honestly, you can’t blame him. Many of us remember the first time we stood on the banks of one of Michigan’s relatively modest rivers and tried to wrap our heads around the fact that double-digit steelhead swim up from Lake Michigan into these systems every spring.

Kevin was in for a memorable week.

Weather Swings & Why Multiple Days Matter

The weather gave us a little bit of everything. The first two days brought six inches of snow, and temperatures never broke 32 degrees. Frozen guides, cold fingers, and true early-spring steelhead conditions.

Then everything shifted.

The final two days saw temperatures climb into the mid-to-upper 50s with bright bluebird skies. Trout began feeding on the year’s first Black Stoneflies on the surface, and the river came alive in a completely different way.

This week perfectly illustrated why we always recommend booking multiple days. Had this trip only been two days long, the group would have headed home with numb hands and a handful of fish stories. Instead, with five full days on the water, they experienced the full spectrum of Michigan spring fishing — and the final three days delivered phenomenal action.

Mother Nature may throw curveballs, but time on the water is the ultimate equalizer.

On the Water

Fly rods were the tool of choice all week. While fly fishing for steelhead can add an extra layer of difficulty compared to other methods, we were fortunate to find quality numbers of fish in the systems we targeted. On the better days, each angler was into multiple fish and bringing chrome steelhead to hand on the fly — exactly what they came for.

Chartreuse egg patterns proved to be the hot ticket during the colder front. Something about those cold snaps during peak spawning season seems to make fish respond aggressively to bright chartreuse. That said, we also found success with more natural tones, and one standout day saw fish aggressively chasing salmon fry patterns.

The lesson, as always: never rely on just one confidence pattern. Conditions change, fish moods shift, and being willing to adapt is often what separates a decent day from a great one.

And as for Kevin? Let’s just say he no longer doubts what a “small” Michigan river can produce.

The Lodge Experience

Fishing may be the focus, but the lodge experience is what makes these trips truly special.

We don’t cut corners on meals. When you book an all-inclusive trip with us, we aim to outcompete any local restaurant you’d find in a typical Northern Michigan fishing town. After long days in cold water, hearty, well-prepared meals make all the difference.

Here’s a look at what was served throughout the week:

Night 1

Smoked Pork Chops

Potatoes & Seared Green Beans

Caesar Salad

Night 2

Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

Dilled Baby Potatoes

Grilled Asparagus

Night 3

Grilled Chicken Breast

Greek Salad

Lemon Orzo Pasta with Broccoli

Night 4

Flank Steak Stir Fry

Fried Rice

Grilled Pineapple

Green Bean Almondine

Night 5

Pork Chops

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage

Roasted Honey Mustard Carrots

Night 6

New York Strips

Baked Potato

Steamed Vegetables

Creamy Cucumber & Tomato Salad

After full days on the river, the group would gather around the table, share stories, relive lost fish and landed giants, and plan the next day’s strategy. Those evenings are just as important as the hours spent in the boat.

A big thank you to this group for trusting us with their first Michigan steelhead experience. They’ve already booked the last week of March again for next season — which is the best compliment we can receive.

If you have a group of 4–8 anglers interested in planning an all-inclusive Michigan fishing adventure, give us a call at 616-328-9508. We’d love to walk you through the details and build a trip you’ll be talking about for years.