Tailwater Charters 

4.9
(3 reviews)
 8382 Mason Drive, Newaygo, MI 49337, United States

Tailwater Charters 

Newaygo, MI, United States
17 ft
2
4.9
(3 reviews)

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Discover the riches of Lake Michigan's rich tributaries with Tailwater Charters. Based out of Newaygo, you'll explore the Muskegon River as you go in search of tough-fighting Steelhead, Salmon, Trout, and Smallmouth Bass.

Whether looking to practice your fly fishing or spinning skills, you'll have everything you need for a productive day with your dedicated captain. Captain Ross Swanson spent his whole childhood fishing these waterways, and hopes to show you the riches of his local habitat. Having guided since college, he knows just what makes a successful trip and will do whatever it takes to get you on the fish.

Up to 2 guests are welcome to join aboard his 17' Stealthcraft jet boat for a fun day's fishing. Spend anywhere from 4 hours to 8 hours on the water, getting your fish on against the prized fish. Capt. Ross will provide water and soda aboard all trips. Settle in for an all-round fishing experience and away you go!

All you need to do before coming aboard is grab your MI fishing license and dress appropriately for the weather

The fruitful waters of the Great Lakes are calling your name. Come and explore their hidden gems with Tailwater Charters!

Discover the riches of Lake Michigan's rich tributaries with Tailwater Charters. Based out of Newaygo, you'll explore the Muskegon River as you go in search of tough-fighting Steelhead, Salmon, Trout, and Smallmouth Bass.

Whether looking to practice your fly fishing or spinning skills, you'll have everything you need for a productive day with your dedicated captain. Captain Ross Swanson spent his whole childhood fishing these waterways, and hopes to show you the riches of his local habitat. Having guided since college, he knows just what makes a successful trip and will do whatever it takes to get you on the fish.

Up to 2 guests are welcome to join aboard his 17' Stealthcraft jet boat for a fun day's fishing. Spend anywhere from 4 hours to 8 hours on the water, getting your fish on against the prized fish. Capt. Ross will provide water and soda aboard all trips. Settle in for an all-round fishing experience and away you go!

All you need to do before coming aboard is grab your MI fishing license and dress appropriately for the weather

The fruitful waters of the Great Lakes are calling your name. Come and explore their hidden gems with Tailwater Charters!

Ross Swanson
Captain
Ross Swanson
14 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
US $350
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
3 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

All reviews (3)

Showing 15 of 5 reviews
Jody Glass
Jody Glass
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2025
The captain canceled
March 21, 2026
Trip was supposed to happen on March 21, 2026

The charter operator canceled 5 days prior to the trip date. This is an automated posting.

Matthew mccallum
Matthew mccallum
Repeat angler
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2019
6 trips
The captain canceled
October 12, 2025
Trip was supposed to happen on October 12, 2025

The charter operator canceled 4 days prior to the trip date. This is an automated posting.

Glenn Gronevelt
Glenn Gronevelt
Repeat angler
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2022
3 trips
5.0
Verified
4 hour trip went too fast.
Half Day Trip on July 13, 20222 adults

Great day. Perfect weather. Wonderfully coached. Caught fish.

Reported catch:
Smallmouth Bass
Jim Erdman
Jim Erdman
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2021
4.7
Verified
8 hour trip.
Full Day Trip on April 1, 20212 adults

Ross was knowledgeable of the river & where the fish were. I feel clients will have success even when conditions are not favorable. Made us comfortable and shore lunch tasty . I plan to book a salmon trip in the fall.

Robert  Vendl
Robert Vendl
Repeat angler
us
Chesterton, IN, US
Member since 2020
2 trips
5.0
Verified
July fishing trip
Half Day Trip on July 4, 20202 adults

Reported catch:
Smallmouth Bass

FAQs about Tailwater Charters

Tailwater Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Tailwater Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Tailwater Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Okuma, Daiwa, Lamiglas)
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Snacks (On full-day trips)
  • Drinks (Water and Soda)
  • Fly fishing equipment (Reddington, Sage, Echo)
Tailwater Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • River fishing
Tailwater Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Tailwater Charters include:
  • Bass (Smallmouth)
  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)

Your captain

Ross Swanson
Ross Swanson

Newaygo, Michigan, United States

5 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since July 2019

A native to the area, Captain Ross Swanson has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod. As a child, he'd run to the river after school every day to get on the water, picking up a passion for fly fishing in 9th grade. An avid angler to this day, he still spends as much time as possible on the water, and knows plenty about West Michigan's rivers and the synonymous lake. After guiding in Alaska during university, he decided to do it full-time in his home waters, and hopes to provide a local twist to give you a memorable trip.

Ross Swanson
Ross Swanson
5
reviews
2019
member since
~1h
response
A native to the area, Captain Ross Swanson has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod. As a child, he'd run to the river after school every day to get on the water, picking up a passion for fly fishing in 9th grade. An avid angler to this day, he still spends as much time as possible on the water, and knows plenty about West Michigan's rivers and the synonymous lake. After guiding in Alaska during university, he decided to do it full-time in his home waters, and hopes to provide a local twist to give you a memorable trip.

The fish you can target

Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Speed boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
17 ft
Year built
2023
Boat manufacturer
Stealthcraft Power Drifter
Boat type
Jet boat
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 80HP

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Okuma, Daiwa, Lamiglas
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
On full-day trips
Drinks
Water and Soda
Fly fishing equipment
Reddington, Sage, Echo

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child friendly
Must be at least 7 years old
Catch and release allowed
Catch and release on all trout and smallmouth bass

How you can pay

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 PayPal

 Checks

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