Discover the riches of Lake Michigan’s rich tributaries with Tailwater Charters. Based out of Newaygo, you’ll explore the Muskegon and Manistee Rivers 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 10 hours on the water, getting your fish on against the prized fish. Capt. Ross will provide water and soda aboard all trips to keep you hydrated and energized, with lunch also on full-day 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!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Jul 31
    US $350
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Jul 31
    US $480
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Tailwater Charters

Tailwater Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $480 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)
  • Lures
  • Snacks (On full-day trips)
  • Drinks (Water and Soda)
  • Lunch (On full-day trips)
  • 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 (Arrange in advance)
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Tailwater Charters include:
  • Bass (Smallmouth)
  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)

Meet the Captain

Ross Swanson
Newaygo, Michigan, United States
3 Customer reviews
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.

About this listing

Targeted species

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

Boat specs

Stealthcraft Power Drifter (Jet boat) originally built in 2013. Powered by a 60HP Yamaha engine.

Length
17 ft
Capacity
2 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Arrange in advance
Drift Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Okuma, Daiwa, Lamiglas
Lures
Snacks
On full-day trips
Drinks
Water and Soda
Lunch
On full-day trips
Fly Fishing Equipment
Reddington, Sage, Echo

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

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

Payment

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

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 3 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photo by reviewers
There are no review photos
for this charter yet!
Angler rating
3
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
67%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
3 of 3 reviews
Glenn G.
Grand Haven, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hour trip went too fast.

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on July 13, 2022
Great day. Perfect weather. Wonderfully coached. Caught fish.
Glenn G. recommends Tailwater Charters
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Glenn G. recommends Tailwater Charters
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Jim E.
Sand Lake, MI
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

8 hour trip.

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on April 1, 2021
Ross was knowledgeable of the river & where the fish were. I feel clients will have success even when conditions are not favorable....
Jim E. recommends Tailwater Charters
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Jim E. recommends Tailwater Charters
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Robert V.
Schererville, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on July 4, 2020
Robert V. recommends Tailwater Charters
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Robert V. recommends Tailwater Charters
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