Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies 

4.9/5 (43 reviews)
 Croton Drive, Newaygo, MI 49337, United States

Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies 

4.9/5 (43 reviews)
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Croton Drive
Newaygo, MI, United States

Explore some of Michigan's great Rivers with Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies! Captain Dan takes extreme pride in providing his guests with an experience that they won't soon forget. Captain Dan's experiences, positive energy, love, and passion for the water and fishing will extend to his guests. Dan loves teaching, coaching, and watching others learn new techniques, improve skills, and experience success fishing all the great waters Michigan has to offer.

Your boat will be a 16-foot Hyde Drifter that can comfortably sit 2 fishermen. Dan will oar while you take in the sights of the river or while fishing from the boat. There are two leg locks for those who would also like to fish while enjoying the drift. Wading or fishing from the boat, the float trip allows you to cover a lot of the river at a slow pace and chase more fish!

While many tackle options are available, our preferred technique is fly fishing gear. However, using spin gear (TFO Rods, Pfleuger President reels) is also a favorite and preferred by most clients. Top-notch gear will be provided, and, in most cases, flies tied by Dan himself. Dan is a willing and patient teacher; there is no wrong technique that helps us catch fish. We will be on the prowl, depending on the season, for Steelhead, Salmon, Trout, and Bass!

Capt. Dan also provides grilled lunch (depending on weather), water, and snacks for full day trips (7 hours) and snacks and water for half day trips (5 & 6 hours). Don't forget to bring your fishing license!

River options include the Muskegon River in Newaygo, Tittabawassee and Chippewa River in Midland and The Pine River in Gratiot County.

Join Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies for a day of bliss and relaxation.

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Rating

4.9
43 reviews
5
41
4
1
3
1
2
0
1
0
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (71)

An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat on a calm river.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a smallmouth bass while fishing on a river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
An angler proudly displaying a sizable Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a scenic river, surrounded by lush greenery.
+65

What anglers say

97%
Great experience
87%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
85%
Caught fish

All reviews (43)

Filter
Showing 15 of 43 reviews
Paul Loh
Paul Loh
5.0
Verified
Thanks for a great Muskegon River fishing experience!!!
5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead on October 20, 20252 adults
My wife and I had a great October day fishing on the Muskegon River thanks to Dan Healy, who is all you could ever want in a fishing guide. The water was crystal clear, and fish were visibly abundant...everywhere. Dan knows the river like the back of his hand. He located us over Chinook redds along an entire four-mile stretch of water. There is technique involved presenting yarn lures to fish holding their positions against the current over their spawning beds. Dan was a patient and encouraging teacher. We landed several large Chinook. The river and sunshine were beautiful, and Dan did his best to make it a memorable experience for us both. The pace was relaxing fishing from a drift boat. You will have a great time booking a trip with this captain who I recommend highly.
0
Declan Laffoon
Declan Laffoon
5.0
Verified
Highly recommend!
5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead on May 17, 20252 adults
Captian Dan is very smart with fishing, and the water he guides on. The weather didnt make it easy, but we still caught a lot of fish. Dan was very patient and is a great captian to fish with if you haven't ever casted a rod, or are experienced. We hope to fish with captian Dan for years to come!
A smiling angler proudly displaying a freshly caught trout while fishing from a drift boat in a scenic river setting.
An angler proudly displaying a sizable Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a scenic river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a freshly caught Brown Trout while fishing from a small boat in a serene river setting.
A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a small boat in a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery.
Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Response from Captain
May 19, 2025
Thank you!
0
Matthew Lambert
Matthew Lambert
5.0
Verified
Great knowledge of the river
SUMMER SPECIAL August 5 hour Trips on August 18, 20251 adult
Dan was great at knowing the rivers ups and downs. Was great at having poles ready for quick change out of lures and bait. He stays on top of weather reports and keeps in touch on his options on if time changes are needed and goes the extra hr mile providing best experience.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat on a calm river.
An angler proudly displaying a smallmouth bass while fishing on a river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
Reported catch:
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
0
Dusty Young
Dusty Young
5.0
Verified
Day on the Muskegon
5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead on April 13, 20242 adults
I recently took my nephew on a fishing trip with Dan to catch some Steelhead. Even though the Steelhead season has been extremely slow, Dan managed to put us on some and my nephew even caught him a decent one. The experience was great and we learned some techniques that will definitely help us pick right up where we left off next time we come up. Dan is knowledgeable of both the river and the fishing techniques. We would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to book a charter in the area .
Two anglers celebrating a successful catch of a Rainbow Trout while fishing on a calm river.
1
Samantha Krueger
Samantha Krueger
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Daniel
5 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout on June 18, 20232 adults
1

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
April 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
4 Hour Trip - PIKE Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Dec 1
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US $260
Entire boat: 2 people
SUMMER SPECIAL August 5 hour Trips
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Aug 1 - Aug 31
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US $275
Entire boat: 2 people
5 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Nov 30
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US $325
Entire boat: 2 people
5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
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US $340
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Nov 30
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US $375
Entire boat: 2 people
Kids fish for FREE in August 6 hrs
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Aug 1 - Aug 31
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US $320
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour – Salmon & Steelhead (Boat)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 1 - Nov 5
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US $400
Entire boat: 2 people
7 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
7 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 15 - Nov 30
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US $425
Entire boat: 2 people
7 Hour – Salmon & Steelhead (Boat)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
7 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
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US $440
Entire boat: 2 people
2 Days - 2 Different Rivers - 6 hrs
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Dec 1
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US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
Float and Camp - 2 day & 1 Night
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 Day Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Overnight stay, lodging
Seasonal trip
May 15 - Oct 31
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US $1,000
Entire boat: 2 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Rating

4.9
43 reviews
5
41
4
1
3
1
2
0
1
0
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (71)

An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat on a calm river.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a smallmouth bass while fishing on a river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
An angler proudly displaying a sizable Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a scenic river, surrounded by lush greenery.
+65

What anglers say

97%
Great experience
87%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
85%
Caught fish

All reviews (43)

Filter
Showing 15 of 43 reviews
Paul Loh
Paul Loh
5.0
Verified
Thanks for a great Muskegon River fishing experience!!!
5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead on October 20, 20252 adults
My wife and I had a great October day fishing on the Muskegon River thanks to Dan Healy, who is all you could ever want in a fishing guide. The water was crystal clear, and fish were visibly abundant...everywhere. Dan knows the river like the back of his hand. He located us over Chinook redds along an entire four-mile stretch of water. There is technique involved presenting yarn lures to fish holding their positions against the current over their spawning beds. Dan was a patient and encouraging teacher. We landed several large Chinook. The river and sunshine were beautiful, and Dan did his best to make it a memorable experience for us both. The pace was relaxing fishing from a drift boat. You will have a great time booking a trip with this captain who I recommend highly.
0
Declan Laffoon
Declan Laffoon
5.0
Verified
Highly recommend!
5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead on May 17, 20252 adults
Captian Dan is very smart with fishing, and the water he guides on. The weather didnt make it easy, but we still caught a lot of fish. Dan was very patient and is a great captian to fish with if you haven't ever casted a rod, or are experienced. We hope to fish with captian Dan for years to come!
A smiling angler proudly displaying a freshly caught trout while fishing from a drift boat in a scenic river setting.
An angler proudly displaying a sizable Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a scenic river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a freshly caught Brown Trout while fishing from a small boat in a serene river setting.
A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a small boat in a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery.
Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Response from Captain
May 19, 2025
Thank you!
0
Matthew Lambert
Matthew Lambert
5.0
Verified
Great knowledge of the river
SUMMER SPECIAL August 5 hour Trips on August 18, 20251 adult
Dan was great at knowing the rivers ups and downs. Was great at having poles ready for quick change out of lures and bait. He stays on top of weather reports and keeps in touch on his options on if time changes are needed and goes the extra hr mile providing best experience.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat on a calm river.
An angler proudly displaying a smallmouth bass while fishing on a river, surrounded by lush greenery.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
An angler proudly displaying a Smallmouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
Reported catch:
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
0
Dusty Young
Dusty Young
5.0
Verified
Day on the Muskegon
5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead on April 13, 20242 adults
I recently took my nephew on a fishing trip with Dan to catch some Steelhead. Even though the Steelhead season has been extremely slow, Dan managed to put us on some and my nephew even caught him a decent one. The experience was great and we learned some techniques that will definitely help us pick right up where we left off next time we come up. Dan is knowledgeable of both the river and the fishing techniques. We would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to book a charter in the area .
Two anglers celebrating a successful catch of a Rainbow Trout while fishing on a calm river.
1
Samantha Krueger
Samantha Krueger
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Daniel
5 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout on June 18, 20232 adults
1

FAQs about Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Unpowered boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
16 ft
Year built
2016
Boat manufacturer
Hyde
Boat type
Drift boat

Max cruising speed
3 knots
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