Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies

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 Dans 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.

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

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 and chase more fish!

Walk and Wade is a more intimate way of fishing and walking the river. If wading is your preferred method of finding fish, Dan can accommodate you. There is nothing Dan enjoys more than fighting and chasing fish while in the river.

While many tackle options are available, our preferred technique is fly fishing gear. However, using spin gear 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 and snacks and water for half day trips. Don’t forget to bring your fishing license!

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



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4.5 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 1
    US $300
    Targeting Smallmouth, Largemouth Bass, Trout, Pike and anything else that bites! A favorite trip length for a lot of new clients! Using light tackle and gear specific for whatever species you're looking for. Snacks and drinks are included in the price. Two fishermen max. Fishing options include the Muskegon River in Newaygo, The Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Pine River in Gratiot County. Please ask what's fishing well. 4.5 - 5-hour float trip The season is May to November.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
    Pike (Northern)
    Northern Pike
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Bass (Smallmouth)
    Smallmouth Bass
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead
    In demand! Last booked: 5 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $350
    Looking to slay some Salmon or Steelhead? This is a perfect trip length and the best value! Using flies and either spin rods or fly rods, and we'll find fish that will take you for a ride! Snacks and drinks are included. A grilled lunch can be added for an additional charge. A 5 - 5.5 hr float trip. Steelhead season is February to May and October to December. Salmon season is mid-September to early November.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout
    In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 1
    US $375
    Targeting Smallmouth, Largemouth Bass, Trout, and anything else that bites! A favorite trip length and the best value! Using light tackle and gear specific for whatever species you're looking for. Snacks and drinks are included in the price. Can upgrade for a grilled lunch. 2 Fisherman max. Fishing options include the Muskegon River in Newaygo, The Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Pine River in Gratiot County. A 5.5 to 6-hour trip. The season is May to November.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
    Pike (Northern)
    Northern Pike
    Bass (Smallmouth)
    Smallmouth Bass
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 15 - Aug 31
    US $425
    Ready for all day on the river, chasing Smallmouth Bass and Trout and anything else you can get to bite!? That's right, depending on the river and time of the year, you'll target some hard-fighting fish that will leave you addicted. This is a 7-hour trip. Grilled lunch (weather permitting), water/drinks, and snacks are provided. 2 fisherman max. Fishing options include the Muskegon River in Newaygo, The Tittabawassee in Midland and the Pine River in Gratiot County. The season is May to November.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
    Pike (Northern)
    Northern Pike
    Bass (Smallmouth)
    Smallmouth Bass
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
  • Private trip
    7 Hour – Salmon & Steelhead (Boat)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $440
    There is literally nothing better to do in Michigan than to catch a massive King Salmon or have an acrobatic Steelhead put a charge in your rod while fighting them in a river (usually just hanging on and praying). Spend a whole day with the captain fighting these brutes! Grilled lunch (weather permitting), drinks, and snacks are included in the price. 2 fisherman max. Steelhead season is February to May and October to December. Salmon season is mid September to early November.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
There are 15 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies

Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $245 per group, additional US $55 per person after 1 guest - 4.5 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout (4 hours)
  • US $295 per group, additional US $55 per person after 1 guest - 5 Hour Trip – Salmon or Steelhead (5 hours)
  • US $320 per group, additional US $55 per person after 1 guest - 6 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout (6 hours)
  • US $365 per group, additional US $60 per person after 1 guest - 7 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout (7 hours)
  • US $370 per group, additional US $70 per person after 1 guest - 7 Hour – Salmon & Steelhead (Boat) (7 hours)

Trips booked with Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Can clean salmon, steelhead and trout)
  • Snacks
  • Drinks
  • Lunch
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies offers the following type of fishing:
  • River Fishing (Muskegon River and Pine River (Alma))

Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly Fishing (Provides flies for guest. )

Top targeted fish species with Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies include:
  • Bass (Smallmouth)
  • Brown Trout
  • Pike (Northern)
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Meet the Captain

Daniel Nealy
Newaygo, Michigan, United States
ID & license verified
32 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2021
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I'm from southern Michigan and grew up pond and lake fishing for Bass, Catfish and Pike. I went to Central Michigan University and started falling in love with fishing Smallmouth Bass in the Chippewa River. While in Mt. Pleasant, I met a guy who guided on the Pere Marquette. He offered to take me at the end of Steelhead season to see if we could find some late spring Steelies. While on that trip, I fought several Steelhead, and landed a trophy brown trout. From that point on, my passion grew for fishing Michigan rivers. I currently live in Alma, which is in the dead center of the state. I live with my wife (Aleisha) and my three dogs (Berkley, Caddis, Stella) and my two cats (Orvis & River). I also organize youth basketball tournaments and officiate in the winter.

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Smallmouth) Smallmouth Bass
Brown Trout Brown Trout
Pike (Northern) Northern Pike
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

Boat specs

Hyde (Drift boat) originally built in 1999. Powered by a 5HP Nissan engine.

Length
14 ft
Capacity
2 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Muskegon River and Pine River (Alma)

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Provides flies for guest.

Amenities

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Can clean salmon, steelhead and trout
Snacks
Drinks
Lunch
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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
You Keep Catch
Limited keep - please ask Captain Dan
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
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
Bank Transfer

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 32 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (48)
March fishing trip
March fishing trip
Great experience
+45
Angler rating
30
1
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
88%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
79%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 32 reviews
Samantha K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Daniel

VERIFIED   4.5 Hour Trip – Bass, Pike & Trout on June 18, 2023
Samantha K. recommends Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
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Samantha K. recommends Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
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Michael J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing day

VERIFIED   7 Hour – Salmon & Steelhead (Boat) on November 11, 2023
We didn’t have a lot of river fishing experience, Dan was super knowledgeable and helped us really get the hang of everything....
Michael J. recommends Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
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David R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Brown Trout Frenzy!

VERIFIED   Trip for David on November 4, 2023
Had an amazing time with Dan! Very knowledgeable over the River , many different baits , poles , and lures for us to use. We...
David R. recommends Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
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  Daniel Nealy Captain replied

Jillian R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome time

VERIFIED   7 Hour – Salmon & Steelhead (Boat) on October 15, 2023
This was my son’s second time with Dan and my first and it was an awesome day. We seen and caught fish. Dan is very...
Jillian R. recommends Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
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Jillian R. recommends Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
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Donnell P.
Chicago, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 hr day trip

VERIFIED   7 Hour – Salmon & Steelhead (Boat) on September 18, 2023
Our plans were originally set with Captain Dan to fish days before he contacted us and let us know that the fishery was better...
Donnell P. recommends Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
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Donnell P. recommends Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
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