Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
Mainstream Guides invites you to join them on a fishing quest on one of Michigan's abundant rivers. Operated by guide Aaron Spence, this guide service is all about providing fun and adventurous trips for guests of any skill level. Aaron welcomes children over the age of six for an experience they will remember and be able to talk about for many years to come.
You can fish on a number of rivers including Muskegon, Manistee, Rogue, Grand or Jordan Rivers. Depending on the species you prefer to target and the time of the year you go out, Aaron will advise you which river is your best bet.
When it comes to seasons, Chinook and Coho Salmon are available from August 20th to October 31st; Brown Trout is here May 1st to July 31st; Bass is available from May 1st through August 31st; and finally, Steelhead is here most of the year - from September 1st through may 1st.
Fishing is done out of a 16' Wooldridge Jet boat with a capacity for up to three persons. Powered by a 150 HP Mercury Outboard engine, this boat is pretty indestructible and an excellent choice for river fishing. It is equipped with a fishfinder to locate the best fishing spots, life jackets for safety, and an icebox.
Mainstream Guides provide mostly fly fishing equipment for fly fishermen, however, if you prefer spinning rods and bait casters, they carry those, too. Just make sure you let guide Aaron know what you skill level and preferred techniques are, and he'll be able to accommodate you. Aaron also carries lures and live bait when necessary, and provides snacks and drinks on half day trips, whereas full day trips also include lunch.
Note: Fishing locations and start time will need to be decided based on fish migrations and stream activity. You must obtain a valid Michigan freshwater fishing license prior to the trip.
Mainstream Guides invites you to join them on a fishing quest on one of Michigan's abundant rivers. Operated by guide Aaron Spence, this guide service is all about providing fun and adventurous trips for guests of any skill level. Aaron welcomes children over the age of six for an experience they will remember and be able to talk about for many years to come.
You can fish on a number of rivers including Muskegon, Manistee, Rogue, Grand or Jordan Rivers. Depending on the species you prefer to target and the time of the year you go out, Aaron will advise you which river is your best bet.
When it comes to seasons, Chinook and Coho Salmon are available from August 20th to October 31st; Brown Trout is here May 1st to July 31st; Bass is available from May 1st through August 31st; and finally, Steelhead is here most of the year - from September 1st through may 1st.
Fishing is done out of a 16' Wooldridge Jet boat with a capacity for up to three persons. Powered by a 150 HP Mercury Outboard engine, this boat is pretty indestructible and an excellent choice for river fishing. It is equipped with a fishfinder to locate the best fishing spots, life jackets for safety, and an icebox.
Mainstream Guides provide mostly fly fishing equipment for fly fishermen, however, if you prefer spinning rods and bait casters, they carry those, too. Just make sure you let guide Aaron know what you skill level and preferred techniques are, and he'll be able to accommodate you. Aaron also carries lures and live bait when necessary, and provides snacks and drinks on half day trips, whereas full day trips also include lunch.
Note: Fishing locations and start time will need to be decided based on fish migrations and stream activity. You must obtain a valid Michigan freshwater fishing license prior to the trip.

| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
We had a great day of fishing. The weather cooperated and the fish were biting. Aaron was very knowledgeable, helpful and patient with my younger son. He had all the necessary equipment to keep up fishing nonstop. I highly recommend.
When we arrived into boat ramp Aaron was early and already prepping gear. He let us bring 3 on the boat and had everything well organized. We were able to use his gear or our own and he asked which hand we reeled with to make sure gear was set before we got on the River. Everyone in our group caught multiple fish both before and after he made us a grilled chicken lunch along the River. Aaron is courteous to our group and others on the River. Safe driver and has everything needed for the trip. He got us on fish right away and was open to putting on new lures and letting g us try our own gear. I have done multiple trips on the Muskegon River and this was the best trip and Captain I have experienced. Picture our biggest is a 4.5 lb 20.5 inch Smallie which we release and there were several other decent ones caught.
Absolutely amazing day on the Muskegon river with captain Aaron. He is amazing! Really cool guy, easy to talk to and really puts you at ease regardless of skill and experience level. Went with my wife and we both got our first ever steelhead! Fishing had been tough on the day, most boats reporting none or 1 fish at best but Aaron was able to help my wife pull in a 6lb chrome despite her having NEVER fished before and being deep into her third trimester! This before helping me hook then fight a 12lb beast for a memorable first steelhead experience. We were able to grill lunch right on the boat, he had great fishing gear and the scenery was awesome. Even saw a doe and 2 bald eagles. Aaron knows every inch of water so well, even predicting (and often preventing) snags before they happened. So satisfied with our trip, the wife is hooked on fishing, we will definitely be back for more. Thank you!
One in a lifetime salmon trip for my 10 year old son and I. Captain Aaron is friendly, professional and wanted us to have a great time and catch some big salmon. Captain Aaron knows the Manistee river well and set us up with a hot spot and excellent fishing techniques to catch a lot of salmon. We spent more time getting a salmon on the line in the boat than we did in casting out our lines. Aaron knows how to make good fishing rigs and casting methods to get a good catch. Captain Aaron works well with adults and kids in the boat and navigating through the river and among other boats. Highly recommended; hope to get on a trip with Captain Aaron again in the future.
Caught 5 big Salmon, Aaron also cooked me a nice Lunch !


My brother from Texas and I can not say enough good things about this trip. In less than 4 hours we landed 6 big salmon and lost 2, probably even bigger since the line snapped like it was sowing material. The one I am holding was a huge 29 pounder that took us up stream and down stream twice. I held the pole up and reeled with aching arms for 20 minutes or more until he finally gave up. My brother is trying to lift the monster he fought for 20 minutes as well. I am certain without the expert guidance Aaron was providing neither fish would have been landed. We were using light, 14# test leaders. A fantastic trip. Captain Aaron is an excellent guide,teacher, and after the trip I am certain you will consider him a friend as well. I can't wait to go again.
Can’t say enough about this captain! My son and I had an absolute blast. Thanks Aaron!!!
Great time and experience for my Son... Capt Jeff - Thank you very much!
First time out with Aaron who donated this trip to my conservation club to support our environment. I have been fishing for Steelhead and Salmon for 40 years and Aaron had us on Browns and Steelhead immediately. Best single half day of Steelhead fishing for me.All fish released. Going out with Aaron this Fall.
We had a great day of fishing. The weather cooperated and the fish were biting. Aaron was very knowledgeable, helpful and patient with my younger son. He had all the necessary equipment to keep up fishing nonstop. I highly recommend.

Aaron is super professional, nice to be with, and got us to where all the fish were. My son, 11, was thrilled to catch 10 smallmouth on a half day trip. We caught 28 fish total. Definitely recommend!

My wife and I both agreed this was the best guided fishing trip that we have ever been on. Our guide was very knowledgeable and put us on over 70 fish. We will definitely be back in the future.

Captain was fantastic. He knew the river backwards and forward. his boat and gear were top notch and well maintained. I highly recommend them as a guide.

Had a great day fishing the Muskegon. Caught 3 species of fish. Largemouth, several rock bass and around 30 hard fighting smallmouth. Aaron is a great guide!
Newaygo, Michigan, United States
Aaron Spence has been guiding for over 18 years on some of Michigan's finest rivers. The Jordan, Manistee, Pere Marquette, Muskegon, and the Grand River. I look forward to having you out on the water for a great day of fishing.
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.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
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