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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip - Bass
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Aug 31
    US $350
    This trip is a half-day of chasing Bass on one of Michigan's finest rivers or lakes. Spinning gear, bait casters, and tackle will be supplied. Snacks and soft drinks are included. This is usually for 1-2 anglers, but a 3rd can be added if you're fishing from the Jet Sled (only).
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip - Salmon
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Aug 20 - Oct 31
    US $350
    Get ready to chase some Salmon! The use of fly rods, reels, and all necessary tackle is included on all fly trips. Spinning gear, bait casters, and tackle can also be supplied as well. If you get hungry, no worries, the captain usually has snacks and soft drinks on board. Please note, Mainstream Guides usually takes from 1 to 2 anglers, but a 3rd person can be added if you go fishing from the Jet Sled (only).
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip - Trout
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Jul 31
    US $350
    Go fishing for Trout on one of Michigan's most productive rivers. Fly rods, reels, and all necessary tackle are included on all fly fishing trips. Spinning gear and tackle can also be supplied. Snacks and soft drinks are included on all trips as well. Mainstream Guides typically takes 1-2 anglers with them, but a 3rd person can be added if you go fishing from the Jet Sled (only).
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Steelhead (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 1 - May 1
    US $350
    This trip is a half-day marathon of chasing Steelhead on one of Michigan's finest rivers. Fly rods, reels, and all necessary tackle are included on all fly fishing trips. Spinning gear, bait casters, and tackle can also be supplied. Snacks and drinks are included as well. This is usually for 1-2 anglers, but a 3rd person can be added if you're fishing from the Jet Sled (only). Please note, Steelhead show up on most of the Michigan rivers in late September, following the Salmon.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Steelhead (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Sep 1 - May 1
    US $350
    This trip is a half-day journey of chasing Steelhead on one of Michigan's finest rivers. Fly rods, reels, and all necessary tackle are included on all fly fishing trips. Spinning gear, bait casters, and tackle can also be supplied. Snacks and drinks are included as well. This trip typically takes 1-2 anglers, but a 3rd person can be added if you're fishing from the Jet Sled. Please note, Steelhead show up on most of the Michigan rivers in late September, running just behind the Salmon.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip - Bass
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Aug 31
    US $425
    It's all about the Bass! Be prepared to chase after some fine Bass on one of Michigan's most productive rivers or lakes. Spinning gear, baitcasters, and tackle will be provided. You'll most likely work up an appetite, so full-day trips include a stream-side lunch as well. This trip accommodates 1 or 2 anglers.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip - Salmon
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Aug 20 - Oct 31
    US $525
    This trip is an action-packed day of chasing Salmon on one of Michigan's most beautiful rivers. Fly rods, reels, and all necessary tackle are included on all fly trips. Spinning gear, bait casters, and tackle can also be supplied for your convenience. Full-day trips include a stream-side lunch. This trip typically accommodates 1 or 2 anglers, but a 3rd person can be added if you are fishing from the Jet Sled (only).
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip - Steelhead
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 1 - May 1
    US $525
    Let's go fishing for Rainbow (Steelhead) Trout! The use of fly rods, reels, and all necessary tackle is included on all fly trips. Spinning gear, bait casters, and tackle can also be supplied. Full-day trips include a stream-side lunch. This trip usually can accommodate 1-2 guests, but a 3rd person can be added if you're fishing from the Jet Sled (only). Please note, when booking a steelhead trip: Steelhead show up on most of the Michigan rivers in late September, running just behind the Salmon.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip - Trout
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Jul 31
    US $525
    Enjoy a full day of chasing Trout on one of Michigan's most producitve rivers. Fly rods, reels, and all necessary tackle will be provided for you on all fly fishing trips. Spinning gear and tackle can also be supplied. You'll probably work up an appetite, so full-day trips include a stream-side lunch. These trips can fit up to 1-2 anglers, but a 3rd can be added if you fish from the Jet Sled.
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FAQs about Mainstream Guides - Newaygo

Mainstream Guides - Newaygo offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip - Bass (4 hours)
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip - Salmon (4 hours)
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip - Trout (4 hours)
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip – Steelhead (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip – Steelhead (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $425 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip - Bass (8 hours)
  • US $525 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip - Salmon (8 hours)
  • US $525 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip - Steelhead (8 hours)
  • US $525 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip - Trout (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Mainstream Guides - Newaygo, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Fishfinder
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Mainstream Guides - Newaygo include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Snacks
  • Drinks
  • Lunch (On Full Day Trips Only)
  • Fly Fishing Equipment (Orvis and Redington )

Mainstream Guides - Newaygo offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing (Jordan, Manistee, Muskegon, Grand )
  • Lake Fishing

Mainstream Guides - Newaygo offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Mainstream Guides - Newaygo include:
  • Bass (Largemouth)
  • Bass (Smallmouth)
  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Meet the Charter Operator

Mainstream Guides
Newaygo, Michigan, United States
9 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
53 Customer reviews
Response time 7 hours
Member since August 2017
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.

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Largemouth) Largemouth Bass
Bass (Smallmouth) Smallmouth Bass
Brown Trout Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

Boat specs

Stealthcraft (Jet boat) originally built in 2019. Powered by a 90HP Mercury Outboard engine.

Length
18 ft
Capacity
3 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Jordan, Manistee, Muskegon, Grand
Lake Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing

Amenities

Fishfinder
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Snacks
Drinks
Lunch
On Full Day Trips Only
Fly Fishing Equipment
Orvis and Redington

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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
6 years and over
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Prefered

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

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
Checks

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 23 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (25)
Salmon Full Day Trip
Salmon Full Day Trip
Salmon Full Day Trip
+22
Angler rating
22
0
0
0
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
82%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 23 reviews
Mitch B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Salmon Full Day Trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip - Salmon on October 22, 2023
Caught 5 big Salmon, Aaron also cooked me a nice Lunch !
Mitch B. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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Mitch B. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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Robb K.
Portage, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day Smallmouth trip.

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip - Bass on July 28, 2022
When we arrived into boat ramp Aaron was early and already prepping gear. He let us bring 3 on the boat and had everything...
Robb K. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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Robb K. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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Mounir D.
Grand Rapids, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full Day with Captain Aaron

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Steelhead (AM) on November 21, 2020
Absolutely amazing day on the Muskegon river with captain Aaron. He is amazing! Really cool guy, easy to talk to and really...
Mounir D. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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  Mainstream Guides Charter Operator replied

Tyson L.
Muskegon, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day Salmon trip with Captain Aaron

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip - Salmon on September 19, 2020
One in a lifetime salmon trip for my 10 year old son and I. Captain Aaron is friendly, professional and wanted us to...
Tyson L. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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Tyson L. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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David K.
Zeeland, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

It was a great trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip - Bass on May 22, 2022
We had a great trip and the captain was well prepared and obviously familiar with the area. He had everything we needed for...
David K. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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David K. recommends Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
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