I'm sad to summer go, but for me, we enter my favorite time of year! With most people going North to pack rivers to chase King Salmon, I'm loving how quickly the rivers I enjoy become quiet!!! I do river fishing Salmon, but I'm over the crowds and prefer to have miles and miles of river to myself. With the cooler nights, I'm starting to find Pike more spread out throughout the Pine River and on the hunt to prepare for their winter. Classic Mepps #5's have been working the best for me with the majority of fish still caught near structure but have found some out in the open cruising for a meal. As it continues to get cooler, I'm anticipating someone getting a true Michigan Giant this FALL! Smallies and Whopper Ploppers aren't as fire as it was a few weeks ago, but it's still producing. But Smallies remain aggressive as they're starting to prepare for colder days and want to take advantage of an easy meal. October is prime Salmon time for the Muskegon - book with me before I fill up and I anticipate I will soon! Captain Dan

BLOOP...BLOOP...BLOOP...BLOOP...SMASH! If you love that sound or if you haven't ever experienced it, NOW IS THE TIME! The rivers are running really hot, and the Smallies are fired up and very willing to leave cover for a big top water meal. 30 plus fish days are very possible right now. My favorite about August is it seems the river becomes very quiet as kids start to gear up for school and fall sports and other fisherman are starting to think about Salmon fishing. It's very possible to only see a few if any fisherman on the river. I've had a few chances to get out on the Pine River to "SCOUT" for big angry Pike. The Pike bite has been good, but no GIANTS to report. I look forward to finding some as we begin getting into some cooler nights and mornings here in a few weeks. If you don't like the busy Salmon rivers, getting out for fall Pike fishing can be very relaxing and rewarding!

I've had more interest in Pike fishing this summer than ever before. Pike can be finicky fish and totally shut down if it's "TOO NICE" out. However, if you can fish for them during the correct conditions, cool and cloudy, you'll have a really good chance for a special day! I hope I continue to get more interest in Pike fishing. I love pike fishing in the fall; cool weather, colors changing, quiet on the river and BIG Pike roaming around the entire river, looking to feast before winter. Smallmouth fishing on the Muskegon has rebounded after a week slow spell. During a recent trip I had a single client put over 15 Smallies in the boat while using the same Whopper Plopper. While mixing in some Ned'ing and tossing big spin blade's we were finding a mix of medium to large smallmouth. I anticipate the smallmouth fishing to continue to be strong through September. Don't wait to get out, get a hold of me today!