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!

There is nothing more relaxing than floating the Muskegon River in the middle of the summer while chasing Smallies and Trout! With longer days now, evening trips are my favorite this time of year. It seems everything is in play to catch a smallie; from Ned'ing the bottom, swim baits through the middle section of the water or top water blow ups. Trying different things and being flexible is a must until you find what's working that day. Most likely tomorrow it will be something different than the day before. We have had some very odd weather patterns over the last 10 days that have created some tougher fishing. The river went up nearly 2.5 feet and within 48 hours back down 2.5 feet. The river temp shot up to 73 and back down to 66 in the same time frame. Multiple cool nights and days and a few humid days mixed in. Fingers crossed we get back to a steady weather pattern. I have several days remaining in July, August and September to get out for Smallmouth, Trout and Pike (on the Pine) if you want a chance at fighting the hardest fighting fish pound for pound in Michigan, BOOK SOON!