The Outing
One day, one river, a shot at a king
This isn't a big charter operation. It's a retired guide spending a few fall days a year doing what he loves: rowing the boat, reading the water and putting two anglers on fresh Chinook salmon.
The season
- The peak of the fall run: from the second Tuesday of September through the third Thursday of October.
- Full days on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- No tours this fall. Booking for the 2027 season opens July 1, 2027, and opens every July 1 after that.
- Payment is made in person on the day. Nothing is charged online.
Your guide provides the gear
- Lamiglas rods and Daiwa reels
- Fresh cured spawn and spawn bags, beads and stick baits
- A large river landing net
- A full lunch on the river
You bring your own waders (strictly no cleats or studded soles in the boat) and a valid Michigan fishing license. Full gear guide →
The Float
Upper Branch to Lower Branch
We put in at the Upper Branch Bridge Access and take out at the Lower Branch Bridge Access, both in Branch Township, Michigan. The orange line below is the real river, traced from live map data.
Live map: switch between Map, Topo and Satellite at the top right. Click the map, then scroll to zoom. The route follows the river centerline from OpenStreetMap, and the actual drift shifts with the water. Driving directions between the two access points
Where to stay
We push off at 8:00 AM, so most anglers arrive the night before. Baldwin (about 15 minutes east) and Ludington (about 25 minutes west, on Lake Michigan) both have motels, cabins, diners and coffee shops. Grab breakfast and coffee on your way in, because the river doesn't have a drive-through.
Meet Your Guide
Thirty years on his home water
For over 30 years, the winding bends, deep gravel runs, and log jams of the Pere Marquette River have been my home water. Now that I'm retired from the daily grind, I didn't want to step away from the river—I wanted to share it.
Hear how he fishes, why he rows a wooden McKenzie drift boat, and what to expect whether it's your first rod or your fiftieth king.
On the Water
Days on the Pere Marquette
Good to Know
Questions people ask
Where do we meet in the morning?
At the Upper Branch Bridge River Access in Branch Township at 8:00 AM. It's a U.S. Forest Service site with a vault toilet. The Forest Service lists a day-use parking fee there, so check the current amount. The map above shows the exact spot and has a button for directions.
What if it rains?
We fish rain or shine, and salmon don't mind a gray, drizzly day. We only reschedule for dangerous lightning or an unsafe, blown-out river. Bring good rain gear and warm layers, and see the gear guide.
What's the bathroom situation?
It's a long day on the water, and that's fine. Both the put-in and take-out Forest Service sites have vault toilets, and we'll make natural stops along the river whenever anyone needs one. Just tell your guide.
Will you clean my fish?
If you keep a bright, clean king, we'll help you get it ready at the ramp. Bring a cooler with ice for the ride home.
Is tipping customary?
Never expected, always appreciated.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, every angler needs a valid Michigan fishing license. Short-term all-species licenses are available, and you can buy one on your phone through the Michigan DNR eLicense portal. Please do it before the ramp, since cell service can be spotty.
What about lunch and food allergies?
A full lunch is included. Tell us about any dietary restrictions or food allergies when you book, so we pack something you can eat.
Do I sign a waiver?
Yes. You'll sign a paper liability waiver at the ramp before we push off. Tick the box when you book to show you understand.
Reservations
Book a day on the river
No payment is collected online. The $500 fee is paid in person at the start of the day. Booking opens every year on July 1.
Questions? Please text rather than call, to keep spam calls away. The number is in your confirmation.