PERE MARQUETTE RIVER STEELHEAD SWING TRIPS

What to Expect

There is no take in fly fishing quite like a steelhead grabbing a swung fly. No indicator to watch, no mending to second-guess — just the slow, deliberate arc of your fly through a run, the line coming tight, and a chrome fish launching itself into the cool October air. On the Pere Marquette River, swinging two-handed rods for Great Lakes steelhead is as good as it gets east of the Rockies. You’ll fish from Westley’s StealthCraft Bighorn drift boat, working through carefully selected Pere Marquette runs that hold fresh steelhead throughout the season. The lower PM’s wide, accessible pools and classic tailouts are tailor-made for two-handed presentations — long sweeping casts, precise mends, and flies swinging at exactly the right speed through the strike zone.

Westley will put you on water that matches the conditions. Early fall means aggressive fish in higher flows, willing to move for a big flashy fly. Deep winter means slowing everything down — lighter tips, smaller patterns, and methodical coverage of the deeper holding water where cold-weather steelhead stack up waiting for a temperature break.

What’s Included?

These trips are designed for two-handed spey rods. Clients should bring their own setup if they have one — a 12-13 foot rod in the 7-8 weight range with a Skagit head – ideal for PM steelhead conditions. If you’re new to spey casting or still dialing in your setup, Westley offers dedicated double hand casting lessons to get you ready before your trip. Running lines, tips, and fly selection will be guided by Westley based on the day’s conditions. The PM fishes best with intruders, leeches, and traditional wet flies in olive, black, and natural tones during low clear conditions, and heavier, brighter patterns when the river is pushing color after rain.

Why the Pere Marquette

The Pere Marquette is one of the premier steelhead rivers in the Great Lakes system — a federally designated Wild and Scenic River with cold, clean water, reliable flows, and a strong natural reproduction fishery. Unlike many Midwest steelhead rivers, the PM holds fish through the entire winter, making it a legitimate destination for December, January, and February swing fishing when other rivers have gone off.

Fresh fish push in throughout the season following rain events and temperature drops, meaning no two trips fish the same. Westley has spent years learning which runs produce in which conditions — that local knowledge is what you’re booking when you book a guided swing trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many anglers per boat?

• One to two anglers per trip. The StealthCraft Bighorn comfortably fishes two, but single-angler trips mean more water and more casts per person.

What should I bring?

• A valid Michigan fishing license, polarized sunglasses, layered clothing appropriate for the season, rain gear, and sunscreen. Waders if you want to get out of the boat. Everything else is provided.

Can beginners do this trip?

• Absolutely. A significant number of Westley’s clients are first-time fly anglers. He’ll teach you to cast, read water, and set the hook. You’ll catch fish.

What happens if the weather is bad?

• Trips run rain or shine — some of the best fishing happens in poor weather. Trips are only cancelled for unsafe conditions like severe storms or dangerously high water. See the cancellation policy for details.