Gear Guide
What your guide brings, and what you bring
Fall mornings on the Pere Marquette are cold and the weather changes fast. Your guide handles the fishing gear. You handle the waders, the license and the layers.
Provided by your guide
- Rods: Lamiglas rods
- Reels: Daiwa reels
- Tackle & terminal gear: fresh cured spawn and spawn bags, beads and stick baits
- Boat equipment: a large river landing net
- Lunch: a full lunch, included in the day
You are welcome to bring your own rods, reels and favorite gear if you'd rather. Just let us know when you book.
Required from you
- Your own waders. No cleats or studded soles are allowed in the drift boat, no exceptions.
- A valid Michigan fishing license for every angler. Short-term 24-hour and 72-hour all-species licenses are available, and you can buy one on your phone at the Michigan DNR eLicense portal before you head to the ramp.
- You must know how to swim.
- A signed liability waiver before we push off.
Recommended for the weather
Rain gearA raincoat or dedicated waterproof shell. River weather changes quickly.
Warm layersFleece, thermal base layers and moisture-wicking garments.
GlovesWarm, insulated, waterproof gloves for cold morning departures.
Eye & headPolarized sunglasses and a brimmed hat cut river glare.
PaymentThe $500 day fee is paid in person at the start. Nothing is charged online.
A good attitudeThe salmon are not on a schedule, but the scenery always shows up.