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You’ve tubed rivers in the Gaylord area, maneuvered them in a kayak, lounged along their shady banks, maybe even rafted beneath their snow draped branches in the winter. But you haven’t experienced everything our rivers have to offer until you’ve reeled in a monster fish from that cool, swift current.

Just north of Gaylord in Pigeon River Country, The River Hutt offers guided fishing trips under the expertise of Captain Robbie Skerratt. After spending a day on the water with Robbie, we have the inside scoop on what to expect during this rustic river experience.

1. You can be a newbie or an expert

The goal of this excursion is to have a fantastic day outdoors and catch a great big fish or two or three. Don’t let lack of experience hold you back. While Robbie is happy to host experienced fishermen with their own gear in tow, he’s also a patient instructor who provides everything you need, including lessons. While traditional fly fishing is an option, most people prefer light tackle fishing and center pin fishing (drift bobber). No lessons required – just loft it into the current and let it go. The comfortable Fly Craft raft you’ll be boarding fits two anglers, so grab a friend.

2. Just about everything is provided

You may not want to haul all your fishing gear in if this is just one day of your vacation. Or this may be your first time casting a line and you wouldn’t even know where to start with gear. Either way, Robbie provides the rods, reels, tackle, life preservers and bait. On top of that, he’ll provide water and even serve up a tasty lunch.

3. Which river is the best

Your guide for the day has spent most of his adult life learning the rivers winding in and around the Gaylord area – trust his knowledge! Our Blue Ribbon Northern Michigan waterways change seasonally, and some days, the fish just happen to be jumping where you didn’t expect them to be! Your trip will be tailored to where the best fishing conditions are that day based on the skills of your group. While you may not be able to plan the exact stretch of river you’ll hit, you can always plan on a relaxed and enjoyable trip.

4. Choose your season, then book your trip

At this time, guided services operate from March through mid-June, then start again in early October. Start and end times are weather dependent to ensure conditions are safe and increase your likelihood of reeling one in. Wondering what you may catch? March through May is known for bringing in steelhead and brown trout, with April considered the most bountiful month. May through June is a hotspot for hooking rainbow, brown and brook trout. Fall fishing is a longtime favorite, as the fish tend to be more aggressive and put up a good fight. There will be no shortage of photo keepsakes from this memorable catch and release experience.

5. A few important things to bring

We can’t stress this enough – BRING YOUR FISHING LICENSE! Please remember that guides do not provide your fishing license and you’ll need to obtain one before your trip. Our waterways may be in remote areas, so stop by Jay’s Sporting Goods in Gaylord before venturing out. Unless you book a wading trip, waders are unnecessary, but plan on having them if you’d like to be able to stand in the water. Muck boots are always smart for getting on and off the shore. As always, remember to bring your optimism and love for the outdoors, because this is a trip you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Meet Your Guide

A Gaylord native, Robbie Skerratt found his love for angling at an early age. After a childhood spent fishing the warm shallow waters of Otsego Lake, he found himself venturing out to the swift currents of the Pigeon River. One summer working with a local outfitter in his mid-twenties had him hooked, and Robbie soon found himself working as a guide and traveling seasonally to Alaska. His guiding journey began here and he has been providing services to eager anglers in Northern Michigan and beyond for over 10 years. When Robbie isn’t exploring his favorite Northern Michigan rivers, you may find him guiding fishing excursions in notable destinations such as Alaska, Patagonia, Georgia and Montana.