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Capt. Chris Butz owns Hawkins Outfitters and guides clients for wingshooting and fly fishing. He grew up chasing upland birds and warm water species in Indiana, studied Zoology and Ecology at Michigan State, and brought that combination of field experience and scientific knowledge to northern Michig...
Own Hawkins Outfitters?
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Full description and what we offer
Capt. Chris Butz owns Hawkins Outfitters and guides clients for wingshooting and fly fishing. He grew up chasing upland birds and warm water species in Indiana, studied Zoology and Ecology at Michigan State, and brought that combination of field experience and scientific knowledge to northern Michigan over 15 years ago. When the previous owner retired, Butz took over in 2019 and expanded the operation to match client demand.
Fly Fishing - Trout (brook, brown, and rainbows on the Manistee, Pine, Pere Marquette) - Steelhead on iconic northern Michigan rivers - Salmon (multiple species) - Smallmouth bass in warm water conditions
Wingshooting - Grouse and woodcock (Michigan ranks top 3 nationally) - Turkey hunting (spring seasons) - Pheasant hunting at Thundering Aspens Sportsman's Club (TASC) - Waterfowl hunting
Specialty - Trained hunting dogs for upland bird work - Multi-day trips available - Guides also work internationally (clients have fished Utah's Green River, the Bahamas, Montana, Pennsylvania)
| Guide | Specialties | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Barthels | Trout, steelhead, smallmouth, salmon | Fly fishing since age 8 on Little Manistee; guides Colorado in summer |
| Capt. David Tropf | Fly fishing, salmon trolling, upland birds | USCG Master Captain; grew up on charter boats; fishes year-round |
| Dudley Campbell | Fly fishing, backcountry instruction | 30 years guiding in Utah; owned fly fishing outfitter on Green River |
"Few have ever measured up to Hawkins on all fronts. They can help you be a better fisherman and/or just put you over fish all day and let you do your thing. What is more they are great people and just fun to enjoy a day with." — Tom W., Yelp
Guides focus on teaching. Whether you're chasing numbers of brookies or targeting trophy browns, they adjust to your skill level and goals. Multi-year repeat clients are common.
Phone: 231-228-7135 Email: [email protected] Location: Northern Michigan (multiple rivers and lakes across the region)
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