Michigan Waterfowl Hunts

David Roller doesn't talk about "passion for fishing." He's spent 49 of his 59 years on the Pere Marquette River, turning it into a full-time business for 43 years straight. His family's been fishing these waters for five generations. That's the résumé.

Pere Marquette Outfitters is the oldest locally-owned guide service on the Pere Marquette River, based in Fountain, Michigan (just north of US 10, between Ludington and Baldwin). The operation runs three distinct trip types: Michigan waterfowl hunts, Michigan fly fishing day trips, and week-long Alaska wilderness camps.

Hunts run October-December. You're in a 20-foot, 31HP Go-Devil boat with a pop-up blind, expert calling, and two Black Labrador Retrievers (Karma and Marlee). Breakfast or hot lunch cooked in the blind included.

Includes: Guide, boat, decoys, calling, Labs, food. Does not include: travel, tips, alcohol.

Within 40 miles of the base, you've got the Pere Marquette, Muskegon, and Big Manistee rivers. Roller claims this zone has "arguably the best migratory salmon and steelhead runs in the lower 48—bar none."

What you'll catch by season: - February-May: Steelhead - May-August: German Brown Trout - August-October: King Salmon and Steelhead - November-January: Steelhead

Pricing: - $600/day (1-2 anglers) - $775/day (3 anglers)

Includes: Licensed, insured guide; rods, flies, terminal tackle; hot coffee and rolls; hot grilled lunch with soft drinks. Does not include: tips, alcohol.

Day trips run approximately 8 hours.

In 2015, Roller built a permanent base camp on the Alagnak River in Katmai National Park (Bristol Bay drainage). The camp sits right in the heart of the river system that handles millions of migrating salmon annually.

• •Season: Mid-June through mid-September (weekly camps only)

What you catch: - Early season: Trophy rainbows and grayling - July: Sockeye and Kings - Late season: Pinks, Chums, Silvers (Coho), more rainbows

Pricing: $6,400/week per angler (7 days, 7 nights)

Includes: Licensed, insured guide; float plane to/from the river; rods, flies, terminal tackle; three hot meals daily; to-go lunches.

Does not include: Flight to King Salmon, hotel in King Salmon, tips, alcohol.

• •Accommodations: Quonset huts with single beds, bedding, electricity. Separate dining and relaxation tents. Camp holds up to 12 anglers.

• •Getting there: You book your own flight to King Salmon, AK. Float planes take you the rest of the way. Plan a night in King Salmon before and after camp for weather delays.

David Roller. Crockett Roller. Kurt Roller. Blake Roller. Josh Murphy. These guys aren't just licensed—they're the original guides on these rivers.

"We are not 'cookie cutters.' We are the original cookie. My group of guides and I are not only the most knowledgeable on the 'PM' and the Alagnak, but also, we are the hardest working guides on the river. Period!" — David Roller

Many customers have been returning for 25+ years.

• •From Michigan: Fountain sits about 45 minutes to 2 hours from Grand Rapids Airport (GRR), the most convenient option. Traverse City (TVC) is 2 hours north. Detroit (DTW) is 4 hours.

• •Booking: Email with your requested dates, number of anglers, and preferred guide. Response within 24 hours.

Both Michigan and Alaska trips have detailed packing lists. Key items for Michigan waterfowl: - Insulated, neoprene boot-foot waders (Thinsulate 1000+, size up) - Cold weather and rain gear - Two pairs wool socks

Alaska weather changes fast. You'll experience temps from 48°F (drizzly, windy) to 75°F sunny in the same day. Layering is essential.

• •Michigan day trips: $200 deposit per boat (non-refundable within 60 days unless rebooked or rescheduled).

• •Alaska camps: $2,500 deposit at booking. Balance due 90 days before arrival. Accepts check, credit card (3% surcharge), wire transfer.

7531 East Decker Road, Fountain, MI 49410 231.462.3010 [email protected]