If you have questions about our trips or fly shop, odds are good you'll find the answers below. Didn't find your answer? Contact us by calling 231.549.6064.

• Where do we go for our fly fishing trip?

  Boyne Country and Michigan's Tip of the Mitt offer endless miles of water and a diverse selection of opportunities for all anglers. We fish the best water for the time of year and what our guests prefer. Check out Our Waters for more information. 

• What should I bring on my fly fishing trip?

  Everyone should always bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent & sunscreen, and rain gear.  During cold weather, please dress appropriately with layered clothing.

  
  
  

• Do you provide waders, boots, fly rods, etc.?

  All of our trips include the necessary gear to enjoy your day on the water! Guides will provide rods and reels based on the targeted species and techniques. We offer a Simms waders rental program for $49/day.

• Do I tip my guide? How much should I tip?

  Tipping is very much appreciated.  Twenty percent of the trip price is a standard gratuity.

• How many fish am I going to catch on my fly fishing trip?

  Catching fish is never guaranteed.  The number of fish landed varies with conditions and angler ability.  Our professional fly fishing guides do their best to put you on as many fish as possible on every trip.

• I'm a beginner - is that okay?

  We guide anglers of every ability and age level.  Beginners are welcome!  All of our guides are adept at teaching novices how to fly fish.

• Are there any age restrictions for your fly fishing trips and classes?

  There are no specific age restrictions.  Every child is an individual case.  Most kids are ready to learn between 8 and 10 years old.

• Do I need a fishing license? Where do I get a fishing license?

  You must purchase a fishing license if you are 17 years of age or older to fish.  If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations.  24-hours, 72-hour, and annual license are available at our fly shop or online.

• What is the difference between float and walk & wade trips?

  Float trips involve fishing from a drift boat or raft and offer access to miles of water unreachable by wade fishermen.  Wade trips give anglers the time to thoroughly work the water at a relaxing pace.  Both can be enjoyed by beginners or experts alike.

• Why and when should I book private-access water?

  Our exclusive water at The EK Preserve offers solitude and unpressured trout.  In some cases, larger than average trout are available.  Competition with other anglers is never a problem.  Our private-access waters are open from the last Saturday in April through September 30th.

• What are the best months for fly fishing?

  We fish every month of the year and the fishing can be great all year long.  Fantastic dry fly fishing for trout is found May through September. Spring and early summer also offer great opportunities for smallmouth on freshwater flats. Autumn offers beautiful fall colors, chasin' brown trout with streamers, fall steelhead and atlantic salmon.  Spring offers chances at hungry trout as well as chrome steelhead during their spring migration.  Winter offers opportunities at nymph fishing winter trout on uncrowded rivers.

• What about the weather?

  Unfortunately, we cannot control the weather; luckily the fish don't tend to mind a little drizzle or snow.  Therefore, we fish in all weather conditions except those that the guide determines to be dangerous.  Weather in northern Michigan can change extremely quickly so please be prepared and dress for all weather.  Layering is very important.  Please check the local forecast before your trip.

• Why can I not keep my catch?

  Catch and release is a commendable and necessary practice that benefits us and future generations.  Without catch and release, some fisheries would simply not survive, so conscientious anglers strictly follow rules requiring the practice.  Most of our fisheries depend on wild reproduction, so we do our best to help nature continue this.  Therefore, all Boyne Outfitters trips are catch & release fishing only.

• What if I get hungry?

  All of our trips include snacks to enjoy throughout the day.  Furthermore, our full day floats, walk & wade adventures, freshwater flats, and EK Preserve trips include your choice of a mouthwatering grilled shore lunch to enjoy some of the finer things in life, or a box lunch with several choices of wraps if you wish to focus more time on fishing.

• I'm thirsty...

  Water is included with all guided trips via clean, reusable bottles, in partnership with Costa's Kick Plastic movement.  If you wish to sip whiskey out of an ol' tin cup or have a glass of wine with your grilled shore lunch, you must provide your own alcohol.  Alcoholic beverages may be purchased prior to your trip from several outlets located at Boyne Mountain Resort.

• What are your reservation and cancellation policies?

  Reservations are encouraged a minimum 72 hours in advance for guided trips, however we will do our best to accommodate trips with less notice.  A credit card is required to confirm your reservation.  A $249 deposit is required for each guided trip and is non-refundable nor transferable.  All guided trips have a 7 day cancellation policy. Any cancellation within 7 days will result in a 100% charge. All reservations made within 7 days are charged the total trip cost at the time of booking.