Making Memories on The Water - September 2025 Newsletter

From Brian Pitser, Owner & Head Guide

Northern Michigan’s fall migratory fishing is what drew me into guiding almost 30 years ago. The excitement I felt all those years ago when I first launched my boat still thrills me today and drives me to be the best guide I can be. Some days I feel like I’m 27 years old again; other days I wonder if I’m getting too old for this career. The beauty of this season is that, regardless of how I feel at any given moment, there is always something magical happening around each and every river bend.

As a guide, I get to share special moments with my clients. For many people (including myself), these fun and relaxing days are the times they look forward to all year. Their days spent fishing on the river are often the highlights of their year. Over time, many of these relationships have turned into lifelong friendships. Several of my fall clients have been with me for more than 20 years. It means a great deal to have their loyalty and support for so long. I’m grateful for the life I’ve been able to create—one centered around friends and a deep passion for fly fishing.

Making good memories is one of the best goals and greatest rewards you can have as a fishing guide. It’s not always about the fish. You have to trust the day and have a certain degree of faith that the fish will play and the weather will cooperate. Work hard, and hopefully the resource will reward you. This is a guide mantra I recite each day.

Many of my most special memories revolve around fishing with my grandfathers, my dad, or other friends and family. Recently, my daughter Lili asked me to take her fishing. I was excited—and a little surprised—that she wanted to go fly fishing together. As with all of my guide trips, I wanted it to be a very special day for her on the water. When the day came, we loaded up the drift boat, packed lunches, and brought along Storm, our trusty trout dog. We had a blast floating the Upper Manistee, and Lili was casting like a pro. The fish cooperated, and it was a magical mid-September day filled with terrestrial fishing. We shared great conversations, watched wildlife (even spotting three river otters!), and managed to land the trifecta: a brookie, brown, and rainbow—all on dry flies. The older we get, the harder it becomes to carve out quality time with one another, so this was truly special. It was a great day.

Floating down the river is the best way to reset your soul and reconnect with friends and family. At the end of my day with Lili, I cut the fly from her four-weight Sage and pinned the little purple Chubby Chernobyl to the roof liner in my truck. I told her that seeing that fly each day would remind me of the wonderful time we spent together on the river.

Carrying all the memories of autumn seasons, both past and present, continues to fuel my passion for another fantastic fall. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you on the water this season—whether it’s in my boat or along the riverbank.