Michigan River Fishing Guides, fly fishing for Trout, Steelhead, & Salmon

Hawkins Outfitters was created in the summer of 1992 with the goal of providing clients from beginner to advanced, young to old, a high quality fly fishing experience. We are not boat jockeys trying to prove to you our prowess with rod, reel and fly. We are patient, knowledgeable instructors and guides that work very hard to get you into fish and have you leave a better angler at the end of your time with us. Read client Testimonials and what they have to say about our fishing guides.

Chuck Hawkins has been fly fishing for 27 years and guiding full time for 17 years. Chuck and his wife Cherie relocated to NWL Michigan in 1991 to provide a better quality of life for their kids, Zach and Casey. They live on 80 acres near Traverse City, MI. Chuck is an Orvis Endorsed Guide and a FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor that specializes on the Upper and Lower Manistee, and Ausable Rivers. Pursuing large resident trout, steelhead and Saltwater flats fishing are Chuck's passions.

Captain Jon Ray has been fly-fishing for the past 22 years and has guided fly anglers in Michigan and Colorado. Jon's first love is chasing trout, steelhead, or small-mouth with streamers. Guiding anglers with single or two-handed rods with a variety of techniques. The Upper & Lower Manistee, Bestie & the many miles of shoreline along Grand Traverse Bay are among his favorite hunts. He brings all this experience to your fishing day with an enthusiasm that is contagious. Jon is totally focused on helping his clients land that trophy chrome steelhead or large wary brown trout of your dreams. His love for photography can be viewed at MangledFly, as he tries to capture the many memories that the river provides.

*Jon Ray is on the Boulder Boat Pro Staff

Ed McCoy Fishing Guide

Ed McCoy grew up in Northern Michigan fly fishing for trout, salmon, and steelhead. Ed attended Michigan State University and graduated with degrees in Zoology and Fisheries & Wildlife. While attending MSU he worked on several research projects studying streams and fish biology in Northern Michigan. After graduating from MSU he was involved in post graduate research studying salmonid recruitment in the Muskegon River through the University of Michigan. He was very fortunate throughout his college years to be able to study (and play) on some of our more notable rivers such as the Au Sable, Manistee, Muskegon, Pere Marquette, and Pine Rivers. Ed enjoys sharing this knowledge with our clients, and “putting it to work”. As a guide with 9 years of experience Ed enjoys every aspect of fly fishing whether pulling streamers for large aggressive fish, casting dry flies for surface feeding trout, or nymphing.

*Ed is on the Hyde Boat Pro Staff

Russ Maddin has been a professional guide in Northwest Lower Michigan for over 12 years. Russ is known for the innovative new flies and techniques that he has developed. These are in use all over the Midwest. During his career Russ has been in almost every major fly fishing publication.

The upper Manistee River is considered home by Russ, he loves to chase big browns there. He also guides on the Boardman, Betise, Pere Marquette, and the lower Manistee for all species including salmon and steelhead. Russ also pursues fishing on Traverse Bay for carp, salmon and steelhead.

Russ, his wife Jody and two daughters,Alexis and Riley live in Traverse City.