Inland Sportfishing Guide License | Josh Miller

What the License Means

Captain Josh Miller's Inland Sportfishing Guide License is issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and lists him as the holder of License #124063507. This credential allows him to guide others on inland fishing trips across Michigan's waters. The license holder must carry ID and credentials at all times and make them available to conservation officers or other law enforcement if asked. It's the state's way of confirming that a guide meets the standards to lead fishing trips on Michigan's rivers and lakes.

When you book a trip with Majestic Michigan Charters, you're getting an experienced guide who operates under this license. It means Josh has gone through the process required by Michigan to professionally guide fishing trips. On the water, this license is your assurance that you're working with someone who has met the state's requirements for inland guide work.

Fishing the Manistee and Muskegon Rivers

Josh bases his guiding out of Brethren and Croton, operating on two of Michigan's best-known rivers for seasonal variety. The Manistee and Muskegon Rivers hold salmon, steelhead (rainbow trout), brown trout, northern pike, and other species depending on the time of year. Each season brings different opportunities, and your trip is built around what's running and what you're after.

From March through May, steelhead fishing heats up on the Manistee River. A full-day trip covers eight hours of guided fishing for $550, with options for both fly and spinning tackle. Summer brings a different pace—from May through September, you can fish local lakes for largemouth bass and bluegill using fly fishing techniques, a full-day outing for $450 starting at 8:00 AM. Salmon trips run full days for $600 or half days if you're working with a shorter schedule, both starting at 6:00 AM and using a 15-foot drift boat to cover productive water. For brown and rainbow trout year-round, Josh offers full-day trips at $550 on the Manistee River with the same flexibility between fly and conventional gear.

The Boat and Your Gear

You'll fish from a 16-foot drift boat designed for shallow stretches and smooth navigation—or a 15-foot Hyde drift boat on certain trips. Both are set up for two anglers, meaning you get plenty of casting space and personal attention from your guide. All fishing gear comes with you: quality rods, reels, and a mix of effective lures are included, along with live bait if that's the call for the day.

The boat is where Josh's experience shows. He knows these rivers well enough to read the water and position you where fish are likely to be. You're not just being ferried to a spot; you're getting a guide who understands the seasonal patterns and can adjust tactics through the day.

A Unique Option: Winter Spearfishing

If you want to try something different from traditional rod-and-reel fishing, Josh offers winter spearfishing trips from December 1 through March 15. These are eight-hour private outings in a heated shanty where you'll use a 7-tine spear to target northern pike and muskie. Josh handles the decoys to bring fish in close. Contact the guide before booking to confirm details and make sure this experience fits what you're looking for.

Getting Ready for Your Trip

Michigan requires each person in your group to carry a personal fishing license while on the water. This is separate from Josh's guide license and is your responsibility to secure before the trip—you can get one through the Michigan DNR website or at most sporting goods retailers. Some fish species have specific regulations or seasonal closures, so it's smart to check with Josh or the DNR about what's in play during your planned dates.

Bring polarized sunglasses to cut glare and spot fish, a hat for sun protection, sunblock (non-spray is best for the boat), and plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated. Layered clothing keeps you comfortable as temperatures shift through the day, especially on early-morning or late-season trips. Everything else—the rods, reels, lures, and local knowledge—is handled by your guide.