Guided Fly Fishing Experiences; Advanced and Beginner
Fly fishing is an enrichment of body and soul. An adventure in nature where you are encompassed by raw beauty and with every cast of your fly line reborn in hope and expectation.
Reel Waters wants to guide you, your family, and your friends in fly fishing northern Michigan. We want to assist and support you in fulfilling one of your possible "bucket list" items and to enjoy an exciting fly fishing experience with your friends and loved ones.
The treasures of northern Michigan are found in the cold, clear, clean, beautiful waters of it's rivers, inland lakes, and Great Lakes. A secret still to most; these "tip of the mitt" waters are the best in the State. True blue ribbon trout waters for Brook, Brown, Rainbow / Steelhead, Salmon and other great game fish. Come fish with us and find yourself in the most productive clean, clear rivers Michigan has to offer.
Our rivers, the Maple, Sturgeon, Pigeon, Black, Jordan, Bear and some spectacular creeks, are all just minutes from Petoskey or Harbor Springs and fly fishing heaven. We provide everything you need, gear, flies, lessons, and knowledge of over 40 years, to get you in the right place at the right time for fly fishing at its best.
We believe at Reel Waters that fly fishing, standing in or being on a river, going after the ever elusive trout, will recharge your spirit like nothing else.
Reel Waters wants to guide you, your family, and your friends in fly fishing northern Michigan. We want to assist and support you in fulfilling one of your possible "bucket list" items and to enjoy an exciting fly fishing experience with your friends and loved ones.
The treasures of northern Michigan are found in the cold, clear, clean, beautiful waters of it's rivers, inland lakes, and Great Lakes. A secret still to most; these "tip of the mitt" waters are the best in the State. True blue ribbon trout waters for Brook, Brown, Rainbow / Steelhead, Salmon and other great game fish. Come fish with us and find yourself in the most productive clean, clear rivers Michigan has to offer.
Our rivers, the Maple, Sturgeon, Pigeon, Black, Jordan, Bear and some spectacular creeks, are all just minutes from Petoskey or Harbor Springs and fly fishing heaven. We provide everything you need, gear, flies, lessons, and knowledge of over 40 years, to get you in the right place at the right time for fly fishing at its best.
We believe at Reel Waters that fly fishing, standing in or being on a river, going after the ever elusive trout, will recharge your spirit like nothing else.
The Reel Waters' Team
Owner / Guide - Jim Tisdel
I grew up in Port Huron across the street from the St. Clair River and then on Lake Huron. Started fishing when I was 6 by walking to the river and dropping a line for perch. As I became an adult I enjoyed all types of fishing but it wasn't until I moved to northern Michigan that I got to know the real joy of fly fishing.
It is my personal experience that got me to start Reel Waters, as I want to give others the opportunity to learn this rewarding sport. Fly fishing can be done by anyone and it is something you can do all your life. You can learn to fly fish in an hour and then gain skill and more knowledge over time. Try it once or become an avid fly fishing angler, it's all good. Fly fishing gets you to understand a river, what the flow of the water means, how bug cycles affect fish, and how everything is connected
Brook Trout are what I love to fly fish for anytime of the day. They are aggressive, and although on the smaller size they give you a great fight. So did this Steelhead.
For me, it's all about being out in nature. It reaches into your soul and gives you a broader understanding of life and how much we all share with every living thing.
"Wet a Line, Anyone?"
Jim Tisdel
It is my personal experience that got me to start Reel Waters, as I want to give others the opportunity to learn this rewarding sport. Fly fishing can be done by anyone and it is something you can do all your life. You can learn to fly fish in an hour and then gain skill and more knowledge over time. Try it once or become an avid fly fishing angler, it's all good. Fly fishing gets you to understand a river, what the flow of the water means, how bug cycles affect fish, and how everything is connected
Brook Trout are what I love to fly fish for anytime of the day. They are aggressive, and although on the smaller size they give you a great fight. So did this Steelhead.
For me, it's all about being out in nature. It reaches into your soul and gives you a broader understanding of life and how much we all share with every living thing.
"Wet a Line, Anyone?"
Jim Tisdel
Chief Guide - Richard Keiswetter
I have enjoyed the wilderness of Northern Michigan my entire life. With a home made sling shot , hook & line on a stick, and of course a 2 bladed jack knife, I camped in remote areas of Emmet county since the early 1950s. Hissing camp lights and Coleman stoves warmed the cabin, that was the technology of the day; times change.
This area has grown into a summer outdoor playground and fly fishing is my sport. I began teaching and guiding fly fishing through the "Whippoorwill-Orvis Shop" in Petoskey . What I learned from my clients was just how important it is to protect our rich natural environment. For 25 years I have practiced "Catch & Release", long before that phrase was used. I taught visitors to fly fish, they taught me to appreciate what we have here in northern Michigan. My statement is, "I let Them Go", the reward is to enjoy the outdoors without a negative impact . The wilderness cannot support today's influx of visitors without our conscious effort of management. Thus...fly fishing is the perfect outdoor sport for an environmentalist. While fly fishing, you can enjoy bird watching, wild flowers and observing animals in their wild surroundings, but most of all you leave nature just the way you found it...natural.
Fly fishing has enriched my life, from a very young person learning until today as I match wits with a wily trout. I enjoy sharing that experience with clients at all levels of the sport...beginner or pro.
"Gone Fishing"
Richard J. Keiswetter
This area has grown into a summer outdoor playground and fly fishing is my sport. I began teaching and guiding fly fishing through the "Whippoorwill-Orvis Shop" in Petoskey . What I learned from my clients was just how important it is to protect our rich natural environment. For 25 years I have practiced "Catch & Release", long before that phrase was used. I taught visitors to fly fish, they taught me to appreciate what we have here in northern Michigan. My statement is, "I let Them Go", the reward is to enjoy the outdoors without a negative impact . The wilderness cannot support today's influx of visitors without our conscious effort of management. Thus...fly fishing is the perfect outdoor sport for an environmentalist. While fly fishing, you can enjoy bird watching, wild flowers and observing animals in their wild surroundings, but most of all you leave nature just the way you found it...natural.
Fly fishing has enriched my life, from a very young person learning until today as I match wits with a wily trout. I enjoy sharing that experience with clients at all levels of the sport...beginner or pro.
"Gone Fishing"
Richard J. Keiswetter
Guide - Hunter Keiswetter
I was born in the small Indian settlement of Cross Village, where I learned to fish and hunt. I started to fly fish at 4 years old, so I am told. I can never remember not fly fishing. My first guide job was to teach my younger brother how to fly fish. I was 5 my brother was 3. It took a few years of practice to perfect my cast.
My Dad then started taking us to the Maple River and would fish ahead of my brother and me as we practiced for the day when we would move up the river with him. I still fish those exact spots today.
"Let's Fly Fish Together"
Hunter Keiswetter
I was born in the small Indian settlement of Cross Village, where I learned to fish and hunt. I started to fly fish at 4 years old, so I am told. I can never remember not fly fishing. My first guide job was to teach my younger brother how to fly fish. I was 5 my brother was 3. It took a few years of practice to perfect my cast.
My Dad then started taking us to the Maple River and would fish ahead of my brother and me as we practiced for the day when we would move up the river with him. I still fish those exact spots today.
"Let's Fly Fish Together"
Hunter Keiswetter
Educator / Naturalist - Sara Tisdel
I have been creating art all my life. I'm an artist, teacher, and naturalist. My desire is to provide artwork that reflects the beauty of nature and the energy to uplift and provide joy.
I taught art and third grade for years. I now teach programs like nature journaling, river exploration, and enjoy introducing children and adults to the secretes and beauty of the natural world.
Fly fishing gets people out into nature to discover the value and beauty of the natural resources that surround us here in northern Michigan.
"Explore Nature"
Sara Tisdel
I have been creating art all my life. I'm an artist, teacher, and naturalist. My desire is to provide artwork that reflects the beauty of nature and the energy to uplift and provide joy.
I taught art and third grade for years. I now teach programs like nature journaling, river exploration, and enjoy introducing children and adults to the secretes and beauty of the natural world.
Fly fishing gets people out into nature to discover the value and beauty of the natural resources that surround us here in northern Michigan.
"Explore Nature"
Sara Tisdel
What's Happening!
What Should I Tip My Guide?
This question is asked several times so here is what an industry journalist,
Marshall Cutchin for MidCurrent magazine, wrote about the question. Trust this gives you a "guide" to go by.
Click here for the artical; How to Tip Fishing Guides and Lodges
This question is asked several times so here is what an industry journalist,
Marshall Cutchin for MidCurrent magazine, wrote about the question. Trust this gives you a "guide" to go by.
Click here for the artical; How to Tip Fishing Guides and Lodges
...in small water we see ourselves.
And therein lies the truth...
We find ourselves where we find these rivers and streams.
We pack light when we go. Leave
contingencies in the garage, barn or basement.
Leave our will and need to impose.
Leave the things we carry
that we hide from others...
Maybe
it’s because we understand
just how much will be forgiven
and everything beyond that is
unnecessary weight. Here we know
we’ll be given just enough.
By FISHINGPOET
And therein lies the truth...
We find ourselves where we find these rivers and streams.
We pack light when we go. Leave
contingencies in the garage, barn or basement.
Leave our will and need to impose.
Leave the things we carry
that we hide from others...
Maybe
it’s because we understand
just how much will be forgiven
and everything beyond that is
unnecessary weight. Here we know
we’ll be given just enough.
By FISHINGPOET
Photo by JER
"With my silken line and delicate hook, I wander into a myriad of ripples and find freedom."
Li Yu, Fisherman's Song
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