Pros
Pros
Capt. Brad Petzke
Location
Favorite rod
Bio
Pioneering different fly fishing techniques in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for over 12 years, Capt. Brad Petzke of Riversnorth Guide Service (www.riversnorth.net) offers remote outings in Michigan's most pristine wilderness. Brad offers his clients a very diverse variety of outings to choose from. Native Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Wild Steelhead, Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon, as well as warmwater species-the U.P. has something to offer all skill levels of fly angler. Riversnorth's reputation is known as the U.P.'s authority on fly fishing-guided adventures in "God's County".
Bordered by three Great Lakes, Michigan’s remote Upper
Peninsula boasts some of the finest sportfishing in the country. Remote
scenery, low angler pressure, and an extremely diverse fishery is what drove
Brad Petzke here from the south shore of Lake Michigan to establish Rivers
North Guide Service, the U.P.’s first full-time fly-fishing outfitter.
Whether guiding a remote trout excursion lifted from the
pages of Voelker or Hemingway or innovating warm water opportunities on the
regions most remote waters, Brad continues to develop the rich fishing heritage
in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
His passion for fishing also shines through his conservation
ethic. In addition to championing conservation efforts for wild native brook
trout in his home waters, Brad has twice visited our nation’s capitol to lobby
for national cold water conservation issues: In 2010 on behalf of the Michigan
River Guides Association to advocate for stronger protections against the
invasive Asian carp and in 2012 for Trout Unlimited’s "Sportsmen
for Bristol Bay” summit. In recognition of his leadership on conservation
issues, Brad was appointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in 2011 to the
state’s "Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks and Outdoor Recreation,”
where he serves as the U.P.’s sole representative.
Consistent with his mission to share his passion for and
knowledge of fishing the U.P., Petzke also authors "Rivers North,” the
monthly fly fishing column in Michigan OutofDoors Magazine.
Brad lives year round in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along
with his lovely wife and daughter.