Satisfied Customers

Dr.Fritz Hoenke - Marquette, MI

" I have fished with Brad as a guide several times and known him longer. He is professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and good company. I have had wonderful Atlantic salmon fishing, fall steelhead and salmon stream fishing, and fall brown trout fishing with Brad. I look forward to our next trip, which I have already booked. In addition, I needed some flies that I did not have the time to tie up, and Brad did an excellent job of providing me with what I wanted. I can't imagined not having a good day of fishing with him. "

Fritz Hoenke
Marquette



Brad Petzke is one of the top guides in the country, and those of us who fish in the upper peninsula of Michigan are lucky to have him. Brad has all of the qualities that make a great guide: knowledge of the local rivers and lakes; dedication to provide a first-class experience for his clients; and respect for the fish he pursues. After a few minutes on the water with Brad, you feel like you're fishing with an old friend. And when Brad puts you on the fish -- which he will -- no one in your group will be more excited and enthusiastic about your catch than Brad. He is that rare person who enjoys seeing another person catch fish nearly as much as he enjoys catching them himself. And that makes him a wonderful guide.

Take a trip with Brad and you'll be glad.

Tim Schulz


Brad Petzke knows the UP waters better than anybody, and is an excellent fisherman and guide. When we have taught women's classes together, I have found Brad to be a wonderful and patient instructor.

Kimberly Clark


RiversNorth is first rate!! I've hired my share of guides from Pennsylvania to Idaho- RiversNorth ranks high on the list of the (top) guides I've booked . RiversNorth will accommodate any angling level and is a great place to cut your teeth fishing. Just bring a pair of waders and they will supply the necessary tackle. They tailor their instruction to (any) angling level, beginners, intermediate or pro's -this is VERY important to me. There is nothing more frustrating than a guide who "pesters" you all day. Before we hit the water, Brad was courteous enough to ask what level of experience I had and how involved I wanted him to be. Being that I was chasing steelhead I asked that he direct me to the productive water, spot fish and man the net. He did just that and will do whatever it takes to get you into fish. We netted some strong Superior steel that trip! The food is good and will keep you going for the day. Tell Brad when you want to get started and he'll be on time with everything you will need . You won't waste your time or money with RiversNorth. Brad promptly responds to calls and emails as well. He's good company, respects his clients' wishes and, most importantly to me, respects the waters he makes his living on.

Mike Giampetroni


"Thanks and Appreaciation" to Brad Petzke and Rivers North Guide Service:

I have been living and fishing in the U.P. for the past 5 years. And each spring brings the anticipation and anxiety of the 1st Steelhead runs. Following the snow melt and spring showers, as river levels and temps rise, the pursuit of Superior Steelhead clouds my judgement and burns up my freetime.

I had been after the elusive lake run rainbows for 3 years. Always putting in my time, but never producing. I would read articles, tie new patterns and stalk the banks of many local tribs. But no matter what the combination, the steellies always out-smarted me.

I was able to hook up with Brad for a couple of days and after many phone calls (and a few pints) we had worked out a plan. Brad wanted to wait a few days until the river temps were ideal. The water levels had come down and the clarity was good. We set out early on a Saturday with a "mission for the fishin!" At the river Brad helped me with my setup. Rigging my gear and selecting the best patterns for that days conditions and location. As we walked the tiny South Marquette stream Brad suddenly stopped. 3 fish in an eddy just behind a rock pile. Within 3 casts, Brad had me on the fish and hooked into a nice spring male. I fought the fish, and with Brad's help was able to land my 1st Steelhead ever. An experience i will never forget.

As the day progressed we came across a few more fish. But more than the fish, Brad showed me techniques, how to read the river, and an appreciation for the sport i never had seen. Looking back on that day, catching my 1st steelhead was just the "icing on the cake!"

Timothy Melko


I have been booking trips with Riversnorth Guide Service for a number of years. Their knowledge of the area has assured our success every time! When speaking of "full service", Riversnorth has it all- including the equipment needed to ensure the best of expereinces; to the sharing of knowledge that those of us who have not yet achieved 'expert" fishing status can use. I do not hesitate receommending Riversnorth to anyone who is looking for the ultimate in fishing expereinces.

Tom Cousineau