Trout on the Fly
Discover fly fishing and the scenic beauty of northern Michigan with certified fly casting instructor David McCool. Wade along the finest “blue ribbon” trout streams northern Michigan has to offer. Fish the world renowned Boardman, Ausable and Manistee rivers for wild brook, brown and rainbow trout.
Anglers can choose to be guided from a traditional drift boat or a classic Ausable Long Boat. Full and half day wade trips available.
Classic Ausable Long Boats ready for fly fishing clients
Adventures Begin NOW
Book your next adventure with McCool Outdoor.
Services
Fly Fishing
Experience the best "blue ribbon" rivers available in Northern Michigan with seasoned guide and instructor, David McCool.
You might also enjoy a day wading the caribbean like flats of Lake Michigan for the now famous Great Lakes Golden Bonefish. This fishery provides a very visual stalk and hunt type experience and has tested the skills of seasoned anglers.
Schools & Instruction
David has more than 17 years teaching as a certified instructor. Classes are available for beginner, intermediate and advanced fly casters.
ONE DAY COMPREHENSIVE FLY FISHING
Comprehensive fly fishing schools are held on 20 acres of private land located on the Boardman River, a blue ribbon trout stream. No more casting on a golf course! Anglers learn the best way possible: in a natural setting.
INCLUDEs
Essential fly fishing knots
Fundamentals of fly casting
Loop formation and control
Line delivery techniques
Specialized water casts (advanced double haul and shooting line)
River entomology (aquatic insects, their habitat and importance)
Matching the hatch (proper fly selection for both dry and wet fly techniques)
How to read the water (where to find trout in a stream)
Students learning the fundamentals of fly casting
Sorry guys, woman often make better fly casters than men.
Upland Hunting
Spend the day chasing Michigan's wild and elusive Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock. With over 35 years of hunting experience, David McCool knows the best spots in the woodlands and will guide you through some of the best upland cover in the state.
Corporate Events
We specialize in designing out-of-doors events for companies interested in team and relationship building. We base many of our events around the amazing sport of fly fishing.
location
McCool Outdoor is located in Traverse City, Michigan, one of the world’s most beautiful places. Good Morning America awarded the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes the title of "Most Beautiful Place in America."
The perfect venue for both large and small corporate or private groups
The region boasts several blue ribbon trout streams and unparalleled scenery. The area has become recognized for its amazing cuisine, award-winning local wines and unforgettable scenes.
Team Building on a wild trout stream in northern Michigan
Dining on The Fly:.Unforgettable stream-side dining experiences for your private or corporate group.
A true northern Michigan fly casting experience
CUSTOMIZED PLANS
We customize plans around your team-building or company needs, including guided trips and personalized instruction for fly fishing and upland hunting settings.
Testimonials
“David McCool is my go to guy for Michigan stream and lake fishing. His ability to teach the sport is unparalleled in my experience and his natural instincts are as razor sharp as his casual but all encompassing wit.”
what matters most
McCool Outdoor connects people to the natural world through fly fishing.
We provide clients with unparalleled education and experience in field and stream environments.
Many clients approach us bound with anxiety and stress associated with today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. They re-enter their lives with a profound sense of renewal, restoration and refocus.
Discover what matters most in life today.