About
Tailwater Charters is a professional and licensed fishing guide service on the Muskegon, Manistee and Pere Marquette Rivers. Specializing in fly fishing and light spin tackle techniques for steelhead, salmon, trout and smallmouth bass. Tailwater charters strives to provide a fun, safe and fishy experience on the river.
Tailwater Charters is owned and operated by Captain Ross Swanson. As a West Michigan native, his passion for fishing really took off when he learned to fly fish in the 9th grade, racing to the river every day after school.
Ross earned a communication and marketing degree from Ferris State University. During college, Ross spent as much time on the river as possible learning the anatomy of the local rivers and streams. At the young age of 21, he decided to spend his college summer vacations in Alaska, guiding at the renowned Goodnews River Lodge. Soon after college guiding evolved into a full-time, year-round job. Currently, Ross spends his time year-round guiding the waters of West Michigan targeting steelhead, salmon, trout and smallmouth bass.
Areas of Expertise:
Ross has a relaxed and easy going guiding style and works great with kids.
He is insured and a licensed United States Coast Guard 6-pack captain. While also being certified in CPR and First Aid.
Fishing is a fun-filled never-ending passion for Ross. He is dedicated to working hard to make your time on the river the best it can be.
Ross operates an 18ft Stealthcraft jet boat and 15ft Hyde drift boat to cover multiple types of water during the year.