Scott Pros
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.
