Kevin Feenstra
Fly Fisher/Guide/Fly Tier/Author
In his early 20’s, Kevin began guiding in West Michigan as an alternative to graduate school. Now more than 25 years later, he has never looked back. Kevin’s passion is swinging flies for steelhead and lake run brown trout, but he loves to fly fish for any predator that swims. He resides in Newaygo, Michigan, guiding many days each year on the Muskegon River System (and fishing whenever he can). To that extent he regards the Muskegon as his second home. The Muskegon is a large and diverse fishery so he guides for migratory fish, resident trout, and warm water species.
Listen to Kevin Feenstra's Show...
Matching Warmwater Baitfish: Patterns and Techniques for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Muskie, and Other Predators
Master guide Kevin Feenstra reveals his proven techniques for targeting bass, musky, pike, and carp using baitfish patterns the fish love. Drawing from over two decades of guiding experience on Michigan's mighty Muskegon River, Kevin shares his expert strategies for reading water and presenting flies to these hard-hitting fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- You recently published Matching Warmwater Baitfish. What inspired you to write it and how did it come about?
- What makes baitfish patterns so effective for targeting predatory fish like smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, and others?
- How important is fly size when imitating baitfish for different predators?
- What are the key differences in how smallmouth and largemouth bass hunt baitfish?
- What are your go-to baitfish patterns for smallmouth bass, and how do they differ from those for largemouth?
- What are some effective retrieves when fishing baitfish patterns for bass?
- What makes muskie such a challenging species to catch on the fly?
- Can you explain the "figure eight" technique and when to use it when targeting muskie?
- What is your goto pattern for musky?
- What is your favorite throwback fly to convert muskie that follow but won't eat?
- What are some effective techniques for fishing baitfish flies in heavy cover or structure?
- How do water clarity and light conditions affect baitfish fly selection?
- Is there a searching baitfish pattern that you prefer to use when fishing new water?
- What are some key materials for tying realistic and effective baitfish imitations?
- What advice do you have for anglers looking to improve their success with baitfish imitations?
His steelhead, smallmouth, and trout flies have been published in books, magazines, and online. Kevin’s first book, entitled Matching Baitfish—Patterns and Techniques for Great Lakes Steelhead and Lake Run Browns, was released in 2020. This book highlights his knowledge of migratory fish and features remarkable photography taken above and below the water.
Kevin’s new title, Matching Baitfish for Warmwater Gamefish, was released in late February of 2025. . This new book covers a variety of predatory fish that live in our warm water lakes and
streams. Many bait fish and other large food sources, not covered in the steelhead book, will be covered. This book will be applicable to anyone who enjoys fishing for predatory game fish,
whether in the Great Lakes region or beyond.
In addition, he has been featured in fly fishing books and has contributed to international, national, and regional fly fishing magazines. Furthermore, he has had cover photos published on issues of various magazines, including Midwest Fly Fishing Magazine, Eastern Fly Fishing, Michigan Trout, and Ontario Out of Doors.
Kevin has authored DVDs for steelhead and smallmouth bass, including Striking Steel, Searching for Steelhead, and Big Appetite, Small mouth.
With a love for our natural resources, Kevin loves to share his fishing knowledge and experiences with other anglers. He frequently is featured at fly fishing shows throughout the region. During the off season, he speaks at fly shops and clubs. His talks cover a wide variety of topics. Though he often speaks on fly fishing topics, he also gives photography related programs focusing on West Michigan rivers as a whole.
In addition to fly fishing, Kevin has developed a passion for outdoor photography. His photography focuses on the waterways of West Michigan. Through photography he hopes to capture the special character of Midwest fish, rivers, and wildlife.
Web Sites: Feenstra Guide Service and Swing A Big Fly
