Some experiences in the outdoors stay with you forever. A perfect dry fly drift on a cold Michigan river. The thunder of wings exploding from a covey in a frost-covered field. Today's episode is about a man who has built his life around delivering exactly those moments.

On this episode of Wild Game Dynasty, host Ryan sits down with Tim Riley, owner and professional guide of River Valley Adventures, operating on two of the most storied trout rivers in America—the AuSable and the Manistee. Tim is not just a fishing guide. He is a keeper of tradition, floating clients through Michigan's most breathtaking river country aboard the legendary AuSable River boat—a handcrafted wooden vessel with a history as rich as the rivers it glides through.

The AuSable River is more than a fishery. It is hallowed ground for American fly fishing—a river that shaped conservation movements, inspired legendary anglers, and produced a culture of fly fishing that is uniquely Michigan and uniquely special. Tim Riley carries that legacy forward every single time he pushes off the bank, and in this episode he brings all of it to life.

But River Valley Adventures isn't just about trout. Tim also guides upland game bird hunting trips, making him one of the rare outfitters who can put you on wild trout in the morning and have you walking behind a pointing dog through golden Michigan cover in the afternoon. If you love the outdoors in all its forms, Tim Riley is your guide.

In this episode:

• The history of the iconic AuSable River boat and why it remains the perfect vessel for floating Michigan's legendary rivers
• What a guided float trip on the AuSable and Manistee looks like and what makes it a bucket-list experience
• The species, hatches, and seasonal patterns that define fishing on these world-class rivers
• The differences between guiding on the AuSable versus the Manistee and how Tim approaches each
• Tips and insights for fly anglers of all skill levels looking to fish moving water
• Tim's guided upland game bird hunting operation and what Michigan's coverts have to offer
• The conservation challenges facing Michigan's premier trout rivers and what's being done to protect them
• What it means to carry on the tradition of AuSable River guiding in the modern era

Whether you're a lifelong fly angler who has always dreamed of floating the AuSable the right way, a bird hunter looking for an authentic Michigan upland experience, or someone who simply loves wild places and the people who dedicate their lives to them—this episode is for you.

Tim Riley is the real deal. River Valley Adventures is the real deal. And Michigan's rivers and uplands are waiting for you.

Book a trip. Carry the tradition forward.

Find River Valley Adventures and book your float trip or upland hunt at [River Valley Adventures contact/website]. Wild Game Dynasty Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

https://www.rivervalleyadventures.com/copy-of-home-1

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