About Us

History

Outcast River Guides began 20 years ago as Z-Boat River Guide Services. It was owned and operated by Brad Zeerip for 17 years. In the summer of 2002, Brad and his wife Kim decided to pursue their dream of owning a lodge in British Columbia. Jim and Donna Nienhouse, longtime friends and fishing companions of Brad's, purchased the business from Brad in July of 2002 and retained the Z-Boat name until this past summer when OutCast River Guides was born.

Jim Nienhouse

Jim has been fishing the rivers and lakes of western Michigan all his life.  He is sharing his passion for the sport and has been guiding anglers for the past three years.  In his mind there is no greater satisfaction than seeing the look on an anglers faces as he brings a fish to the boat.  Jim is committed to the preservation of our resources and serves as the Vice President of the Little Manistee Conservation Council.  He and his wife Donna, along with Taters and Jessie (their two German Shorthairs) live on the banks of the Little Manistee River.  When not guiding or fishing the Pine, PM, or Big River you will find him prowling his home waters of the Little River.

Jeff Topp

Jeff has been guiding anglers in Alaska, Chile and Michigan for the past ten years.  He is an accomplished fly casting instructor as well as an avid angler whose enthusiasm and passion for fishing is unparalleled.  Jeff has lived in west Michigan all his life and recently relocated to the Manistee area and lives in the center of the rivers we fish.