Want to know what makes a Traverse City fishing adventure so special? The clue’s in the name! Northern Michigan’s largest city lies directly along the shore of Grand Traverse Bay. This deep body of water, split into east and west bays, is connected to the mighty Lake Michigan. Oh, and the Boardman River, perhaps the most prominent waterway in this area, empties into the bay’s western arm.
Basically, the bay serves as the meeting point for these two famous fisheries. When they come together, they’re an unstoppable force of incredible angling action! Grand Traverse Bay is bustling with some of the world’s most prized freshwater game fish, and the Boardman River bears witness to Salmon and Steelhead runs. It’s a real angler’s paradise.
Before you come experience fishing in Traverse City for yourself, there are probably a few things you’re wondering about. What, exactly, can you catch here? And where are the hottest spots to cast a line? Don’t worry – we’ve covered all of this and more for you below.
Best Fish to Catch in Traverse City
Salmon
With two varieties of Salmon on offer, and two fisheries just bustling with these fish, how could this species not make the top of our list? Chinook and Coho Salmon both inhabit Grand Traverse Bay and the Boardman River. No matter where you choose to cast a line here, you’ll be in good company!
If you’re looking for a trophy catch that’ll hit your line with the strength of a freight train, Chinook is the opponent for you. Looking for the best battle pound-for-pound? Set your sights on Coho. They’re beloved in Traverse City for their acrobatic leaps out of the water and immense tough-fighting skills.
The best time to cast a line for Salmon differs depending on where you want to fish. The Boardman River’s Salmon population travel upriver in fall, whereas Grand Traverse Bay’s Salmon are irresistible between May and October. Trolling is the most popular way to target these fish on the bay and beyond. Experienced anglers can try out fly fishing on the Boardman River.
Trout
It’s no wonder that Trout fishing in Traverse City is so popular. The Boardman River is a first-class Trout fishery, boasting wild Brook Trout, large Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout – also known as Steelhead. Then there’s Grand Traverse Bay, which is also inhabited by Brown and Rainbow Trout, along with Lake Trout.
With so many different varieties on offer, it’s no surprise that local anglers have invented a number of ways to fish for ’em. Head to the Boardman River, and you’ll notice one Trout fishing technique that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Yep, we’re talking about fly fishing! You’ll be able to cast a line on the fly for all Trout varieties come March.
When it comes to fishing Grand Traverse Bay, the Trout bite is hot all throughout the fishing season, which usually starts around March and lasts until winter. Trolling is the most popular technique, and Lake Trout are definitely the most plentiful species. But it’s not uncommon to encounter Rainbow and Brown Trout too!
Bass
Although Traverse City is widely known as a top location for Trout, Steelhead, and Salmon, it’s also a secret Bass fishing hotspot. If you’re looking to hook gigantic Smallmouth varieties, this locale is the perfect place to cast a line. Grand Traverse Bay is home to an impressive number of Smallies, especially from the end of April through to late fall. Largemouth are on offer here, too.
It’s entirely possible to fill your boat with just Bass, and the bay’s crystal clear waters mean you’ll have a front-row view of the exciting angling action these fish provide. If you’re into sight fishing, you couldn’t pick a better place! Focus your attention around the edges of sand flats, where these fish like to bed. They love to munch on grubs and tube baits.
You can also choose to explore Traverse City’s inland lakes for these fish, with Long Lake being a popular spot. It’s home to Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, with April through late fall again being the most popular months. Plenty of local anglers like to fish from their kayaks in this area, which only adds to the sense of tranquility and “back to basics” fishing. Cast your line around weedy areas and you’ll be in for a Bass bonanza!
And More!
Honestly, Traverse City is home to such incredible freshwater fish that it was hard to narrow down the list. Although we think the species we outlined above are the best this city offers, they’re by no means the only targets here.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, you’ll be pleased to know that the bay is inhabited by some tasty Panfish – Perch and Bluegill. Casting a line for ’em is the perfect way to introduce little ones and novice anglers to the magic of fishing. Want to reel in a huge fish? Pike and the odd Musky lurk these waters, too. Finally, Walleye are plentiful in the bay between May and September.
How to Go Fishing in Traverse City
On a Boat
With large bays, winding rivers, and inland lakes all at your disposal, the most convenient way to fish Traverse City is on board a local charter boat. You’ll find them dotted all around the city’s lakefront, as well as along the river’s banks. Depending on where you want to go, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of vessels. Bass boats and boats built for river fishing are especially popular here.
Fishing from a vessel means you’ll be able to travel to the hotspots more efficiently, follow your target fish when they’re on the move, and take advantage of your captain’s expert knowledge. You’ll also be able to try out a variety of techniques under the guidance of a local who knows these waters. This often results in the main thing all anglers are looking for – more hookups!
On Foot
If you’d rather not hop aboard a vessel, don’t worry. There’s a variety of ways to cast a line here without a boat. Traverse City is home to a variety of piers and docks, many of which offer up fishing opportunities. If you’ll be visiting the Boardman River, you’ll find plenty of pockets that are perfect for wade fishing.
Although the variety of species you’ll be able to target on foot are the same as from a boat, you generally won’t be able to target the trophy-sized varieties that live in deeper waters. However, if you’re looking for a way to explore this city’s angling opportunities that’s fun, accessible to newbies, and easy on the pocket, on foot fishing is the answer.
From a Kayak
We already mentioned that local anglers like to tackle (pun intended!) Traverse City’s inland lakes in a kayak. Are you confident in your ability to wield a rod and maneuver a vessel at the same time? This method of fishing gives you the chance to get back to nature and experience these fisheries in a totally unique way.
If you’re sight fishing for Bass, for example, then nothing is more exciting than cruising this area’s lakes in a kayak, watching out for your target fish. The action isn’t just limited to the lakes, either – you’ll also be able to explore the bay. An added bonus is that you’ll find a good variety of places to rent a kayak from located all around the city.
Traverse City Fishing Spots
No matter how you want to fish Traverse City, or where you want to fish, you’ll find a variety of locations to choose from. As the city is on the smaller side, you pretty much just need to decide on the body of water you want to explore and then you can go from there. However, there are some spots that stand heads and shoulders above the rest. Here are some of our favorites…
- Clinch Park Marina: Also known as Duncan L Clinch Marina, this area’s harbor is worth paying a visit to. Fish on foot, and you’ll be able to cast a line in Grand Traverse Bay. You’ll encounter anything from Trout, to Salmon, to Steelhead.
- Boardman Lake: Sharing a name with the popular river, this lake can often get slightly overlooked. It’s well worth a visit, though! You’ll find an abundance of Walleye and huge Pike here, as well as Smallies. It’s a great place to test out your kayak fishing skills, too.
- Discovery Pier: Perfectly positioned along the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay’s western arm, this pier provides access to some seriously fish-filled waters. All of the bay’s species, including Salmon and Trout, are on offer.
- Robbins Bridge: Okay, so we might be cheating a little bit with this one. Basically, if you want to fish the Boardman River, head to the stretch that runs between Oleson Bridge and Robbins Bridge. Robbins Bridge is especially plentiful, with Brook and Brown Trout making regular appearances. Salmon and Bass are in the cards, too.
When to Go Fishing in Traverse City
Another great thing about fishing in Traverse City is that you can do it year-round. Even in the depths of winter, anglers head out to the frozen lakes in search of what’s under the ice. Ice fishing is a popular pastime in this part of Michigan and we think it’s something every angler should try!
As soon as the ice thaws, there’s a hive of activity in the rivers and lakes, making spring one of the most productive times to come and visit. Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout kick off the season before Largemouth Bass come out in full force in May. Add Brown Trout and Salmon to the mix come summer and there’s every possibility that you could head home from your trip with a real mixed bag! The bite remains hot through fall, with things only really starting to tail off at the end of November before ice fishing season sets in once more.
Traverse City Fishing Rules and Regulations
Every angler over the age of 17 needs to bring along a valid Michigan fishing license. This is the same whether you choose to fish from a pier, a kayak, or on board a local charter. Luckily, it’s an easy process that can be completed online. There are some circumstances in which you can apply for a reduced-cost license. Check ’em out, and find out where you can buy your license in our handy guide.
Traverse City Fishing: An Unforgettable Experience
So there you have it. If you’re looking to explore two world-class fisheries, as well as a whole host of other fish-filled locales, then a visit to Traverse City can’t be missed. You’ll be able to cast your line for some freshwater A-listers, before relaxing in a waterfront tavern, sipping on one of the area’s famous craft beers. What are you waiting for? Grab your rods and reels and experience the magic of fishing in Traverse City!
If you want to learn more about how to go fishing in Michigan, read our dedicated blog.
Have you ever fished in Traverse City? Where did you go? What did you catch? Any tips and tricks to share with us? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
