FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City 

5.0/5 (32 reviews)
 Center Road 8400, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
5.0/5 (32 reviews)
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Center Road 8400
Traverse City, MI, United States

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure, where the fish bite year round, and the captain takes you to the best places to get the most out of your trip? Then book now with Fish With Jim Outfitters.

Captain Jim Chamberlain has been fishing for decades and running his own charter company since 1988. He has a team of dedicated captains ready to show you why lake fishing is so much fun.

Hop on board an 24’ Angler Qwest Michigan DNR inspected boat. You and 5 fishing friends will have plenty of room and can fish simultaneously comfortably. The 200 HP Suzuki engine will have you on top of the fish before you know it. Couple this with full navigational equipment, including fishfinder, and Capt. Jim’s extensive knowledge of the area, and you’ll have your lines in the water all day.

Trips run from multiple locations, depending on the season and what you are targeting. Grand Traverse Bay, Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Mullett Lake, Lake Charlevoix, Bear Lake, Starvation Lake, and Thumb Lake are just some of the options you could fish from. Capt. Jim also run’s ice fishing trips during the winter.

By being a mobile guide service, Capt. Jim and his crew are able to give your group the best possible fishing trip. Depending on the season and where you are, expect to catch Lake Trout, Cisco, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Walleye, Whitefish & more.

All fishing rods and reels are included. You’ll be provided with high-quality rods from St Croix and G Loomis, coupled with Shimano Tekota Reels for trolling, and custom rods and high-end bait casters for jigging. Live bait is prepared before the trip, giving you maximum time on the water.

You are welcome to bring along your own food and drink for the trip. After the trip, you can have your fish filleted and bagged for $2 per fish. You will also need to purchase a fishing license before the day. For parties of 2 guests, there's a fuel surcharge of $25.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 32 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (28)

One of the best.
One of the best.
One of the best.
+25

Angler rating

31
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

86%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 32 reviews
Showing: 5 of 32 reviews
James J.
James J.
5.0/5

Aug 6, 2025

Half Day – Grand Traverse Bay AM

Experienced and knowledgeable

VERIFIED
NEW

I fished with Jim and first mate, Landan on a half day trip out of Elk Rapids targeting king salmon. My goal was to hone my skills as a fisherman by learning tips and techniques from the experts who do this every day. The boat and equipment are top notch, and I was impressed with their knowledge of the Grand Traverse Bay fishery as well. Overall, a great trip, in a great boat with a couple of great guys / fisherman. I learned some things about the area, methods, gadgets, and OBTW we caught some nice fish as well. I highly recommend fishing with Jim charters and look forward to another outing targeting different species with both Jim and Landan.

I fished with Jim and first mate, Landan on a half day trip out of Elk Rapids targeting king salmon. My goal was to hone my skills...  

 James J. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
 James J. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City

Kaleb S.
Kaleb S.
5.0/5

Jul 9, 2025

Half Day Torch Lake or Elk Lake AM

Great Trip

VERIFIED

Jim did great, reached out to verify I was clear on meeting point, was ready when we arrived at the appointed time, we caught some exceptional lake trout, limiting early, and then focused on other fish - also landing a very nice steelhead. Equipment was all top-shelf, boat was clean and spacious, and crew was great. Kids keep reflecting on how much fun it was. A+ experience - looking forward to the next trip.

Jim did great, reached out to verify I was clear on meeting point, was ready when we arrived at the appointed time, we caught...  

Captain replied
 Kaleb S. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
 Kaleb S. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 10, 2025
Review media 0
Review media 1

Steven L.
Steven L.
5.0/5

Jul 21, 2025

Half Day Torch Lake or Elk Lake PM

Great family trip

VERIFIED
NEW

Jim was a great captain and guide. He was very patient and helpful. Worked very hard to get us on the fish.

Jim was a great captain and guide. He was very patient and helpful. Worked very hard to get us on the fish.  

 Steven L. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
 Steven L. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City

Gordon C.
Gordon C.
5.0/5

Aug 7, 2025

Half Day Torch Lake or Elk Lake AM

Catching Fish

VERIFIED
NEW

We got out early. Captain put us on the fish. Caught Kings and Trout. Had a great time.

We got out early. Captain put us on the fish. Caught Kings and Trout. Had a great time.  

 Gordon C. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
 Gordon C. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City

Michael K.
Michael K.
5.0/5

Aug 2, 2025

Half Day – Grand Traverse Bay AM

One of the best.

VERIFIED
NEW

FWJO is the only outfitter we use. For a reason. 😊

FWJO is the only outfitter we use. For a reason. 😊  

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Captain replied
 Michael K. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
 Michael K. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on August 3, 2025
Thank you Mike I really appreciate you guys!

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day – Grand Traverse Bay AM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Sep 15
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US $510 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Mullett Lake Steelhead AM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Aug 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $510 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Torch Lake or Elk Lake AM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Jul 7
Loading...
US $510 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Torch Lake Perch AM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Sep 16 - Oct 31
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US $510 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day – Grand Traverse PM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Sep 15
Loading...
US $510 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Mullett Lake Steelhead PM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Aug 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Loading...
US $510 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Torch Lake or Elk Lake PM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Jul 7
Loading...
US $510 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Torch Lake Perch PM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Sep 16 - Oct 31
Loading...
US $510 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 32 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (28)

One of the best.
One of the best.
One of the best.
+25

Angler rating

31
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

86%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 32 reviews
Showing: 5 of 32 reviews
James J.
James J.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Experienced and knowledgeable

VERIFIED
NEW

Half Day – Grand Traverse Bay AM on August 6, 2025

I fished with Jim and first mate, Landan on a half day trip out of Elk Rapids targeting king salmon. My goal was to hone my skills as a fisherman by learning tips and techniques from the experts who do this every day. The boat and equipment are top notch, and I was impressed with their knowledge of the Grand Traverse Bay fishery as well. Overall, a great trip, in a great boat with a couple of great guys / fisherman. I learned some things about the area, methods, gadgets, and OBTW we caught some nice fish as well. I highly recommend fishing with Jim charters and look forward to another outing targeting different species with both Jim and Landan.

I fished with Jim and first mate, Landan on a half day trip out of Elk Rapids targeting king salmon. My goal was to hone my skills as a fisherman by learning tips and techniques from the experts who do this every day. The boat and equipment are top notch, and I was impressed with their knowledge of the Grand Traverse Bay fishery as well. Overall, a great trip, in a great boat with a couple of great guys / fisherman. I learned some things about the area, methods, gadgets, and OBTW we caught...  

 James J. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City

Kaleb S.
Kaleb S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Trip

VERIFIED

Half Day Torch Lake or Elk Lake AM on July 9, 2025

Jim did great, reached out to verify I was clear on meeting point, was ready when we arrived at the appointed time, we caught some exceptional lake trout, limiting early, and then focused on other fish - also landing a very nice steelhead. Equipment was all top-shelf, boat was clean and spacious, and crew was great. Kids keep reflecting on how much fun it was. A+ experience - looking forward to the next trip.

Jim did great, reached out to verify I was clear on meeting point, was ready when we arrived at the appointed time, we caught some exceptional lake trout, limiting early, and then focused on other fish - also landing a very nice steelhead. Equipment was all top-shelf, boat was clean and spacious, and crew was great. Kids keep reflecting on how much fun it was. A+ experience - looking forward to the next trip.  

 Kaleb S. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 10, 2025
Review media 0
Review media 1

Steven L.
Steven L.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great family trip

VERIFIED
NEW

Half Day Torch Lake or Elk Lake PM on July 21, 2025

Jim was a great captain and guide. He was very patient and helpful. Worked very hard to get us on the fish.

Jim was a great captain and guide. He was very patient and helpful. Worked very hard to get us on the fish.  

 Steven L. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City

Gordon C.
Gordon C.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Catching Fish

VERIFIED
NEW

Half Day Torch Lake or Elk Lake AM on August 7, 2025

We got out early. Captain put us on the fish. Caught Kings and Trout. Had a great time.

We got out early. Captain put us on the fish. Caught Kings and Trout. Had a great time.  

 Gordon C. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City

Michael K.
Michael K.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

One of the best.

VERIFIED
NEW

Half Day – Grand Traverse Bay AM on August 2, 2025

FWJO is the only outfitter we use. For a reason. 😊

FWJO is the only outfitter we use. For a reason. 😊  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Review media 4
 Michael K. recommends FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on August 3, 2025
Thank you Mike I really appreciate you guys!

FAQs about FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Other
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2018
Boat manufacturer
Angler Qwest
Boat type
Pontoon

Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
46 knots
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What’s biting in Traverse City right now

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