Golden Hour Outdoors 

5.0
(19 reviews)
 8398 East Shore Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States–

Golden Hour Outdoors 

Traverse City, MI, United States
–
24 ft
6
5.0
(19 reviews)

Golden Hour Outdoors is here to show you the stunning waters of Northern Michigan. Having logged many hours on these waters, Captain Josh is prepared to put you on fish.

Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Lake Trout, Cisco, King Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Whitefish, Smallmouth Bass, Freshwater Drum, and whatever else is biting. You can expect to do some casting, trolling, jigging, or maybe something more specialized to the area.

Golden Hour Outdoors is a kid-friendly charter service, so feel free to make a family day out of it! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Snacks are permitted onboard — bring your favorites so that nobody gets cranky on an empty stomach!

You'll be dropping lines from a 24' Angler Qwest 8524 Pro Striper with space for 6 passengers. It comes equipped with Magnum Metalz down-riggers, state of the art electronics, top of the line rods and reels, and everything you need for a productive day on the water.

You will need to get a Michigan fishing license before the trip. This information is available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.

You can't go wrong when you bring bottled water, sunblock (non-spray), and sunglasses. Also remember to dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly on the water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, feel free. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but you should avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now's the time to experience the fishing in Northern Michigan for yourself, with Golden Hour Outdoors!

Golden Hour Outdoors is here to show you the stunning waters of Northern Michigan. Having logged many hours on these waters, Captain Josh is prepared to put you on fish.

Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Lake Trout, Cisco, King Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Whitefish, Smallmouth Bass, Freshwater Drum, and whatever else is biting. You can expect to do some casting, trolling, jigging, or maybe something more specialized to the area.

Golden Hour Outdoors is a kid-friendly charter service, so feel free to make a family day out of it! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Snacks are permitted onboard — bring your favorites so that nobody gets cranky on an empty stomach!

You'll be dropping lines from a 24' Angler Qwest 8524 Pro Striper with space for 6 passengers. It comes equipped with Magnum Metalz down-riggers, state of the art electronics, top of the line rods and reels, and everything you need for a productive day on the water.

You will need to get a Michigan fishing license before the trip. This information is available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.

You can't go wrong when you bring bottled water, sunblock (non-spray), and sunglasses. Also remember to dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly on the water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, feel free. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but you should avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now's the time to experience the fishing in Northern Michigan for yourself, with Golden Hour Outdoors!

Joshua Keena
Captain
Joshua Keena
6 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
May 15 - Sep 30
Lake Trout
Whitefish (Lake)
Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)
+2
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
19 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (22)

Reviews (19)

  • Amanda Matheny
    Amanda Matheny
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Highly Recommend Golden Hour Outdoors!

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 7:00 AM on August 9, 2026 • 2 adults

    We had an amazing experience with Golden Hour Outdoors! Our captain went above and beyond by starting our trip early so we would have the best possible chance of catching salmon, and it definitely paid off. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and worked hard to make sure we had a great time. You could tell he genuinely wanted us to have a successful trip and enjoy the experience. We had a fantastic time and made some great memories. I would highly recommend Golden Hour Outdoors to anyone looking for a great fishing charter!

  • Timothy Shulte
    Timothy Shulte
    us
    Michigan, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Hard working Captain

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 7:00 AM on September 22, 2026 • 4 adults

    Perfect day, great weather... Fish were not biting, at first!!! Josh worked so hard, changing baits, switching lures!!! We went from no fish to, a full box before the trip we to end. Great boat, knowledgeable captain , just an overall good experience. You have a choice to make, make the right one.... Timothy S.

  • Jason Smith
    Jason Smith
    us
    Ohio, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Absolutely wonderful trip!

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays on August 7, 2026 • 2 adults

    Can't recommend Josh enough. had an absolute blast of a time. Josh was punctual, had great communication and really knows where to find fish. We limited out on Trout and decided to try for Salmon even though it was a little early in the season. Josh worked his butt off to get us a fish; scrambling to change lures and trying different tactics. Josh would not give up and finally got us a very nice King Salmon. Cant recommend him enough.

  • Chris Snyder
    Chris Snyder
    us
    Iowa, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Thanks Capt. Josh!

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 7:00 AM on August 6, 2026 • 3 adults

    After having another trip we had scheduled unfortunately run into some engine trouble and cancel, we found Golden Hour Outdoors and scheduled a morning session. Captain Josh was great. Worked his butt off to put us on fish and got us our limit. Had a great time and enjoyed catching Kings and Lake Trout. Caught some nice ones. Highly advise booking with Golden Hour Outdoors. Thanks Capt. Josh for saving our vacation and getting us on some fish.

  • Savannah Bennett
    Savannah Bennett
    us
    Michigan, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Best trip

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 12:00 PM on September 2, 2026 • 4 adults

    We have never chartered before and this was our first time and it was amazing. The catching of fish, laughter and weather was perfect. We will be back

  • Thomas Mapes
    Thomas Mapes
    us
    Connecticut, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Day on the Water - Thank You Josh & Jenn!

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 7:00 AM on July 26, 2026 • 3 adults

    Had a great trip with Golden Hour Outdoors! My son and I hit our limit on Lake Trout, and Josh and Jenn made it a blast. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly know these waters well. We won't hesitate to call Golden Hour Outdoors if we're back in Traverse City. Highly recommend!

  • Kenny Woltz
    Kenny Woltz
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    •
    Member since 2020
    •
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Massive Midday King Salmon and Lake Trout!!

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 12:00 PM on August 28, 2026 • 3 adults

    Captain Josh and Jen are awesome! Latest technology and awesome trolling motor. Best troll fishing anglers on the bay!

  • Derek Deluca
    Derek Deluca
    us
    Michigan, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Had a Blast!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on June 27, 2026 • 6 adults

    Josh was a great captain, very knowledgeable of what species were in the area. Also extremely knowledgeable of where we could get on fish! Limited out on Lake Trout for a 6 man group! Boat had plenty of space. We had a blast and will be booking again with him in the future!!

  • Melissa Mcginnis
    Melissa Mcginnis
    us
    California, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    My kids had a blast!!

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 12:00 PM on August 19, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Our first family vacation and decided at the last minute to take our family on a fishing trip. Our kids had a blast and Josh was so awesome!! We are already talking about coming back out here again!!! 1000% would recommended!!!!!

  • Chuck White
    Chuck White
    Repeat angler
    us
    Tennessee, US
    •
    Member since 2021
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip!

    Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays on August 2, 2026 • 6 adults

    we had a great trip with Josh and Jen! we wiuld highly recomend them and plan on fishing with them again in the future.

Rating

5.0
19 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (22)

All reviews (19)

Showing 1 – 5 of 19 reviews
Ryan Hutchison
Ryan Hutchison
Repeat angler
us
Illinois, US
•
Member since 2024
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Highly Recommend Golden Hour Outdoors!
Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 7:00 AM on August 9, 2026 • 2 adults

We had an amazing experience with Golden Hour Outdoors! Our captain went above and beyond by starting our trip early so we would have the best possible chance of catching salmon, and it definitely paid off. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and worked hard to make sure we had a great time. You could tell he genuinely wanted us to have a successful trip and enjoy the experience. We had a fantastic time and made some great memories. I would highly recommend Golden Hour Outdoors to anyone looking for a great fishing charter!

Reported catch:
Lake Trout
Joshua Keena
Response from Captain

Thanks Ryan! We enjoyed the great company and showing you our beautiful waters. Definitely looking forward to our next adventure!

Timothy Shulte
Timothy Shulte
us
Michigan, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Hard working Captain
Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 7:00 AM on September 22, 2026 • 4 adults

Perfect day, great weather... Fish were not biting, at first!!! Josh worked so hard, changing baits, switching lures!!! We went from no fish to, a full box before the trip we to end. Great boat, knowledgeable captain , just an overall good experience. You have a choice to make, make the right one.... Timothy S.

Jason Smith
Jason Smith
us
Ohio, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Absolutely wonderful trip!
Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays on August 7, 2026 • 2 adults

Can't recommend Josh enough. had an absolute blast of a time. Josh was punctual, had great communication and really knows where to find fish. We limited out on Trout and decided to try for Salmon even though it was a little early in the season. Josh worked his butt off to get us a fish; scrambling to change lures and trying different tactics. Josh would not give up and finally got us a very nice King Salmon. Cant recommend him enough.

Reported catch:
Lake Trout
Chinook Salmon
Joshua Keena
Response from Captain

Thanks Jason! We definitely had to put in some hard work but it always pays off. You guys did an excellent job as well!

Chris Snyder
Chris Snyder
us
Iowa, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Thanks Capt. Josh!
Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 7:00 AM on August 6, 2026 • 3 adults

After having another trip we had scheduled unfortunately run into some engine trouble and cancel, we found Golden Hour Outdoors and scheduled a morning session. Captain Josh was great. Worked his butt off to put us on fish and got us our limit. Had a great time and enjoyed catching Kings and Lake Trout. Caught some nice ones. Highly advise booking with Golden Hour Outdoors. Thanks Capt. Josh for saving our vacation and getting us on some fish.

Reported catch:
Lake Trout
Chinook Salmon
Michael Tarnow
Michael Tarnow
us
Michigan, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
10/10 Would recommend!
Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 12:00 PM on September 6, 2026 • 3 adults

Our Capitan was incredibly knowledgeable and fun to fish with! Plenty of fish to take home or throw back. Great for fisherman of all levels. Would do again 100%!

FAQs about Golden Hour Outdoors

Golden Hour Outdoors offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 12:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip - Grand Traverse Bays - 7:00 AM (4 hours)
When you book a trip with Golden Hour Outdoors, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Golden Hour Outdoors include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (All cleaning and filleting services are provided in the price of the trip, no hidden fees or surprises. )
Golden Hour Outdoors offers the following types of fishing:
  • Lake fishing
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (Most of our trips fish anywhere from 2 to 5 miles offshore, while our big lake trips can fall in The range of 5 to 15 miles offshore depending upon the location and targeted species. )
Golden Hour Outdoors offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Ice fishing
Top targeted fish species with Golden Hour Outdoors include:
  • Herring
  • Lake Trout
  • Salmon
  • Salmon (Atlantic)
  • Salmon (Coho)
  • Whitefish (Lake)

Your captain

Joshua Keena
Joshua Keena

Traverse City, Michigan, United States

ID & license verified
19 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since May 2025

Operating a 26' Angler Qwest 8524 Pro Striper Sportfishing, Capt. Joshua ensures a comfortable fishing experience in the waters of Williamsburg, Michigan. Explore these waters teeming with Lake Whitefish,Salmon and Coho Salmon under Joshua's expert guidance. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

Joshua Keena
Joshua Keena
Fully verified
19
reviews
2025
member since
~2h
response
Operating a 26' Angler Qwest 8524 Pro Striper Sportfishing, Capt. Joshua ensures a comfortable fishing experience in the waters of Williamsburg, Michigan. Explore these waters teeming with Lake Whitefish,Salmon and Coho Salmon under Joshua's expert guidance. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

The fish you can target

Herring
Herring
Lake Trout
Lake Trout
Salmon
Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Whitefish
Lake Whitefish
Herring
Herring
Lake Trout
Lake Trout
Salmon
Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon

Real catches by this captain

  • Best trip
    Savannah B.
    Savannah B.
  • Massive Midday King Salmon and Lake Trout!!
    Kenny W.
    Kenny W.
  • Very accommodating for time change
    Jenna D.
    Jenna D.
  • Absolutely wonderful trip!
    Jason S.
    Jason S.
  • Thanks Capt. Josh!
    Chris S.
    Chris S.
  • Great Day on the Water - Thank You Josh & Jenn!
    Thomas M.
    Thomas M.
  • Had a Blast!
    Derek D.
    Derek D.
  • Great communication on short notice!!
    Hudson W.
    Hudson W.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2024
Boat manufacturer
Angler Qwest
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Ice Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
All cleaning and filleting services are provided in the price of the trip, no hidden fees or surprises.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Aboard the Golden Hour there is no age limit for creating amazing memories on the water! We've fished with kids from 3 years old and up and really enjoy getting the youth involved in the outdoors.
No smoking
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 PayPal

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Traverse City right now

Lake TroutLake Trout
SalmonSalmon

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