Traverse City Fishing Charters

The best out of 65 charter fishing deals in Traverse City - enter dates to check availability

Traverse City: 65 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(69 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(193 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(99 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(203 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550
Just listed
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(4 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $275
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(8 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $275

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Traverse City

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Traverse City, Michigan are: Full list of top fishing charters in Traverse City

The average price for a private 4 hour Traverse City fishing trip is US $564, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $484 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in Traverse City that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Traverse City are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in Traverse City are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Traverse City are:

Many fishing charters in Traverse City provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Traverse City are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Traverse City?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Traverse City are:
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $513
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $550
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $400
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $450

Fishing in Traverse City

North Michigan’s largest city is known for many things. It’s the “Cherry Capital of the World” and is home to tourist-friendly attractions – freshwater beaches, downhill ski slopes, vineyards, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. However, its most famous attraction is the bay after which it is named, Grand Traverse Bay. How better to explore this fantastic body of water than aboard one of its Traverse City fishing charters?
 
Grand Traverse Bay is one of Lake Michigan’s “arms,” so it’s no surprise that it’s full of world-famous fish. Feisty Steelhead open Traverse City’s fishing season in March, and are followed by Bass, Walleye, and Pike. Brown and Lake Trout make an appearance in May, with the Boardman River being an especially fish-filled hotspot. Visit Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan during spring or fall, and you’ll get to encounter the Chinook and Coho Salmon runs. 
 
You’ll find Traverse City fishing charters dotted all around the bay’s waterfront. Experienced guides in this area run a whole host of trips, from 5-hour excursions perfect for families and newer anglers, to extended full day trips. You’ll usually be trolling your chosen fishery, no matter how long you choose to spend on the water. Visit during the winter months, when the bay is frozen over, and you’ll find local guides offering ice fishing adventures.
 

Rules & Regulations

Every angler aged 16 or above needs to bring along a valid Michigan fishing license. Some species, such as Trout and Salmon, are subject to strict limits and may require specific fishing stamps. Your experienced guide will be able to tell you more and make sure you’re fishing within the law.
Traverse City
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Based on 28443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Traverse City Fishing Seasons

January

As you might have already guessed, fishing in Traverse City is equally exciting in winter as it is in spring. A popular type of angling during January is fly fishing for Trout or target Steelhead.

February

February sees the fishing season start to really heat up, as spring is just around the corner. Massive Steelhead can be found in the lakes and Lake Trout are an exciting target for fly fishermen. 

March

The fishing season is in full swing, with the inland lakes being especially fish-filled.  The action on Grand Traverse Bay is also heating up. Lake Trout are still the main target, but you'll find other species starting to inhabit these waters.

April

April is the unofficial start of Traverse Bay's fishing season. There are a few boats already on the water of both the East and West arms of the Bay. Jigging for Lake Trout is the thing to do right now! 

May

The beautiful month of May sees Lake Trout lovers heading to Traverse City, equipped with lightweight and regular tackle. Trout fishing reaches its peak. What are you waiting for?

June

The summer season has truly begun. Head offshore onto Grand Traverse Bay for Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead, and stay inshore for Lake Trout. 

July

July is all about the annual Cherry Festival, fantastic weather, and unparalleled fishing. Target huge Lake Trout, Coho Salmon, or even Chinook. A mid-summer fishing trip is a must!

August

This month is your best chance to catch a trophy King Salmon as they start their run upstream. Don’t forget to target your share of Coho as well!

September

Coho and Chinook Salmon (Brownies and Steelies as well) fishing remains hot during September, and you'll be able to target Trout varieties too. 

October

It’s prime fishing time right now in Traverse City. Waters begin to cool, which means that some fish species start to get active in order to fatten themselves. The annual Salmon run is hot!

November

Salmon and Steelhead are in the rivers, waiting for you to hook 'em. Grab your fishing buddy and head out for the adventure of a lifetime. 

December

A day on the water targeting Trout is one of the best things you can do before Christmas. Steelhead might be around, too.

Traverse City Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Traverse City

If your looking for a fishing charter book with captain John you will be so happy you did. This was the best charter we have done.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If your looking for a fishing charter book with captain John you will be so happy you did. This was the best charter we have done.
Showtime Charters
Showtime Charters Carleton, MI
For a first time fishing Traverse city had a excellent time. Would recommend anyone to try this what a beautiful experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
For a first time fishing Traverse city had a excellent time. Would recommend anyone to try this what a beautiful experience.
Latitude 44 Charters
Latitude 44 Charters Canton, MI
Take advantage of the awesome neighboring streams and lakes to try your luck at fly fishing. We rented a cabin on the Manistee River and totally enjoyed the feel of the outdoors.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take advantage of the awesome neighboring streams and lakes to try your luck at fly fishing. We rented a cabin on the Manistee River and totally enjoyed the feel of the outdoors.
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC Homosassa Springs, FL
Would go at the end of august if youโ€™re looking for salmon but got 2 of them and had a blast!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Would go at the end of august if youโ€™re looking for salmon but got 2 of them and had a blast!
Prime Time Fishing Charters
Prime Time Fishing Charters Oden, MI
Take advantage of the advice these guys have. I am always open to learning and these guys taught a lot.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take advantage of the advice these guys have. I am always open to learning and these guys taught a lot.
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC Hilliard, OH
Yes, I would highly recommend booking Tyler for first-time anglers. He will take good care of you and make it an enjoyable outing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, I would highly recommend booking Tyler for first-time anglers. He will take good care of you and make it an enjoyable outing.
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Just be prepared and be patient. Take sunscreen and some sunglasses and youโ€™ll have a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just be prepared and be patient. Take sunscreen and some sunglasses and youโ€™ll have a great time.
Traverse City Charter Fishing
Traverse City Charter Fishing
When chattering a boat in traverse city - your charter will be in the west or east bay. Your charter will not go out onto Lake Michigan. That would be a 2hr drive just to get there and lots of gas. The bays have the same fish as Lake Michigan.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
When chattering a boat in traverse city - your charter will be in the west or east bay. Your charter will not go out onto Lake Michigan. That would be a 2hr drive just to get there and lots of gas. The bays have the same fish as Lake Michigan.
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC Grand Rapids, MI
To have a general idea about smallmouth fishing and do research on best times to go
Excellent
5.0 / 5
To have a general idea about smallmouth fishing and do research on best times to go
TC Bass Destination Charters
TC Bass Destination Charters Fairland, IN
Be sure to book with a quality Boat Captain that can get you on fish. Fishing is always fun, but catching is even more fun.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be sure to book with a quality Boat Captain that can get you on fish. Fishing is always fun, but catching is even more fun.
Showtime Charters
Showtime Charters Cape Girardeau, MO
Find a local connection prior to yer visit, it will save ALOT of time driving!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find a local connection prior to yer visit, it will save ALOT of time driving!
Osprey Fishing of Michigan
Osprey Fishing of Michigan Griswold, IA
Try it out. Captain is very friendly and polite and gives you tips while realing them in.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Try it out. Captain is very friendly and polite and gives you tips while realing them in.
Prime Time Fishing Charters
Prime Time Fishing Charters Traverse City, MI
Catch up with DaydreamerCharter boat "badhabit" captain Ben Orr does a great job and has fun
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Catch up with DaydreamerCharter boat "badhabit" captain Ben Orr does a great job and has fun
Daydreamer Fishing Charters
Daydreamer Fishing Charters Bellaire, MI
We were 1st time anglers in Traverse City! Fish are plentiful. Go with an experienced guide like Captain Ben. Daydreamer charters
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were 1st time anglers in Traverse City! Fish are plentiful. Go with an experienced guide like Captain Ben. Daydreamer charters
Daydreamer Fishing Charters
Daydreamer Fishing Charters Paris, KY
Seasickness bands, dramamine, jackets for a chilly morning or night, and a good attitude.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Seasickness bands, dramamine, jackets for a chilly morning or night, and a good attitude.
FishBilly Charters
FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast" Utica, MI
Use prime time charter fishing and if possible book the early morning trip. We had 3 teenagers with us and an hour drive in so early morning would have been miserable with cranky kids but I think the captain said early morning trips may go better but our previous trip was night and we caught a ton. So it can go either way.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Use prime time charter fishing and if possible book the early morning trip. We had 3 teenagers with us and an hour drive in so early morning would have been miserable with cranky kids but I think the captain said early morning trips may go better but our previous trip was night and we caught a ton. So it can go either way.
Prime Time Fishing Charters
Prime Time Fishing Charters Farmington, MI
Jerry with Prime Time is an excellent guide. He knows what he is doing. I caught some nice fish. I would do it again next time I am in this area.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Jerry with Prime Time is an excellent guide. He knows what he is doing. I caught some nice fish. I would do it again next time I am in this area.
Prime Time Fishing Charters
Prime Time Fishing Charters Bakersfield, CA
No hesitation, perfect water, temps, breeze....I am a big fan with plans for returning!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
No hesitation, perfect water, temps, breeze....I am a big fan with plans for returning!
Mega Bite Charters โ€“ 36โ€™
Mega Bite Charters โ€“ 36โ€™ Hendersonville, NC
Hire prime time fishing for your first time fishing. Jerry explains everything.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Hire prime time fishing for your first time fishing. Jerry explains everything.
Prime Time Fishing Charters
Prime Time Fishing Charters Columbus, Ohio
Fish on the Prime Time with Capt. Jerry, it's a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish on the Prime Time with Capt. Jerry, it's a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Prime Time Fishing Charters
Prime Time Fishing Charters Petoskey, Michigan

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Traverse City?

Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Before we even started the trip, Captain Tyler was looking out for us by changing our time slot due to weather. We were very grateful as the weather at that time was very cold and rainy. Tyler was great with teaching us what to do and why. Explained all the equipment he used to find the fish. We ended up reeling in 17 fish! Great trip! Would do it again in a heartbeat...just in a different season. We were really cold the last weekend of October.
Sarah  G.
Sarah G.
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Celebrating our 1st anniversary, my boyfriend and I were on his first charter experience, ( Iโ€™ve done a couple before) we had Tyler as our captain. He was very knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and let us have a very hands on experience! We caught 12 fish and took home 10, Tyler was able to fillet and clean the fish on the boat as we took most home and 2 to a restaurant recommended by Tyler, for them to cook up! We had so much fun and I canโ€™t wait to come back and book with Tyler again!
Dalilah  S.
Dalilah S.
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Tyler was very knowledgeable. Patient with all of us.We enjoyed good conversation with Tyler about fishing techniques, depths and temperatures, Great overall day!
Gerald  G.
Gerald G.
Traverse City Charter Fishing
Traverse City Charter Fishing
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Captain Jeff and Dave did a great job. Very knowledgeable and got us into the fish on two separate trips. Exceeded our expectations both trips. We will use thier services in the future.
Matt  O.
Matt O.
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Beautiful Day on the Bay with Tyler from Pure Angling, we went home with plenty of fish for all thee of us. We definitely look forward to another fishing trip with Tyler, this was our โ€œfirst annualโ€ trip!
Jean  B.
Jean B.
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
My husband and I have fished all over this country and others and this was the best guided trip weโ€™ve ever had! Captain Tyler was super knowledgeable and very personable! He was born and raised in the area fishing so he knows these waters well. I caught a 26โ€ record sized lake trout (well, record size for me) and several Ciscoโ€™s. Canโ€™t recommend Tyler enough!
Michele  H.
Michele H.
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
This trip was well worth the time and drive! Captain Tyler was is very personable and knowledgeable in the art of fishing. He knows his stuff and therefore we had a fish filled morning! Within 40 minutes of being out on the water both of our party had decent catches and it remained steady throughout the day. Tyler cleans and fillets the fish for you to take home so that was a much added bonus! 10/10 will book with him again!
Savannah  F.
Savannah F. United States
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Tyler was awesome! Very knowledgeable. Fun day! Would highly recommend booking with him!
Trudi  J.
Trudi J. Lamberton, MN
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Got this trip from a simple google search for a fishing charter for my fiancรฉ as a fatherโ€™s day gift. Money well spent! He enjoyed the trip. They didnโ€™t catch as much as he hoped but the experience was great! Well worth it ! Will definitely book again in the future.
Matthew  B.
Matthew B. Brook Park, OH
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(193 reviews)
Captain Alonzo and Tucker were amazing. They brought us out and knew all the places where the fish bite. Unfortunately, on our day out, the fishes werenโ€™t biting much. Many boats werenโ€™t able to catch anything, but we came home with three fish! We are very grateful for the time we had with them. We will definitely be coming back!
Jamila  P.
Jamila P.
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(193 reviews)
Theses guys are great! They worked hard and had us on fish all afternoon. They treated my boys like their own! HIGHLY Recommend FISH X TC and Capt Zo
Jason  S.
Jason S. United States
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Captain Tyler was amazing! My buddies and I had lots of fun and the overall experience was great. Very professional, knowledgeable and experienced. Nothing negative to say, just wish we wouldโ€™ve caught a salmon but weโ€™ll get them next time. We all left happy with smiles on our faces.
Jose  C.
Jose C. Lincoln Park, Michigan
Latitude 44 Charters
Latitude 44 Charters
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(8 reviews)
Had a excellent time with captain Terry on our fishing trip .we will definitely plan another trip with Terry.
Mark  W.
Mark W. Canton, MI
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
We had an amazing time with Captain Tyler! He was Friendly, knowledgeable, and truly made it the best experience! I caught my first ever fish, a 28 inch Lake Trout! He even recommended a place to take our fresh caught fish that would cook it for us, which was delicious!! We are looking forward to another trip one day! 10/10!
Lindsey  T.
Lindsey T. Burt, MI
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(193 reviews)
Captain Alonzo and his son Tucker know how to put you on the fish. Great boat, quality fishing equipment, and the work of Tucker was first class. They put us on linker salmon within 15 minutes of our reaching the fishing location. Great bait selection and spot on running depth. Had a great time and came home with enough fish to last us a long time. Highly recommend Fish-X-TC if you are looking for a great time on the water.
Clark  L.
Clark L. Homosassa Springs, FL
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Tyler with pure angling gave my son and I an incredible experience the morning of September 5th. Professional, and knowledgeable with a great boat Tyler does a great job. You will not be disappointed.
William  C.
William C. Millcreek, UT
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(193 reviews)
We had a great time! Alonzo and Tucker were amazing and helped us catch our first Salmon! They even cleaned our fish at the end for us! Definitely would book again!
Alexis  M.
Alexis M. Buchanan, MI
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
We had a great trip with Captain Tyler! Pretty choppy waters the day of our trip but he navigated them well. We were aiming to catch a salmon and got a big one right away. We walked away with a salmon, trout and cisco. Captain Tyler was professional and personable, he made the downtime go by well. I would recommend using Captain Tyler for a charter near Traverse City. Thanks for the great trip!
Rachel  G.
Rachel G. Philadelphia, PA
Traverse City Charter Fishing
Traverse City Charter Fishing
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Caught some great fish with Captain Jeff and First mate Dave. The crew was professional, knowledgeable, and personable. Great boat and the water was smooth in Grand Traverse Bay. They did an excellent job putting us on fish when the boats around us did not seem to be catching many fish. We would highly recommend Traverse City Charter Fishing
Jason  V.
Jason V. Royal Oak, MI
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig)
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Great trip as Tyler was able to teach me quite a few things about Great Lakes fishing which was a first for me. We had a good haul of lake trout - a few which I put on ice to take home.
Frank  S.
Frank S. Westerville, OH

Top Targeted Species in Traverse City

Nearby Fishing Destinations