Grand Traverse Bay

18 Fishing Charters

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Grand Traverse Bay

Top Grand Traverse Bay Destinations

Top Fishing Charters in Grand Traverse Bay

Fish-X-TC

Fish-X-TC

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 61 reviews
Traverse City  • 32 ft  • 6 persons
7 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $450
Daydreamer Fishing Charters

Daydreamer Fishing Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 27 reviews
Traverse City  • 31 ft  • 6 persons
9 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $500
Big Kahuna Charters

Big Kahuna Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 22 reviews
Williamsburg  • 37 ft  • 6 persons
4 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $450
Prime Time Fishing Charters

Prime Time Fishing Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 86 reviews
Traverse City  • 31 ft  • 6 persons
8 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $450
Whitecap Charters โ€“ Grand Traverse Bay

Whitecap Charters โ€“ Grand Traverse Bay

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 12 reviews
Elk Rapids  • 27 ft  • 6 persons
2 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $400
FishBilly Charters

FishBilly Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 14 reviews
Leland  • 19 ft  • 3 persons
3 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $375
Mega Bite Charters

Mega Bite Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 28 reviews
Traverse City  • 31 ft  • 6 persons
3 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $550
Add'em Up Sportfishing Charters

Add'em Up Sportfishing Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 13 reviews
Traverse City  • 27 ft  • 6 persons
1 person is looking at this charter.
trips from $485

Lake Michigan is known for its stunning views and abundant wildlife. So why not go on a Grand Traverse Bay fishing trip and explore the waters of this deep Lake Michigan bay? You’ll get to have fun in one of the most abundant habitats on the lake. As a popular vacation destination, Grand Traverse Bay has a lot to offer to traveling anglers.

When it comes to the fish species that inhabit this body of water, you’ll find that there’s no limit to what you can catch. The arms of Grand Traverse Bay will provide you with an abundance of Salmon, as well as Walleye and Steelhead. You’ll find that the Bass, Pike, and Trout bite is also unparalleled.

Depending on what you’re looking for, you can opt for a half day or a full day trip. If you’re looking for an introduction to the area or a fun family outing, a half day trip is the best choice. However, if you really want to get your hands dirty and fill your bags, consider booking a full day trip so you can cover more ground.

The “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City, is your best bet when it comes to finding a fishing guide to take you out. Leland, Elk Rapids, and Williamsburg are also great options. Just head on down to the water and take your pick!

Rules & Regulations

When it comes to regulations, you should know that everyone over the age of 16 needs to have a Michigan fishing license. The best way to make sure you’re fishing within the law is to hire a reputable guide.

Grand Traverse Bay
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 4.65
Based on 21051 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
January

Kick off the year by heading out on the water and doing some fine angling. During the winter, you’ll find that Trout and Steelhead are biting hard!

 

February

Come February, large Steelhead make their way to the bay, and Trout is still a very exciting target if you’re looking for a fly fishing challenge.

March

With spring slowly approaching, fishing starts to get really hot, and Trout are still at the top of their game. You’ll find that fly fishing for Trout is a real feat!

April

Temperatures are slowly rising, but the fishing here doesn’t slow down! You’ll find that Trout is still the number one target, and jigging is the name of the game.

May

Head out on the water and soak in the sun while going after some prized specimens. Lake Trout fishing is as hot as it gets!

June

June marks the beginning of the summer season, and the waters are brimming with prized fish. Brown Trout, Salmon, and Steelhead are biting hot right now!

July

The weather is fantastic at this time of the year, and the fishing is even better! Treat yourself to a nice fishing trip and hook into some Lake Trout, King Salmon, and Chinook.

August

If King Salmon is what you’re after, there’s no better time than August to go after them. Coho Salmon are biting hot as well, just take your pick!

September

As fall slowly approaches, Coho and Chinook Salmon are ready to take your bait. Brown Trout and Steelhead are also biting if you’re looking for a challenge.

October

As the waters start to cool down and temperatures start to drop, some fish species are starting to bite. You’ll find that Salmon fishing is great in October.

November

The bay is full of Salmon and Steelhead waiting for your bite. Head out and experience the thrill of fishing in these rich waters!

December

Wrap up the year with a nice fishing trip exploring the waters of Grand Traverse Bay. There are still some Steelhead ready to bite your bait.

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Calendar

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Half Day Trip with Captain Jim
John H. fished with Fish With Jim Outfitters on October 10, 2019
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Elk Rapids is one of the finest marinas in the area. Restrooms were spotless, nice attractive outbuildings.
Half day trip
Andrew P. fished with FishBilly Charters on June 30, 2019
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Seasickness bands, dramamine, jackets for a chilly morning or night, and a good attitude.
half day with captain mike
James F. fished with Add'em Up Sportfishing Charters on June 28, 2019
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
east bay is a pretty area to fish in. the limit for lake trout is one. catch and release allows for an increased catch without exceeding the legal limit.
Another great trip with captain Ben!
Barb P. fished with Daydreamer Fishing Charters on August 17, 2018
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Just bring a sweatshirt and enjoy the boat ride.
Great captain and crew
Matthew B. fished with Fish-X-TC on August 15, 2018
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Short ride to fishing grounds and productive
Night trip with prime time charters
Joseph K. fished with Prime Time Fishing Charters on July 16, 2018
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
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.
Traverse City
Rick R. fished with Prime Time Fishing Charters on July 2, 2018
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
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.
Grandson's joy on Mega Bite Charters
John K. fished with Mega Bite Charters on June 10, 2018
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
No hesitation, perfect water, temps, breeze....I am a big fan with plans for returning!

FAQs about Fishing Charters in Grand Traverse Bay

According to customer reviews, Fish-X-TC, Daydreamer Fishing Charters, and Big Kahuna Charters are some of the most popular fishing charters in Grand Traverse Bay. Full list of top fishing charters in Grand Traverse Bay.
Fish-X-TC, Daydreamer Fishing Charters, and Big Kahuna Charters all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Grand Traverse Bay.
The best way to experience fishing in Grand Traverse Bay is to book a private charter with a licensed fishing guide. See the full list of charters available for online booking here: List of fishing charters in Grand Traverse Bay.
The top 6 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Grand Traverse Bay are:
Temperatures are slowly rising, but the fishing here doesn’t slow down! You’ll find that Trout is still the number one target, and jigging is the name of the game. Check availability for local fishing charters in Grand Traverse Bay.