Grand Traverse Bay

36 Fishing Charters

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Grand Traverse Bay

Top Grand Traverse Bay Destinations

Grand Traverse Bay: 36 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(192 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(94 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(90 reviews)
Williamsburg
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $590
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(99 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Leland
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $650
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(12 reviews)
Elk Rapids
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $550
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(202 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $550
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $675

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Grand Traverse Bay

According to customer reviews, Showtime Charters, Fish-X-TC, and Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig) are some of the most popular fishing charters in Grand Traverse Bay. Full list of top fishing charters in Grand Traverse Bay.

The average price for a private 4 hour Grand Traverse Bay fishing trip is $568, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $506 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Showtime Charters, Fish-X-TC, and Pure Angling โ€“ Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig) all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Grand Traverse Bay.

The most popular fish species you can target are Lake Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon. Top fishing techniques include Trolling, Light Tackle, and Jigging. Lake fishing, nearshore fishing, and offshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

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
4.7 / 5
Based on 27713 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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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.
Lerae  G.
Lerae G. 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.
Mark  W.
Mark W. 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.
Clark  L.
Clark L. Homosassa Springs, FL
Remember to bring a big cooler. You will get way more fish than you except. Bring a food deeper to pack them up back at your cabin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Remember to bring a big cooler. You will get way more fish than you except. Bring a food deeper to pack them up back at your cabin
Ann  B.
Ann B. Ypsilanti, Michigan
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!
James  W.
James W. Oden, MI
Learn about the local species and their respective seasons so that you know what to expect before you go.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Learn about the local species and their respective seasons so that you know what to expect before you go.
Gabriel  W.
Gabriel W. Grand Rapids, 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.
VonZell  P.  I.
VonZell P. I. Hilliard, OH
It was great but not many species this time of year. I'm gonna be back when the salmon are in.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was great but not many species this time of year. I'm gonna be back when the salmon are in.
Jacob  G.
Jacob G.
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.
Jennifer  H.
Jennifer H.
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.
Will  F.
Will F.
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.
Andrew  A.
Andrew A. 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
Ronald  C.
Ronald C. 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.
Gregory  L.
Gregory L. 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!
Shannon  B.
Shannon B. 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.
Jannell  K.
Jannell K. 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
Joan  F.
Joan F. Bellaire, MI
As explained to us, late in the season do the morning or evening trip, not the midday. We went evening and the sunset was amazing!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
As explained to us, late in the season do the morning or evening trip, not the midday. We went evening and the sunset was amazing!
Kevin  H.
Kevin H. Houghton Lake, Michigan
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
Eric  M.
Eric M. Paris, KY
Elk Rapids is one of the finest marinas in the area. Restrooms were spotless, nice attractive outbuildings.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Elk Rapids is one of the finest marinas in the area. Restrooms were spotless, nice attractive outbuildings.
John  H.
John H. Maple Heights, OH
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.
Andrew  P.
Andrew P. Utica, 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
(94 reviews)
Tyler was awesome! Very knowledgeable. Fun day! Would highly recommend booking with him!
Trudi  J.
Trudi J. Lamberton, MN
Prime Time Fishing Charters โ€“ Suttons Bay
Prime Time Fishing Charters โ€“ Suttons Bay
Fishing charter in Suttons Bay
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
My family and I enjoyed our trip with prime time! They were accommodating to everyone! They showed great knowledge and patience with the kids and us. I would definitely book again.
Jennifer  M.
Jennifer M.
Osprey Fishing of Michigan
Osprey Fishing of Michigan
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
Had a great experience with Chris, really enjoyed fishing with him. He is a great captain, and a lot of fun to go with. Highly recommend fishing with him.
Nick  M.
Nick M. Mount Vernon, IN
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
(94 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
(192 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.
Prime Time Fishing Charters
Prime Time Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(202 reviews)
Had a great time on this charter, caught alot of fish and learned alot. The guys were very knowledgeable and willing to share experience and give us tips on fishing.would highly recommend.
WESLEY  H.
WESLEY 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
(94 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
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
(94 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
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(192 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
Kick Ass Outdoors
Kick Ass Outdoors
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
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(192 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
(94 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
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
(94 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
(14 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
Fish-X-TC
Fish-X-TC
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(192 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
All Jack'd Up Charters
All Jack'd Up Charters
Fishing charter in Glen Arbor
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(12 reviews)
We went fishing with Captain Jack and had a great time! Our 10 year old son was with us and Captain Jack did a great job helping him. Highly recommend, smallmouth fishing is a ton of fun. Captain Jack worked really hard to put us on fish. Weโ€™ll be doing this again.
Jonathan  B.
Jonathan B. Byron Center, 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
(94 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
Reelin Leland Fishing Charters
Reelin Leland Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Leland
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Had a 1/2 day trip with Caprain Tony and his mate, Chris, out of Leland. What a nice day. All four in our party caught salmon, including one who caught the largest fish in his life and another who caught his first salmon. Largest salmon was 15-1/2 pounds. Would definitely go out with Captain Tony and Chris again.
Clifford  B.
Clifford B. Chicago, Illinois
Showtime Charters
Showtime Charters
Fishing charter in Traverse City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Enjoyed our trip with Captain Johnny and Liam! They kept us over the fish the whole time and we landed a couple of decent Lakers! Thanks, we will have to do it again soon!
David  F.
David F. Brighton, 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
(94 reviews)
Tyler was a great captain! Very knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. This was our first experience and would 100% come back again. Tyler is personable, easy to talk with, and respectful. Tyler made sure we had a good experience on the water!
Whitney  S.
Whitney S.