Michigan Fishing Charters

The best out of 319 charter fishing deals in Michigan - enter dates to check availability

Top Michigan Destinations

Michigan: 319 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(42 reviews)
Manistee
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(69 reviews)
Grand Haven
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $630
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(42 reviews)
Whitehall
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $595
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(32 reviews)
Newaygo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $245
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(106 reviews)
South Haven
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $700
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(109 reviews)
Traverse City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(91 reviews)
Brethren
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $300
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Manistee
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(113 reviews)
Manistee
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $700
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(110 reviews)
Linwood
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Michigan

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

The average price for a private 4 hour Michigan fishing trip is US $573, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $686 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in Michigan that received great reviews from families are:

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

The top 3 fishing techniques in Michigan are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Michigan are:

Many fishing charters in Michigan 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 Michigan are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Michigan?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Michigan are:
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $456
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $617
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $602
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $508
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $675

Fishing in Michigan

When a state has nicknames like “Great Lake State” and “Water Winter Wonderland,” you better believe that fishing there is off the hook. With 11,000 inland lakes, 3,000 rivers, and more big-water coastline than Florida and Oregon combined, casting a line in Michigan is a dream come true. To help you in your search for the next great catch, Michigan fishing charters are at your disposal.

The state borders four of the five Great Lakes, which speaks volumes about the angling action. Whether you’re after Salmon on Lake Superior, Walleye on Lakes Erie and Huron, Trout on Lake Michigan, or Muskellunge and Bass on Lake St. Clair, you can’t go wrong.

The rich inland waters are brimming with just about every species you can think of. Northern Pike, Bass, Crappie, Perch, and Sunfish are all in the cards. Don’tforget about miles of Trout streams, where you can find Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows. On top of that, ice fishing is also excellent.

You’ll find Michigan fishing charters on most bodies of water and there’s usually a variety of trips on offer. If you’re after big Walleye and Salmon, full day expeditions are recommended. Going fishing with your family? Half day trips are a great way to have fun and catch some dinner.

The whole of Michigan is one large fishing hub, so there’s no shortage of hotspots. The Great Lakes, St. Mary’s River, Saginaw Bay, and Detroit are just some locations to check out.

Rules & Regulations

Everyone who’s 17 and older needs a valid Michigan fishing license, and there are several options to choose from. If you’d like to cast your line in Canadian waters, remember to bring your passport, and buy an Ontario fishing license along with an Outdoors Card.

Michigan
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Based on 28384 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Michigan Fishing Seasons

January

You can expect safe ice on most lakes in Michigan at the start of the year, with the chance to hook dozens of different species while ice fishing. Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Pike are just some of the A-listers you could reel in.

February

Winter fishing continues, with Michigan’s hardy anglers making the most of frozen lakes across the state. This can be the perfect time to reel in an impressive Walleye, Lake Trout, Musky, and that’s just to get you started.

March

The Trout season is upon us! Some lakes and streams are thawing on the lower peninsula, giving anglers the chance to head out to open water before the crowds set in. Up north, you can enjoy a few more weeks of ice fishing.

April

Come April, many anglers are packing up their ice shanties and getting ready to haul their boats to the lakeshores. High season is just around the corner, and anything from Walleye and Trout to Salmon is biting these days.

May

On the Great Lakes, May marks the start of the season for many Michigan fishing charters. Come aboard and troll for Coho Salmon, or explore the inland streams and catch some spring Steelhead. Still not enough? Walleye fishing on Lake Erie is on fire.

June

This is one of the most productive months in Michigan. June is a great time to catch large Musky on the St. Mary’s River or troll for Salmon in the Great Lakes. Fly anglers on the lower peninsula are looking forward to the hex hatch later this month.

July

At the height of summer, Salmon fishing is the name of the game. From Chinook and Coho in the lakes to Atlantic Salmon in the streams, these fish keep anglers busy for days. For a change of pace, focus on premier Walleye action all over the state.

August

The hottest weather of the year sends Trout deep into the lakes in search of cool water. With a savvy guide and the use of downriggers, you can still be very productive. Salmon are also biting, as well as Musky, Walleye, and Perch.

September

Fall is quickly approaching, so Salmon will start leaving the Great Lakes and heading upstream. While the charter boat season is coming to a close, guided fishing on the rivers picks up, and that means top-notch Trout action.

October

This is a great time to fish for Salmon and Steelhead in Michigan’s streams. Bass fishing on small lakes is also on point. You can even go after Sturgeon if you’re feeling adventurous. Some anglers are still fishing for Walleye, Steelhead, and Bass in the open waters of the Great Lakes.

November

November brings frigid temperatures, so most lake charters shut down during winter. Guides with aluminum boats will still be eager to take you through the streams in search of Steelhead, and you can also find some Salmon in southern parts of the state.

December

Michigan’s lakes start to freeze over in December, with the shallowest of them already offering safe ice early in the month. Grab an auger and your ice tackle, and head out for some prime winter fishing for Perch, Walleye, Pike, and Musky.

Michigan Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Michigan

What anglers said about fishing in Michigan

Dress warm. Listen to the captain, even if you fished your whole life,this is his playground. Bring snacks. Hold your lip right. Act like a nut.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dress warm. Listen to the captain, even if you fished your whole life,this is his playground. Bring snacks. Hold your lip right. Act like a nut.
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Have patience and trust you're captain. You may know what you're talking about but these guys live on the rivers
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Have patience and trust you're captain. You may know what you're talking about but these guys live on the rivers
Manistee River Fishing Company
Manistee River Fishing Company
Captain knew where to go ! We came back loaded and other (on their own) were empty handed !
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain knew where to go ! We came back loaded and other (on their own) were empty handed !
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and expect to have a great time. Anyday on the water is a good day.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and expect to have a great time. Anyday on the water is a good day.
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters
Be patient and time your trip. He will find the fish, and enjoy the day. The boat is excellent as well as the captain.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be patient and time your trip. He will find the fish, and enjoy the day. The boat is excellent as well as the captain.
Manistee River Fishing Company
Manistee River Fishing Company
Make sure you have a dependable GPS to find your way, the area can be a bit confusing if you're a total stranger to it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you have a dependable GPS to find your way, the area can be a bit confusing if you're a total stranger to it.
Manistee River Fishing Company
Manistee River Fishing Company
The salmon are running by the thousands!! Also saw some huge brown trout caught. The whole experience was just awesome and fun! And if you love the outdoors, Michigan that time of year on the river is beautiful.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The salmon are running by the thousands!! Also saw some huge brown trout caught. The whole experience was just awesome and fun! And if you love the outdoors, Michigan that time of year on the river is beautiful.
Due North Guide Service
Due North Guide Service
Make sure fish are showing up in large numbers and are biting frequently.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Make sure fish are showing up in large numbers and are biting frequently.
Manistee River Fishing Company
Manistee River Fishing Company
We were on the fish early and continued to catch them all morning until we were at our limit.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We were on the fish early and continued to catch them all morning until we were at our limit.
Following Dreams Fishing Charters
Following Dreams Fishing Charters Monroe, MI
I'd recommend Captain Gabe with Elsie K Charters and he'll take care of you.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I'd recommend Captain Gabe with Elsie K Charters and he'll take care of you.
Elsie K Charters โ€“ Lake Michigan
Elsie K Charters โ€“ Lake Michigan New Hudson, MI
Me & my group went in with low expectations not knowing what too expect but overall the whole experience was amazing and definitely worth the money, time & energy!!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Me & my group went in with low expectations not knowing what too expect but overall the whole experience was amazing and definitely worth the money, time & energy!!!
Balls Deep Charters
Balls Deep Charters Flint, MI
Yes I would recommend, however but not in September, it is unpredictable, Captain Bob said that May through August is best. I will probably take my wife and my kids for next year.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes I would recommend, however but not in September, it is unpredictable, Captain Bob said that May through August is best. I will probably take my wife and my kids for next year.
Maykin Baykin Charters
Maykin Baykin Charters Howell, Michigan
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
Absolutely with the big Manistee and the little Manistee converging and where they do it's an excellent area to Target salmon recommend it to anybody had a great time and planning next year's trip already
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely with the big Manistee and the little Manistee converging and where they do it's an excellent area to Target salmon recommend it to anybody had a great time and planning next year's trip already
Pro Fish'n Sea Charters
Pro Fish'n Sea Charters Mason, MI
Hit some local breweries and explore the town if you have some extra time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Hit some local breweries and explore the town if you have some extra time.
Knotty Girl Charter Fishing
Knotty Girl Charter Fishing Philadelphia, PA
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
Charter with Murphy's Law Charters. Professional crew and found the fish quickly. Great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Charter with Murphy's Law Charters. Professional crew and found the fish quickly. Great time.
Murphy's Law Charter Service
Murphy's Law Charter Service Frederick, CO
Recommend booking with Captain Steve! Very friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be going back!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Recommend booking with Captain Steve! Very friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be going back!
Knotty Girl Charter Fishing
Knotty Girl Charter Fishing Saint Anne, IL
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
Big Kahuna Charters
Big Kahuna Charters Ypsilanti, Michigan

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Michigan?

City Limits Sportfishing
City Limits Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Wyandotte
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Had such an amazing experience with Captain Jason. He knew the best spots to take us to catch a ton of fish. Iโ€™m a beginner and he did a great job explaining everything and making sure we had a successful trip. We caught some monster walleye with the largest weighing 9.7 lbs! Highly recommend this trip and trusting Jasonโ€™s expertise.
Eric  O.
Eric O.
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Detroit
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(114 reviews)
Eric is very knowledgeable & a great guy to fish with. It was a tough bite, but we managed to limit out with good sized walleyes due to his experience. I (Lanny) fought a giant sturgeon for about 30 minutes, it ended up bending the hook, but it was still an experience I'll never forget. Eric figured that fish was over 6 ft, first time a fish ever made my arms ache. My brother & I had a great day. Thank you, Eric. Book with Get Hooked, you won't be sorry.
Lanny  H.
Lanny H.
Dietrichs Sportfishing  Detroit/Saginaw river
Dietrichs Sportfishing Detroit/Saginaw river
Fishing charter in Wyandotte
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
First time walleye jigging on a river from a boat and it was great. Lots of bites at each location. Snagged a handful to take home and a couple bonus species we weren't expecting. Great fun. Easy going. Great day fishing. Highly recommended.
Ryan  R.
Ryan R.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
We had a great time fishing with Dan, he made sure to have different set ups and bait available and also showed us different techniques. Will definitely return.
Dani  B.
Dani B.
Sweet T Sportfishing โ€“ Allegan
Sweet T Sportfishing โ€“ Allegan
Fishing charter in Allegan
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Second time fishing trip with captain Kevin was great, ..thank you captain.
Adrian  S.
Adrian S.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
We didnโ€™t have a lot of river fishing experience, Dan was super knowledgeable and helped us really get the hang of everything. We had a great time fishing, chatting, and Dan made us lunch which was great. Definitely recommend working with him, he has a super strong knowledge of the area and the fishing conditions.
Michael  J.
Michael J.
Fishing The Detroit River And Lake
Fishing The Detroit River And Lake
Fishing charter in Wyandotte
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(122 reviews)
My husband and kids had a blast and caught a ton! Great experience, even if you have no experience fishing.
Elizabeth  T.
Elizabeth T.
Sweet T Sportfishing โ€“ Allegan
Sweet T Sportfishing โ€“ Allegan
Fishing charter in Allegan
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Kevin is very professional and kind Captain. We could catch fish as limits easily. He knows fun of fishing. Thanks a lot, and I would like to highly recommend to others who wants to go trout fishing.
Hideaki  M.
Hideaki M.
Due North Guide Service
Due North Guide Service
Fishing charter in Brethren
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Brian is a fantastic guide. His knowledge of the river and personable approach are great. We ran the river on a day with a high pressure system moving in so the bites were slow, but I had a great time! I would recommend Bryan to anyone and look forward to booking again soon!
Matt  V.
Matt V.
Ripple Effect Guide Service โ€“ Muskegon River
Ripple Effect Guide Service โ€“ Muskegon River
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Quinn is an excellent guide! He knows the rivers, the habits of the fish and how they react to changing conditions. He knows the techniques needed for success and explained them well. We nailed em today!!!
Mark  B.
Mark B.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
Had an amazing time with Dan! Very knowledgeable over the River , many different baits , poles , and lures for us to use. We caught several Brown Trout in just a couple hours . Beautiful fish ! Would highly recommend to anyone.
David  R.
David R.
River Trek Guide Service
River Trek Guide Service
Fishing charter in Grand Rapids
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(93 reviews)
My son and I went with Captain Steve on the Muskegon River and had an awesome time catching steelhead.
Andrew  A.
Andrew A.
Sweet T Sportfishing โ€“ Allegan
Sweet T Sportfishing โ€“ Allegan
Fishing charter in Allegan
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Cap Kevin's boat was very well equipped and his advice resulted in sensational fishing trip. My 12 year old grandson caught 2 huge King Salmons and 2 other large Steelheads .I also caught a large Steelhead and 2 good size trout.
Robert  M.
Robert M.
Reel Down Outfitters -River Fishing
Reel Down Outfitters -River Fishing
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(21 reviews)
Captโ€™n Zach was great, first time for my me, my son and grandson River fishing he spent some time showing us what to do, and we caught 5-6 King Salmon, he was great, and knew what he was doing, definitely recommend Reel Down outfitters
Anthony  B.
Anthony B.
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Muskegon
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(134 reviews)
Cpt Justin is very knowledgeable and patient. You can tell he loves fishing, takes the time to explain everything. My son and I had a blast and we both highly recommend this charter!!
Ramon  D.
Ramon D.
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Detroit
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(114 reviews)
Capt. Eric is very knowledgeable, helpful, and super patient (our grandsons had many questions)! Capt. Eric made it fun and we learned a lot ! We had a great trip !!
Cheryl  C.
Cheryl C.
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.
On Deck Guide Service - Lake St. Clair
On Deck Guide Service - Lake St. Clair
Fishing charter in St. Clair Shores
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Best fishing trip ever. Captain Jeff Hamilton is an accomplished fisherman; friendly and very knowledgeable. His bass boat has every device needed to find and catch fish. I recommend Jeff for your next fishing trip.
THOMAS  Y.
THOMAS Y.
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Detroit
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(114 reviews)
Eric was a fantastic captain. I caught my limit in no time! I highly recommend Eric!!
Frank  T.
Frank T.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
First time catching salmon. We had a great time with Dan's great assistance. Lots of fun and fight with these big fish.
Jane  W.
Jane W.

Top Fishing Techniques in Michigan

Top Targeted Species in Michigan