What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Traverse City, Michigan for the first time?

Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in Traverse City

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Jonathan Hall
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with J. Young Outdoors- Reel Livin' on August 23, 2025
My first time in Traverse City, and I was only there for one night. Beautiful town, lots to see besides going fishing. Hotels are expensive, so be prepared to pay more than you expect. Totally worth it though if you book with J. Young Outdoors for your fishing trip. Jordan's the best!

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Brian Eddy
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with TC Bass Destination Charters on July 29, 2025
Grand Traverse Bay is huge and hiring a guide is essential. I tried fishing it on my own a couple of years ago and had no success. With the right guidance, an angler can expect to both catch fish and learn something at the same time.

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Jeff Burkett
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with J. Young Outdoors- Reel Livin' on July 7, 2025
A good guide makes all the difference. And Jordan is top-notch. Never a bad day in Grand Traverse Bay, but catching big, beautiful, tasty fish is next level! Loved every minute of it. And Jordan made it look easy (even though we know it’s not)!

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Kenneth Sivley
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fish-X-TC on May 30, 2025
The weather changed pretty quickly on us so layered clothing and a rain layer is a good idea. We brought our cooler filled with snacks and drinks for my boys so they were in great shape the whole trip.

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Katharine Lanzo
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pure Angling – Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig) on October 11, 2024
Late in the season for trout and salmon but the Cisco was fun to catch. Good mild fish, cleaning was a little tricky with all the small bones. Lots of small lakes but not a ton of public access or good shore fishing.

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Kevin Schiff
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fish-X-TC on August 17, 2024
Highly recommend booking this fishing charter! We had the best time with family for our Grandpa’s 90th and caught 6 fish, 6-6! It was a success and Tucker and Alonzo were the best captains. Could not have asked for a better experience.

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Andrew Anderson
Grand Rapids, MI
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fish-X-TC on June 23, 2023
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.

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Ryan Yamada
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with J. Young Outdoors- Reel Livin' on October 14, 2025
water wasn’t quite cold enough this year at this time for the walleye to be actively striking.

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Edward Wyszumiala
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with J. Young Outdoors- Reel Livin' on August 13, 2025
Later in Aug or September is best for salmon. Early and mid Aug is always a little slower, depending on the weather and cooler temps.

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James Johnson
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with FWJO Lake Trips Near Traverse City on August 6, 2025
Yes - The Grand Traverse Bay is protected somewhat from the wind and offers a good variety of fishing options. Especially, with those of with smaller boats.

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Chris Bell
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Mega Bite Charters – 31’ on July 23, 2025
Absolutely had a great time with mega bite charters . Can’t wait to try a full day trip next time

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Bob Williams
Whitehall, Michigan
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with J. Young Outdoors- Reel Livin' on June 11, 2025
We fished out of Frankfort MI but I hear the fishing gets great out of traverse city later in the season.

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Samantha Sliger
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Showtime Charters on May 24, 2025
The Captain’s voice sounded like Blake Shelton. We limited out, and the crew worked hard to make sure our time was great. This is by far the best charter we’ve ever done. Strongly recommend.

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Patrick Kelleher
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Prime Time Fishing Charters on August 14, 2024
Prime Time Charters is the way to go for Fishing Charters. Great Captain w over 30 years experience.

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Sydney Schmitter
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pure Angling – Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig) on August 11, 2024
For evening fishing, Even if the waters seem a little choppy give it a shot! We still caught a lot of fish and it settled down as the evening went on.

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Sharon Lessard
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Prime Time Fishing Charters on August 2, 2024
Be prepared to be swept away by the beauty of the lake. The fish are big and there are lots of them. so bring a large cooler.

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Jason Reseigh
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Showtime Charters on July 28, 2024
Lake trout catch is great in July. If your looking for big King Salmon…mid-August is better but you can still get lucky with some quality fish in mid-late July.

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Tyrel Garoutte
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pure Angling – Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig) on June 19, 2024
Bring a jacket, it's still cool on the water in Michigan in mid-June. Catch limit on lake trout is two per person, so don't keep unless they're of decent size.

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Lerae Greenough
Carleton, MI
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Showtime Charters on September 10, 2023
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.

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Mark Wice
Canton, MI
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Latitude 44 Charters on September 9, 2023
For a first time fishing Traverse city had a excellent time. Would recommend anyone to try this what a beautiful experience.

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Clark Lamp
Homosassa Springs, FL
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fish-X-TC on September 6, 2023
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.

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VonZell Powell II
Hilliard, OH
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fish-X-TC on July 14, 2023
Take advantage of the advice these guys have. I am always open to learning and these guys taught a lot.

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Jennifer Holcomb
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pure Angling – Lake Trout, Salmon (Troll/Jig) on June 30, 2023
Yes, I would highly recommend booking Tyler for first-time anglers. He will take good care of you and make it an enjoyable outing.

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Will Faircloth
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Traverse City Charter Fishing on June 27, 2023
Just be prepared and be patient. Take sunscreen and some sunglasses and you’ll have a great time.

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Gregory Laurentius
Cape Girardeau, MO
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Showtime Charters on June 14, 2023
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.

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Eric Miller
Paris, KY
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Daydreamer Fishing Charters on June 29, 2021
We were 1st time anglers in Traverse City! Fish are plentiful. Go with an experienced guide like Captain Ben. Daydreamer charters

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Jessica Meek
Lansing, MI
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fish-X-TC on September 20, 2020
Expect the weather to be at least 10° cooler on the water, but also warm in the sun. Dress in layers, and don't forget to bring water.

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James Forrester
Clarkston, MI
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Add'em Up Sportfishing Charters on June 28, 2019
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.

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Nicholas Garver
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Daydreamer Fishing Charters on September 2, 2025
Its the off-season for local businesses in the area , but the Salmon fishing is prime in the bays.

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Edward Wyszumiala
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with TC Bass Destination Charters on August 14, 2025
Amazing bass fishing experience, I highly recommend to anyone who loves to fish!