Michigan Fly Fishing Charters
Michigan Fly Fishing Charters
Best Fly Fishing Charters in Michigan
Best Fly Fishing Charters in Michigan
Fly Fishing in Michigan
Fly Fishing in Michigan
So you want to go fly fishing in Michigan? Excellent choice! Known as the Great Lake State, you can’t swing a cat without it landing in prime fly fishing waters. This is the state where you’ll find the longest freshwater shoreline in the whole world – you know the fly fishing is going to be epic with that kind of achievement!
What to Expect
Michigan has access to three of the Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie. This means you can book a trip as short as four hours and be fishing in no time.
Most local trips focus on targeting a particular species, which changes depending on the time of year. If you’re heading out with one fish on your mind, make sure it’s in season before climbing aboard.
For some species, you should consider heading out very early in the morning or during the evening. Fish such as Steelhead and Trout avoid the bright midday sun; they come to the surface to feed when it’s darker, which is when you’re most likely to catch them.
What to Catch
Trout fishing is especially popular in Michigan. There are over 20,000 miles of cold water for Trout to live in, both stocked and wild, making this a bucket- list destination for fly anglers. The official beginning of the Trout season is usually in the last week of April, and this is your time to hit the water.
Salmon is another prized catch in Michigan, and for all the good reasons. The best time to go after these feisty fish is any time from late spring to early autumn (depending on the species). Chinook are out and about mid-August, and Coho is available all year, though the action is best in early spring and late October.
If you’re on the lookout for Pink Salmon, you’ll have better luck in odd-numbered years. As for Atlantic Salmon, they’re late bloomers, and the best period to target them is usually in late fall.
Other species you can catch include Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Pike, Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout.
Where to Go
As well as the Great Lakes, some other top waters to fish in include St. Clair River, Lake Huron, Manistee River, and of course the famous Au Sable River. Measuring nearly 80 miles long and leading into Lake Huron, this river is the best place to go fly fishing for Trout. It even has a famous hatch, the “Hex” hatch, which cannot be missed! There are parts of the river that are great for beginners, and others that will really test your skills. Top targets here include Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout, as well as good populations of Steelhead.
Other top waters you won’t want to miss include Betsie River, Huron River, Muskegon River, White River, Fox River, and plenty more.
How to Prepare
Michigan fly fishing guides can show you where to find the best bite based on the time of year. Some guides provide fly fishing gear for their customers, but you should confirm this ahead of time. If you plan on bringing your own gear, pack two fly fishing rods – one 8’ with a 3 wt and a 10’ rod with a 6 wt. This will allow you to catch the full range of species in Michigan’s waters.
Before your trip, everyone in your group over 17 will need to buy a fishing license. Check the current regulations for each fish in the body of water you’ll be fishing – these are subject to change each season.
Don’t forget to pack your amber polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug repellant, and you’ll be ready to fish.
Book a Michigan fly fishing trip today and you’ll be hooked for life.
Michigan
4.6
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5
Based on 27,733 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Michigan
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Michigan
Make sure fish are showing up in large numbers and are biting frequently.
4.7
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5
Make sure fish are showing up in large numbers and are biting frequently.
Nichole H.
We were on the fish early and continued to catch them all morning until we were at our limit.
4.7
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5
We were on the fish early and continued to catch them all morning until we were at our limit.
Jeremy G.
Monroe, MI
I'd recommend Captain Gabe with Elsie K Charters and he'll take care of you.
5.0
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5
I'd recommend Captain Gabe with Elsie K Charters and he'll take care of you.
Jennifer S.
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!!!
5.0
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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!!!
Danielle C.
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.
5.0
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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.
Robert T.
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.
5.0
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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.
Carleton, MI
For a first time fishing Traverse city had a excellent time. Would recommend anyone to try this what a beautiful experience.
5.0
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5
For a first time fishing Traverse city had a excellent time. Would recommend anyone to try this what a beautiful experience.
Mark W.
Canton, MI
Hit some local breweries and explore the town if you have some extra time.
5.0
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5
Hit some local breweries and explore the town if you have some extra time.
Nathan L.
Philadelphia, PA
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
5.0
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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
Ron O.
Mason, 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.
5.0
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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.
Homosassa Springs, FL
Charter with Murphy's Law Charters. Professional crew and found the fish quickly. Great time.
5.0
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5
Charter with Murphy's Law Charters. Professional crew and found the fish quickly. Great time.
Van K.
Frederick, CO
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
5.0
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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.
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Recommend booking with Captain Steve! Very friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be going back!
5.0
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5
Recommend booking with Captain Steve! Very friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be going back!
Tanya D.
Saint Anne, IL
Look up Flagship fishing charters for the best experience in st Joseph Michigan
5.0
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5
Look up Flagship fishing charters for the best experience in st Joseph Michigan
Aaron B.
Rossburg, OH
Very pleased with our catch, we brought in for king, salmon, but unfortunately let a couple get away. Fishing was great and they really started hitting around 9 AM.
5.0
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5
Very pleased with our catch, we brought in for king, salmon, but unfortunately let a couple get away. Fishing was great and they really started hitting around 9 AM.
Bill B.
Sure, lots of charters there, so I presume fishing there is good at the right time.
I will book again for a 2nd time with the same captain.
5.0
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5
Sure, lots of charters there, so I presume fishing there is good at the right time.
I will book again for a 2nd time with the same captain.
Sam E.
Warren, MI
A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work. catching lots of fish this time of the year? I don't know? But we still had a great day fishing.
5.0
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5
A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work. catching lots of fish this time of the year? I don't know? But we still had a great day fishing.
Sam E.
Warren, MI
The fishing is great, and the scenery is outstanding! There are wonderful dunes, fantastic sunsets, and charming towns.
5.0
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5
The fishing is great, and the scenery is outstanding! There are wonderful dunes, fantastic sunsets, and charming towns.
Jim B.
Rochester Hills, MI
We had a great time in late August and caught 4 Kings. Was told that May and June might have been a better time. In late Aug fish are moving quite a bit and are less predictable.
5.0
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5
We had a great time in late August and caught 4 Kings. Was told that May and June might have been a better time. In late Aug fish are moving quite a bit and are less predictable.
Thomas J.
Ann Arbor, MI
If you have no experience, don't whine and cry! Try listening! These Captians try everything possible to try to catch fish and make it an experience of a lifetime for you and your group! Remember, it's called fishing not catching!
5.0
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5
If you have no experience, don't whine and cry! Try listening! These Captians try everything possible to try to catch fish and make it an experience of a lifetime for you and your group! Remember, it's called fishing not catching!
Joseph B.
Pinckney, MI