Lake Michigan Ice Fishing Charters
Lake Michigan Ice Fishing Charters
Best Ice Fishing Charters in Lake Michigan
Best Ice Fishing Charters in Lake Michigan
Ice Fishing in Lake Michigan
Ice Fishing in Lake Michigan
Ice fishing on Lake Michigan is your ticket to an unforgettable winter adventure. If you’re “itchin’ to go fishin’” or simply looking for a new way to leave your comfort zone, put on your warmest clothes and head out to the frozen kingdom. As ice fishing requires a different approach, make sure to take this trip with a professional guide.
When to Go
Most fishing guides run their ice fishing trips from mid-December till mid-March. Each year’s season depends on weather conditions, so it sometimes starts as late as January. You may be eager to start your trip as soon as possible but it’s better to be patient and wait for the ice to get thicker – safety first!
If you’re not sure what time of day to head out, many fishing guides recommend early morning. This is because fish react to temperature and light change, so you can expect the most activity and hardest bites as the sun rises.
What to Expect
If you picture an ice fishing experience as standing above a hole in the ice with a rod and freezing, you’ll be happy to know it’s nothing like that. Most captains in the area use heated ice shacks, so you’ll be safe from the cold wind. Just be sure to dress warm enough and feel free to ask your guide what to expect ahead of time.
Your fishing guide will drill several holes in the ice, provide you with fishing equipment, and then it’s mostly a waiting game. Once you get used to the surroundings, you’ll find that it’s actually quite relaxing.
The usual winter catches are Walleye and Lake Whitefish, but significant numbers of Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Trout are there too. Yellow Perch is a great fish to start with if you’re a novice or bringing your kid, as they require less skill than Walleye.
Need to Know
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Anglers age 17 or older need to have a valid fishing license.
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During the Free Fishing Weekend in February, everyone can fish without a fishing license. This applies to both residents and out-of-state visitors.
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Ice shacks can be very comfortable and warm, but the “floor” is still lake ice – make sure to wear thick socks and warm boots.
A Lake Michigan ice fishing trip is something you ought to try at least once. Some anglers even prefer winter fishing, and the only way to find out why is to give it a go yourself!
Lake Michigan
4.6
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5
Based on 27,692 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Ice Fishing in Lake Michigan
What anglers said about Ice Fishing in Lake Michigan
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
Listen to the local charter captains. Fish are plentiful, big, and delicious
5.0
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5
Listen to the local charter captains. Fish are plentiful, big, and delicious
Eric S.
Volo, IL
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
Port Washington is a very nice and unique town. It has so much to offer and is very clean. We make numerous trips to Port Washington and the surrounding town every year. There is something for everyone.
5.0
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5
Port Washington is a very nice and unique town. It has so much to offer and is very clean. We make numerous trips to Port Washington and the surrounding town every year. There is something for everyone.
Josh P.
South Wayne, WI
Obtain a map of the layout of the harbor and the parking area/ locations and bathrooms. If chartering a vessel, obtain the slip number and location of the vessel.
5.0
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5
Obtain a map of the layout of the harbor and the parking area/ locations and bathrooms. If chartering a vessel, obtain the slip number and location of the vessel.
James R.
Mishawaka, IN
If you want quantity concider between 7-15 through 8/20 and hopefully calmer lake and better temperatures it was in the 90s when I went
5.0
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5
If you want quantity concider between 7-15 through 8/20 and hopefully calmer lake and better temperatures it was in the 90s when I went
Robert B.
Downers Grove, 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