Best places to fish in Traverse City

32 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Traverse City fishes Grand Traverse Bay, a deep, clear arm of Lake Michigan split into east and west arms by the Old Mission Peninsula. Charter captains run the big water on the troll for chinook and coho salmon, lake trout and brown trout, pulling downriggers and dipsy divers over open water. The bay is also home to one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the country, and guides pole the clear shallows and rocky flats for hard-fighting smallmouth in spring and early summer. Nearby inland lakes add pike, walleye and panfish options. Smallmouth peak in spring, and the salmon and trout troll heats up through summer. Half-day inland and smallmouth trips are the budget option; full-day salmon charters on the big bay sit higher. Confirm the boat, trip length and price before booking. Operators below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.

Typical fishing charter cost in Traverse City

A half-day inshore charter in Traverse City typically runs $450-$1200 per trip - smaller boats and shorter trips at the low end, offshore and full-day trips toward the top. Rates vary by boat and party size - confirm trip details, pricing and availability directly with the operator.

Browse by category

Fishing Charters (9) Public Fishing Spots (11) Fishing Piers (2) Bait & Tackle Shops (4) Fishing Guides (6) Marinas & Boat Ramps (17)

Top-rated fishing in Traverse City

FAQ

Fishing in Traverse City - common questions

How much does a fishing charter cost in Traverse City? +

Traverse City charters typically run about $450-$1,200 depending on the trip. Half-day smallmouth and inland-lake trips are the most affordable; full-day salmon and lake trout trolling charters on Grand Traverse Bay sit at the top because of the boat, electronics and time on the water. Confirm the all-in price with the operator.

When is the best time to fish Traverse City? +

Spring and early summer are prime for smallmouth bass in the clear bay shallows, often the standout fishery here. Salmon and lake trout trolling on Grand Traverse Bay is best from late spring through summer. Weather on the open bay drives whether the big-water trolling trips run.

Is Grand Traverse Bay good for smallmouth bass? +

Yes. Grand Traverse Bay is regarded as one of the top smallmouth fisheries in the country. The clear, rocky shallows hold big, aggressive smallmouth, and spring through early summer sight-fishing and light-tackle trips for them are a specialty of local guides.

Best places to fish in Traverse City

Top-rated fishing in Traverse City

Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor, Village of Elk Rapids

Discovery Pier

Holiday RV Park & Campground

Mega Bite Charters LLC

Elmwood Township Marina

Duncan L Clinch Marina

Central Coast Angling

The Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters

Diverse Angling Fishing Charters

TC Bait & Tackle

Suttons Bay Marina

E Grand Traverse Bay Boat Launch

Paradise Cove Campground

Silver Lake Public Boat Launch

Showtime Xtreme Charters

Streamside Orvis

Bowers Harbor Boat Launch

Freshwater Therapy Fishing Guide Service

Daydreamer Charters

Suttons Bay Public Boat Launch

Crescent Shores Public Boat Launch

East Bay Harbor Marina

Spider Lake Boat Ramp

E Grand Traverse Bay DNR Boat Ramp

Pure Angling - Charter Fishing

Showtime Charters

Traverse Bay Tackle

Green Lake DNR Boat Ramp

Reel Fun Fishing Charters

Bingham Boat Launch

Lime Lake DNR Boat Ramp

BLLT Scenic Pier & Kayak Launch

Fishing in Traverse City - common questions