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Fishing Piers · Traverse City, MI

Fishing Piers in Traverse City

2 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Fishing piers are among the easiest ways to get on the water without a boat - a stable platform out over the surf or a bay, often with railings, benches, lights for night fishing and a bait shop nearby. Many public piers are free to walk and fish, while some municipal and private piers charge a modest daily fishing fee, and a state saltwater or freshwater license may still be required depending on the pier and state. They are a favorite for families and beginners because the access is simple and you can catch a real variety of species right from the deck. The listings here help you find piers by city and state, with what to expect on arrival.

Below are 2 fishing piers listings in Traverse City, MI, ranked by Google review volume so you can start with the most established options and contact them directly. The most-reviewed is Discovery Pier (4.8★, 233 Google reviews).

Typical pricing

Many fishing piers are free; some municipal or private piers charge a small daily fishing fee. A state fishing license may be required depending on the pier and state (some piers hold a blanket license that covers anglers) - confirm fees and license rules with the pier or your state agency.

See our full guide to fishing in Traverse City for neighborhoods, local pricing and how to choose.

Top fishing piers listings in Traverse City

  1. 1
    Discovery Pier
    Charters

    Discovery Pier

    Traverse City

    Park in Traverse City, MI · 4.8★ (233).

    ★ 4.8 · 233View →
  2. 2
    BLLT Scenic Pier & Kayak Launch
    Charters

    BLLT Scenic Pier & Kayak Launch

    Traverse City

    Fishing pier in Traverse City, MI · 4★ (2).

    ★ 4 · 2View →

FAQ

Fishing Piers in Traverse City - common questions

How many fishing piers are there in Traverse City? +
Lure Compass lists 2 listings for fishing piers in Traverse City, MI.
Who has the best-rated fishing piers in Traverse City? +
By Google review volume, Discovery Pier is the most-reviewed fishing piers listing in Traverse City (4.8★, 233 reviews). Rankings follow review count, not paid placement.
Do you need a license to fish off a pier? +
It depends on the pier and the state. Some public piers operate under a blanket license that covers everyone fishing from them, while at others each angler needs their own state license. Check the pier operator or your state wildlife agency for the specific rule before you fish.
Are fishing piers free? +
Many public piers are free to fish, but some municipal and privately run piers charge a daily fishing fee, and there may be a separate parking cost. Fees, hours and any license requirement vary by location - confirm with the pier before you go.
What can you catch from a fishing pier? +
That varies by region and season, and pier regulars are usually happy to share what is biting. Reviews and listings here can point you to well-reviewed piers by city and state, but the pier operator or a nearby bait shop is your best source for current conditions and what is running.
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.

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Other categories in Traverse City

Fishing ChartersPublic Fishing SpotsBait & Tackle ShopsFishing GuidesMarinas & Boat Ramps