Traverse City Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Traverse City Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Traverse City

Owen Hentschel
Traverse City, Michigan
Reported: 3 months ago

Fishing has been very good in the north country lately. We're in full summer patterns now plenty of numbers and some giants mixed in.

Owen Hentschel Traverse City, Michigan Reported: 3 months ago

Fishing has been very good in the north country lately. We're in full summer patterns now plenty of numbers and some giants mixed in.

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Alex Ermatinger with Tinger Guide Service
Thompsonville, Michigan
Reported: 7 months ago

Fish are spilling into the rivers and already working gravel.

Alex Ermatinger with Tinger Guide Service Thompsonville, Michigan Reported: 7 months ago

Fish are spilling into the rivers and already working gravel.

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Alex Ermatinger with Tinger Guide Service
Thompsonville, Michigan
Reported: 8 months ago

Big pushes of steelhead have kept up busy the past week or so!

Alex Ermatinger with Tinger Guide Service Thompsonville, Michigan Reported: 8 months ago

Big pushes of steelhead have kept up busy the past week or so!

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Owen Hentschel
Traverse City, Michigan
Reported: 1 year ago

Fishing has been phenomenal. The fall bite is better than ever size and numbers have been awesome catching 25 pounds of smallmouth every trip.

Owen Hentschel Traverse City, Michigan Reported: 1 year ago

Fishing has been phenomenal. The fall bite is better than ever size and numbers have been awesome catching 25 pounds of smallmouth every trip.

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Target Species

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Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

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What's Biting in Traverse City

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★★★★★
Sick trip - badass guide - nuff said
Nicholas K. | July 26, 2025

Trip: Premier Nighttime Trout Fishing
★★★★★
Had a great day on the water with Butch. Super friendly, knowledgeable, and put us right on the bass. Caught some fish and learned a few new techniques too. The boat and gear were top-notch, and the whole trip was relaxed and fun.
Kristin B. | July 5, 2025

Trip: Traverse City Smallie Special
★★★★★
Great day!!! Alex is very knowledgeable regarding the river,the species, and VERY skillful boat captain. Personable, pleasant, and patient. Makes a great bowl of split pea and ham soup. Will definitely do this again. Tom Johnson
Thomas J. | April 14, 2025

Trip: Spring Steelhead Slam
★★★★★
Enjoyed the experience. Nice job putting us on fish.
Kevin K. | March 29, 2025

Trip: Big Manistee Guide Trip
★★★★★
We two Japanese guys booked Captain Dan to catch a steelhead! We had never caught steelhead before but finally did thanks to Captain Dan!!! He is so supportive and kindness, give a lot of tips and fun talking!! We spent great time all the day including our first steelhead experience that was exciting so much. Appreciate thank you for giving my best memory in US before going back to Japan next weekend.
Shigeki O. | March 3, 2025

Trip: Big Manistee Guide Trip
★★★★★
Casey is an amazing guide! Very personable, knowledgeable and patient. He taught us the skills we needed to catch fish. It was a spectacular day. I would highly recommend to first timers and experienced alike.
Brian C. | June 20, 2024

Trip: Streamer / Spin Trout Fishing
★★★★★
Had a great time found fish for us
Alfred J. | June 14, 2024

Trip: Traverse City Smallie Special
★★★★★
Casey was an awesome guide!
Rodney A. | August 29, 2023

Trip: Premier Nighttime Trout Fishing
★★★★★
My daughter and I had a great time fishing with Butch. She had never caught a smallmouth before. Not only did she catch more than me she caught the biggest (4.40 lbs). Weather wasn't ideal with slick water and overcast most of the time but he still managed to put on some good fish. Our best 5 went a little over 16.5lbs. Was a good trip and I would recommend Butch as he has a lot of guide/tournament experience in the area. We went in the West Bay out of Traverse City.
Terry K. | July 23, 2023

Trip: Traverse City Smallie Special

Top Fishing Trips in Traverse City

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

River Fishing in Thompsonville

Northern Michigan Salmon Fishing

100% (4) Managed by Alex

15 ft 1 - 4 People From $750

Nearshore, Lake Fishing in Traverse City

Traverse City Smallmouth Bass Trip

100% (1) Guided by Owen

21 ft 1 - 4 People From $450

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.