Lake Fishing Guides In Michigan

Easily find a Michigan fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.

5/5 Average Rating


Experts Available 24/7

Licensed & Insured Guides

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Lake Fishing Guides In Michigan

Lake Fishing Trip in Traverse City

Traverse City Smallie Special

100% (1)
21 ft 1 - 2 People From $220 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Grand Rapids

Trophy Panfish On The Fly

NEW
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $132 / person
Damn Good

Lake Fishing Trip in Manistee

Manistee Salmon Slam

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $138 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Grand Rapids

Lake Michigan Steelhead Special

NEW
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $132 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Custer

Michigan Bass And Trout Special

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $132 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Grand Haven

Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $123 / person

Most Popular Types of Lake Trips in Michigan

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Choose your trip by skill level

More Lake Fishing Guides In Michigan

This trip with Captain Tom is perfect for making some classic Michigan memories! You'll be fishing Lake St. Clair, which connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie. This rich freshwater fishery is a perfect place to hook trophy Pike, Musky, Walleye, and Bass! Captain Tom knows all the hot fishing spots in the lake, and will work hard to put you on the fish fast. On this trip, you'll do a combination of trolling for Pike and Musky, bottomfishing for lurking Walleye, and light-tackle jigging for Bass. As you try different spots, looking for the biggest and hungriest catches, you'll switch your techniques in order to maximize your success. You'll be fishing aboard Captain Tom's 42' sportfisher, which provides a quick and comfortable ride in any weather. She includes outriggers for trolling, a bathroom, and a cabin to keep you out of the sun. Captain Tom will provide everything you need for an awesome trip; all you need to bring is sunscreen, proper clothing, sunglasses, and your Michigan fishing licenses! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Clay Township

Harsen's Island Charter Adventure

NEW
42 ft 1 - 4 People From $144 / person

Although Lake St. Claire isn't considered one of the five Great Lakes, it's part of the Great Lakes system, connecting Lake Huron to the north with Lake Erie to the south. The lake averages just 11 feet deep, but boasts a rich freshwater fishery with tons of Bass, Perch, Pike, Muskie, and more! When you're targeting multiple species, you'll naturally use different techniques to maximize your chances of success. On this trip, that means slow-trolling for Walleye, which like to hit lures moving quickly near the bottom, as well as light tackle cast-and-retrieve techniques for Smallmouth Bass. Bass are typically a catch-and-release species, but Walleye are excellent eating fish, and Captain Tom is happy to clean them for you at the dock! Just bring a cooler so you can take your keepers home. You'll be fishing aboard his 24' cuddy cabin. She's a beauty, and is perfect for the kinds of fishing you'll be doing. She sports a 220-HP Ford V8 engine, so you'll be out there trolling in the blink of an eye, and has a comfortable cabin area with seating to keep you having fun all day. Captain Tom will come prepared with everything you need for an awesome trip! Just make sure to bring proper clothing, your Michigan fishing licenses, and a smile. Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Clay Township

Walleye And Bass Trip

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $144 / person
Damn Good

Take a trip out with Captain Dan and experience the great freshwater fishing that Lake Michigan has to offer! Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth-largest lake in the world, with just over 22,000 square miles of surface area. It's loaded with fish, including fantastic sportfish species such as Steelhead, King Salmon (also known as Chinooks), Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout—all of which you can target on this trip with Captain Dan. On this trip, you'll primarily be trolling lines to attract big Salmon, which love to take fast-moving baits and lures. When these powerful fish hit the hook, you'll feel it! Salmon are great fighters that will really test your strength, stamina, and skills—so bring your A-game! You'll also have the opportunity to drop your lines down to hook up some massive Lake Trout, which prefer the deeper, colder parts of the Lake. In addition to their fighting abilities, all of these species are terrific table fare! Whatever you're hoping to catch, Captain Dan is an expert when it comes to finding, hooking, and fighting fish in these waters. You'll be fishing from the deck of his 33' Wellcraft sportfisher. She's a beautiful boat with all the equipment necessary for a great day of fishing, including twin Volvo engines and a cabin to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the fall. Your captain will bring everything you need for an ideal trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Dan and his crew will also clean and package all your keepers at the end of the trip. All you need to bring is a Michigan fishing license with the appropriate stamps, a cooler with snacks and drinks, proper clothing, sunscreen, and a smile! Get out there and enjoy the clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan with Captain Dan! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Whitehall

Lake Michigan Charter Adventure

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $144 / person

Captain Jim offers top-quality open-water fishing charters on Lake Michigan, as well as many of the smaller lake and rivers here in this beautiful state! He specializes in trolling for Salmon, Trout, Steelhead and other members of the Salmonid family, and when you book with him, you'll be in the best possible position to take home a trophy fish! Whether you're a beginner or an old hand, Captain Jim will ensure that you have a memorable and extremely fun fishing trip. He's great with kids and will make sure that even the smallest member of your party gets a chance to hook a fish! On board his 24' Qwest pontoon boat, you'll be able to relax in comfort until a fish hits the hook. Then, get ready for some rod-bending action! Salmon are hard-fighting fish, so you'll have to bring your muscles when you come on this charter! Jim is a friendly, enthusiastic guide who has served thousands of happy anglers since 1998. Jim's fishing knowledge and love for the sport has consistently resulted in a successful day of fishing. Jim enjoys helping others catch fish as well as sharing the secrets that have given him a competitive edge over the competition. Your fishing party will be given Jim's personal attention and best effort to ensure a successful and enjoyable guided fishing experience. Get out there and get hookin'! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Elk Rapids

Grand Traverse Bay Trip

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $140 / person

Get out on the clear waters of Lake Michigan to haul in trophy fish like you’ve never seen before! Captain Jarrod will take up to 6 of you and your friends and family for a half or full day adventure, where you can go after King Salmon, Lake Trout, and Steelhead—all of which which can grow to impressive sizes in the Lake. Get ready for an action-packed day of Great Lakes fishing! Captain Jarrod will take you out on his beautiful 31’ Tiara sportfisher, which is designed to bring in the big fish in big numbers. She's powered by twin Crusader engines for a total of 700 horsepower. She also comes equipped with a cooler for your catches, a full canvas canopy, and a bathroom on board for your comfort. You will be trolling the Lake using Magnum Metalz downriggers, which provide fine-tuned control of your baits and lures. Trolling trips are great because the boat and the knowledge of your captain take care of half the work for you. You get to sit back, relax, enjoy the breeze, and rest your arms while you wait for the reel to start screaming and your work to begin! Everything you need for an amazing adventure is provided by Captain Jarrod, including custom Grandt rods, Shimano-Tekota reels, and as much bait and tackle as you need. You should prepare by checking the weather before your trip and bringing appropriate clothing. You will also need valid Michigan Fishing Licenses for all passengers before you climb aboard. Once you do climb aboard, this trip offers the opportunity for the fishing experience of a lifetime! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in St. Joseph

Half Day Salmon Slammer

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $163 / person

If you've been looking for a premier sportfishing trip on Lake Michigan, you're in the right place. This epic Salmon and Trout trip with Captain Chad is ideal for any angler, whether you're aiming for a new personal best, hoping to fill your cooler with keepers, or all of the above! Many people don't know that the Great Lakes are home to some of the biggest, baddest freshwater sportfish in the USA. The stocks include Chinook (King) Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and Steelhead, all of which are powerful fighters and excellent table fare. You'll hunt these fish using a variety of baits and lures on trolling gear. All of the Salmonids—the family that includes Salmon and Trout—love to hit fast-moving targets, and when one of these fish takes the hook, you'll feel it! Salmon and Trout both have fast runs and big jumps, so these fights are nothing short of spectacular! Once your reel starts screaming, you better be ready! After you pull in a monster, you can store it in the icebox so it stays fresh during the remainder of your voyage. Back at the dock, Captain Chad will clean and bag your catch, so you can take home a delicious dinner. Captain Chad's 36’ Tiara has a spacious deck and twin Crusader engines with a total of 700 horsepower to get you out there fast. This vessel is built to cut smoothly through choppy lakewater, so you should be trolling with the utmost comfort. She also features a full kit of electronics, a comfortable cabin, live wells for bait, and coolers for your keepers. Captain Chad provides all the equipment needed for a successful day of fishing, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. You should bring food and drinks so you don’t get worn-out, plus appropriate clothing, some sunglasses, and sunscreen. Other than that, Captain Chad has got you covered! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Muskegon

Muskegon Salmon Adventure

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $141 / person
See All Lake Trips in Michigan

Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Michigan

What are the best lake fishing trips in Michigan?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 29 lake trips in Michigan, and the most popular trips in the area are Traverse City Smallie Special guided by Butch, Trophy Panfish on the Fly guided by Zach, and Lake Michigan Charter Adventure guided by Dan.

Our guides in Michigan are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2417 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

The most popular cities to book a Lake charter in Michigan are Holland, Manistee and St. Joseph.

Looking for kid friendly lake guides in Michigan? Check out our beginner and family friendly lake guides in Michigan.

What types of lake fishing trips are common in Michigan?

The most commonly sought after species for lake Fishing are: 1. chinook salmon, 2. coho salmon, 3. lake trout, and 4. steelhead.

The most common fishing techniques in Michigan are light tackle fishing, trolling, and artificial lure fishing but live bait fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much does a Michigan lake fishing trip cost?

for lake fishing in Michigan prices can range anywhere from an affordable $150 to $1,375, but the average price for a half day trip for lake fishing in Michigan is $640. The average price for a full day trip for lake fishing in Michigan is $794.

What month is best for lake fishing in Michigan?

The most popular season for lake fishing in Michigan is fall, and most anglers book their trips 49 days in advance.

Do I need a Michigan fishing license and what are the bag limits in Michigan?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Michigan, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Michigan. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Michigan.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Casey was an awesome guide!

    Rodney A. with Casey R. of South Boardman, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Butch D. of Traverse City, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    Mate Jeremy and Captain Issac were an awesome team. My son, grandson and I caught 9 fish....7 kings and 2 rainbows. Biggest king was 41.5 inches long. Great trip!!

    Skip T. with Dan S. of Whitehall, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip Captain Jim really knew what he was doing. We limited out in about 3 hours.

    Michael L. with Jim C. of Elk Rapids, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    Zach was very personable and a very good guide. I fought several large salmon. We only got one in the boat but we had dozens of opportunities. I am going again.

    Tay B. with Zach G. of Custer, Michigan

Other Types of Fishing in Michigan

How are fishing conditions in Michigan?

View Michigan Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Lake Trips in Michigan