Damn Good Traverse City Fishing Guides

The best fishing trips in Traverse City are:

• TC Bass Destination Charters, guided by Butch D. with 10 years of experience
• Tinger Guide Service guided by Alex E. with 13 years of experience
• Grateful Guide Service (mousing) guided by Casey R.
• Chromeseekers Sportfishing guided by Dan S.
• Fish Moxie guided by Matt T.

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 13 trips in Traverse City, and the most popular trips in the area are Traverse City Walleye Adventure guided by Matt, Traverse City Smallie Special guided by Butch, and Traverse City Smallmouth Bass Trip guided by Owen.

Our guides in Traverse City are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 7407 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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.

Looking for kid friendly guides / fishing lessons in Traverse City? Check out our beginner and family friendly guides in Traverse City.

Lake fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Traverse City as well as nearshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Traverse City are: 1. smallmouth bass, 2. largemouth bass, 3. northern pike, 4. perch, and 5. walleye.

The most common fishing techniques in Traverse City are light tackle fishing, artificial lure fishing, and jigging but trolling and topwater fishing are popular as well.

Prices in Traverse City can range anywhere from about $445 to $1,300, but the average price for a half day trip in Traverse City is $635. The average price for a full day trip in Traverse City is $923.

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

The most popular season for fishing in Traverse City is fall, and most anglers book their trips 47 days in advance.

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

Traverse City fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Traverse City include lake fishing, river fishing, and ice fishing.

Lake fishing charters are popular for catching salmon, trout, and walleye. River fishing charters are great for catching steelhead, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Ice fishing charters are perfect for catching perch, bluegill, and crappie.

Traverse City fishing charters often visit landmarks such as the Old Mission Peninsula and the Boardman River. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Traverse City fishing charter that's perfect for you.

Traverse City, Michigan is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its abundance of lakes and rivers, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. Here are some of the best places to fish in Traverse City, whether you're looking to go on a fishing charter or cast your line from shore:

1. Boardman River: This river is known for its trout fishing and is a popular spot for fly fishing enthusiasts.

2. Grand Traverse Bay: This bay is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and bass. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the bay.

3. Long Lake: This lake is known for its walleye and pike fishing, and is a great spot for ice fishing in the winter.

4. Lake Leelanau: This lake is home to a variety of fish, including bass, pike, and walleye. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the lake.

5. Torch Lake: This lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular spot for fishing charters. It's home to a variety of fish, including lake trout, salmon, and bass.

6. Platte River: This river is known for its salmon and steelhead fishing, and is a popular spot for fly fishing enthusiasts.

7. Green Lake: This lake is known for its bass and pike fishing, and is a great spot for ice fishing in the winter.

8. Crystal Lake: This lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular spot for fishing charters. It's home to a variety of fish, including lake trout, salmon, and bass.

While Traverse City fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant Michigan city. Take a scenic drive along the Old Mission Peninsula, where you can visit wineries, orchards, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. For a taste of local culture, check out the Dennos Museum Center, which features exhibits on Native American art and contemporary art. If you're looking for outdoor adventure, head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can hike, bike, or even sandboard down the dunes. And don't forget to indulge in Traverse City's famous cherry pie and other local culinary delights.