Damn Good Traverse City Fishing Guides

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Traverse City fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Fishing Guides In Traverse City, Mi

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Lake Fishing Charter in Traverse City

Traverse City Smallmouth Bass Trip

NEW
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Traverse City

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Trip

NEW
1 - 5 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Traverse City

Traverse City Smallie Special

100% (2)
21 ft 1 - 2 People From $440
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Big Manistee Guide Trip

NEW
16 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Spring Steelhead Slam

NEW
1 - 2 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Manistee Salmon Slam

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31 ft 1 - 6 People From $825

Top Types of Trips in Traverse City

Top Species for Fishing in Traverse City

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Traverse City

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • 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)

More Fishing Guides In Traverse City, Mi

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Michigan Salmon Drift Fishing

NEW
15 ft 1 - 2 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Betsie River Guide

NEW
15 ft 1 - 2 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Luxury Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Lake Michigan Charter

NEW
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Elk Rapids Ice Fishing Adventure

100% (1)
1 - 6 People From $150
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing Trip near Traverse City

Premier Nighttime Trout Fishing

100% (2)
16 ft 1 - 2 People From $400
See All Trips in Traverse City

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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Guide in Traverse City

What are the best fishing trips in Traverse City?

Why should I book a fishing trip in Traverse City with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 9 trips in Traverse City, and the most popular trips in the area are Traverse city smallmouth bass trip guided by , Traverse City Smallie Special guided by , and Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Trip guided by .

Our guides in Traverse City are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3963 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.

What types of fishing trips are common in Traverse City?

The most commonly sought after species in Traverse City are: 1. smallmouth bass, 2. largemouth bass, 3. atlantic salmon, 4. chinook salmon, and 5. lake trout.

How much does a Traverse City fishing trip cost?

Prices in Traverse City can range anywhere from about $400 to $950, but the average price for a half day trip in Traverse City is $542. The average price for a full day trip in Traverse City is $726.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

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.

What month is best for fishing in Traverse City?

The most popular season for fishing in Traverse City is fall, and most anglers book their trips 69 days in advance.

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

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 fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Traverse City.

Popular Types of Fishing 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.

The Best Places To Fish In Traverse City

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