Fishing in the Traverse City and Leelanau County Area

Detroit News outdoor writer Dave Richey in 1998 rated Grand Traverse Bay and the nearby part of Lake Michigan as the two top fishing spots on all the Great Lakes. In ranking the top 10 inland fishing lakes in Michigan, he placed Elk Lake in Antrim County and Glen Lake in Leelanau County in the top five.

Dozens of fishing charters operate out of East and West Grand Traverse Bays, Leland Harbor, and other nearby areas. During the season running from May through October, people fishing from the charters catch lake trout, salmon, steelhead, and brown trout.

The Boardman River, which flows through downtown Traverse City and nearby rivers including the AuSable, the Manistee and the Cedar, and provide excellent fishing for brown trout. The lower reaches of the Boardman, where it empties into Grand Traverse Bay at Traverse City, are among the many areas enjoying spring runs of steelhead and salmon.

From Glen Lake in Leelanau County east to Antrim County’s Lake Bellaire, numerous inland lakes abound with game fish of all sizes, from bluegills to muskies.

Fishing License Information:
A fishing license is required for all persons who have reached their 17th birthday, and they're easy to get for a day (under $10), a week, or all season. You can pay for them and print them out online at www.mdnr-elicense.com/welcome.asp In the Traverse City area, purchase licenses at K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Meijer, nearly any tackle shop and some gas stations.

Big Kahuna Charters
Charter fishing and bay cruises on West Grand Traverse Bay from Elmwood Township Marina, Traverse City.
345 E. Welch Ct. Traverse City MI 49684
(231) 946-7457

Dancing Bear Charters
Charter fishing. Downtown Traverse City.
Traverse City MI
(231) 883-7490

Daydreamer Charter Service
Fully equipped charter fishing service.
Traverse City MI
(231) 218-5176

Fishtown Charter Services
Full and half day fishing charters on Lake Michigan.
Leland MI 49654
(231) 256-9639

Hawkins Outfitters
Fly fishing for trout, salmon, steelhead and smallmouth bass. Full and half-day trips. Kids and beginners welcome. Orvis endorsed friendly guides. Gift certificates available.
P.O. Box 362 Traverse City MI 49685
(231) 228-7135

Orvis Streamside
Home of Orvis Michigan! Fly fishing, guided trips, fly fishing schools, fly casting lessons and demonstrations. Fly fishing tackle, gifts, art, casual and technical clothing.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa US 31 Acme MI
(231) 938-5337

Pisces Fishing Charter Service
Charter fishing. 4-hour fishing trips. East Bay Harbor Marina, Acme.
East Bay Harbor Marina Acme MI 49610
(231) 938-1562

Showtime Charter Fishing
Charter fishing. West Grand Traverse Bay.
11572 South Cedar Cedar MI 49621
(800) 817-5807

Slo-Mo-Sean Charter Service
Charter fishing, excursions.
2365 South Shore East Frankfort MI 49635
(989) 274-6689

The Northern Angler
Full line of fly fishing equipment and guide service.
312 S. Union Street Traverse City MI 49684
(231) 933-4730