Top-Rated Lake Trout Fishing in Traverse City

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Traverse City
$425 - $525 price range

Summary

Ready for a great day of fishing on Grand Traverse Bay? Join us for 6 hours of lake trout and Cisco action in the clear waters near Traverse City. We'll use vertical jigging and casting to target trophy fish in local hotspots. Our guide knows these waters inside and out, making sure you have a rewarding trip whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing. The scenery around here is something else – pure Northern Michigan beauty. And the fish? They're strong, aggressive, and a blast to catch. Our boat is roomy and well-equipped, so you can focus on the fishing. We provide all the gear, just bring your license and be ready for some fun. It's a perfect way to experience the best of Michigan fishing without any hassle. Fair warning though – deposits are non-refundable, so check our Trips & Rates page for details before booking. Looking forward to seeing you out on the water!

Top-Rated Lake Trout Fishing in Traverse City

Big Catches on the Bay

Lights on, arrows ready.

After dark, the hunt begins.

Deep water, big rewards.

Nighttime thrills on the water.

Reel in Trophy Lake Trout on Grand Traverse Bay

Ready for a fishing adventure that'll have you hooked? Our 6-hour private lake trout trip on Grand Traverse Bay is the real deal. We're talking crystal-clear waters, hard-fighting fish, and some of the best fishing grounds in Northern Michigan. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our local guides know how to put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. So grab your fishing license, and let's hit the water for some world-class lake trout action!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're out on Grand Traverse Bay, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Northern Michigan. The air is crisp, the water's calm, and you've got a full day ahead to chase after some of the biggest lake trout and cisco in the area. Our seasoned guide will take you to the honey holes where the fish are biting, using tried-and-true techniques like vertical jigging and casting to help you land that trophy catch. We've got room for up to 4 people, so bring your buddies or the family for an unforgettable day on the water. And don't sweat the gear – we've got you covered with top-notch equipment, so all you need to bring is your license and a good attitude.

Fishing Know-How

Listen up, anglers – here's where the rubber meets the road. We're not just drifting around hoping for a bite. Our guides are dialed in on the latest hotspots and techniques to put fish in the boat. We'll be focusing on vertical jigging and casting, two methods that are absolute killers for lake trout in these parts. Vertical jigging is all about precision – we'll drop our lines right where the fish are holding and use a rhythmic up-and-down motion to trigger strikes. For casting, we'll use heavy jigs or spoons to cover more water and hunt down active fish. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – our guides will walk you through every step, from setting the hook to fighting those hard-pulling lakers. And let me tell you, when a big lake trout slams your jig 100 feet down, it's a rush like no other!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks, I've been guiding on these waters for years, and I can tell you – there's something special about fishing Grand Traverse Bay. It's not just about the size of the fish (though we do catch some monsters). It's about the whole experience. The way the morning mist rises off the water as we head out. The thrill of watching your rod tip suddenly dive when a trout hits. The satisfaction of bringing a gleaming, silver-sided lake trout to the net after a tough fight. Our repeat customers tell us it's addictive, and I couldn't agree more. Plus, with our spacious, well-maintained boat and all the gear provided, you can focus on what matters – enjoying a great day of fishing with friends or family.

Fish You'll Want to Hook

Lake Trout: These are the stars of the show, folks. Lake trout in Grand Traverse Bay can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. They're known for their hard fights and tasty flesh. Lake trout tend to hang out in deeper, cooler water, especially during the summer months. We target them year-round, but spring and fall can be particularly productive when they move into shallower water. When you hook into a big laker, be ready for a battle – these fish don't give up easily!

Cisco (Lake Herring): Don't overlook these underrated fighters. Cisco are sleek, silver fish that school up in cooler waters. They're incredibly fun to catch on light tackle and make for excellent eating. We often find them suspending over deep water, and they can be caught using similar techniques to lake trout. The best part? When the cisco are biting, the action can be fast and furious.

Common Carp: Now, I know what you're thinking – carp? Trust me, these aren't your average bottom-feeders. The carp in Grand Traverse Bay can grow huge, often topping 30 pounds. They're known as the "freshwater bonefish" for good reason – they're strong, smart, and put up one heck of a fight. We don't target them specifically on this trip, but if you hook into one while fishing for trout, you're in for a real treat. Just be prepared for a long, stubborn battle!

Picked Dogfish: These odd-looking creatures, also known as bowfin, are living fossils that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. They're not a primary target, but we do encounter them occasionally. Dogfish are aggressive predators with a mouthful of sharp teeth, so handling them requires care. While not considered good eating, they're an interesting catch and can put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're looking for a top-notch fishing experience in Traverse City, this is it. We're talking about a full 6 hours on some of the most productive waters in Michigan, guided by local experts who know every nook and cranny of Grand Traverse Bay. Whether you're after your personal best lake trout or just want to spend a relaxing day on the water with great company, we've got you covered. Remember, we only take up to 4 guests per trip, so spots can fill up fast, especially during peak season. Don't miss out on the chance to create some lasting fishing memories. Grab your crew, secure your spot, and get ready for an awesome day of fishing on Grand Traverse Bay. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. See you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Common Carp

Common carp are hefty, golden-yellow fish that thrive in our warm, shallow lakes and slow rivers. They average 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds, with some real monsters out there. You'll find them rooting around the bottom in 8-12 feet of water during summer. Spring and fall are best, when they move into the shallows to feed aggressively. Carp put up an amazing fight - they're like freshwater torpedoes when hooked. Lots of anglers overlook them, but carp fishing is challenging and fun. Try using sweet corn or bread on a hair rig to tempt them. My local tip: Fish early mornings in summer near weedbeds or fallen trees. Move slowly and quietly - these fish spook easily. Once you hook one, hold on tight!

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the big boys of the char family, usually running 15-40 pounds and stretching 2-3 feet long. You'll find them suspended in the deep, cold parts of Grand Traverse Bay, especially on cloudy days when they're more active. These fish love the chilly waters up here. Spring right after ice-out is prime time to catch them in shallower spots. Lake trout put up a heck of a fight and taste great too. Jigging is the way to go - I like using soft plastic swimbaits on a jig head to mimic wounded baitfish. Work it with a slow lift-and-drop near the bottom. The bite is often subtle, so stay focused. Landing a trophy laker is something special - they grow slow, so a big one could be 50+ years old.

Picked Dogfish

Picked dogfish are small sharks, usually 2-3 feet long, that pack a punch for their size. You'll find them near the bottom in 150-500 feet of water, but they sometimes come shallower. October's the prime time to catch them here in Michigan. These little fighters will test your light tackle skills. They've got a venomous spine by their dorsal fin, so handle with care. Dogfish aren't prized for eating, but they're a blast to catch. Use sardines or herring on a Carolina rig with 10-20 pound line. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, give it a second before setting the hook. Dogfish often grab bait sideways first, then turn it to swallow. That pause lets you hook them solidly in the mouth.

About the 20' Alumacraft

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Come fish with us on Grand Traverse Bay for some of the best lake trout and Cisco action around. We'll spend 6 hours out on the crystal-clear waters, using proven jigging and casting techniques to land some real trophies. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, our expert guide will make sure you have a rewarding day on the water. You'll get to soak in the stunning Northern Michigan scenery while battling hard-fighting fish. Our roomy, well-maintained boat has everything you need for a comfortable outing. We provide all the fishing gear, so just bring your license and be ready for an adventure. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a fun day out with family or friends. Non-refundable deposits required to book your spot on this popular Traverse City fishing trip.

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