Private 6 Hour Lake Trout Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour guided lake trout fishing on Grand Traverse BayVertical jigging and casting techniques for trophy fishAll fishing gear provided, accommodates up to four guests
When you're looking for world-class lake trout fishing in Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay delivers the goods. This private 6-hour charter puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive trout waters in the Great Lakes region. You'll be working the clear, deep waters where big lake trout cruise and feed, using time-tested techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this top-rated fishing experience gives you the perfect mix of action and scenery that makes Traverse City a customer favorite destination.
Grand Traverse Bay isn't just pretty to look at – it's a fish factory. The crystal-clear waters here stay cool year-round, creating the perfect environment for lake trout and cisco to thrive. You'll spend your day working the productive structure and drop-offs that local fish call home, all while taking in views of Northern Michigan's stunning coastline. Our spacious, well-maintained boat gives your group of up to 4 anglers plenty of room to fish comfortably without bumping elbows. Everything's provided – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you just need to grab your fishing license and show up ready to catch. The professional guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish while sharing local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of fishing trip. You'll be learning and using vertical jigging techniques that are deadly effective for lake trout in these deep, structured waters. Vertical jigging lets you work different depths quickly, keeping your lure in the strike zone where hungry trout are feeding. When conditions are right, you'll also get hands-on experience with casting techniques that target fish holding near structure or cruising the shallows. The guide will teach you how to read your electronics, understand what the fish are telling you, and adjust your presentation based on what's working that day. Lake trout are aggressive predators, and when you get your technique dialed in, the action can be fast and furious. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want – something that comes naturally when you're fishing with someone who lives and breathes these waters.
Lake trout are the stars of the show in Grand Traverse Bay, and for good reason. These powerful fish grow big in the bay's cold, oxygen-rich waters, with fish in the 5-15 pound range being common and larger specimens always possible. Lake trout are aggressive predators that hit hard and fight harder, making long runs and using their size to test your drag system. They're most active during the cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. What makes lake trout special here is their exceptional table quality – the cold, clean water produces fish with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Common carp might not be what you expect to catch in these waters, but they're here and they're fun to target when you want to mix things up. These fish are surprisingly strong fighters that will test your tackle and your patience. Carp in Grand Traverse Bay tend to be healthy, well-fed fish that put up a serious battle once hooked. They're most active in the warmer months and can be found in shallower areas where they feed on vegetation and small invertebrates. Don't underestimate these fish – a big carp will give you a workout and teach you respect for their fighting ability.
Picked dogfish add an interesting element to your fishing day. These smaller sharks are becoming more common in the Great Lakes and provide unique action that most anglers haven't experienced before. They're aggressive predators that hit baits meant for other species, often surprising anglers who aren't expecting to catch a shark in freshwater. Dogfish fight differently than typical lake fish, using their flexibility and speed to create challenging battles on light tackle. They're most active during late spring and summer months when water temperatures rise, and catching one always creates a memorable moment that anglers talk about for years.
This private lake trout fishing experience gives you everything you need for a successful day on Grand Traverse Bay. Six hours of guided fishing in prime waters, all equipment provided, and local expertise that puts fish in the boat – it's the complete package. The combination of productive fishing, beautiful scenery, and professional guiding makes this a trending choice for both local anglers and visitors looking to experience Michigan's best lake fishing. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, introducing someone to fishing, or just want to get out and catch some quality fish, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Grand Traverse Bay is considered one of the top lake trout destinations in the Midwest.
Our 2017 Alumacraft 2072 is the perfect fishing platform for chasing lake trout in Grand Traverse Bay's productive waters. This 20-foot aluminum boat combines rock-solid stability with impressive performance, powered by a reliable 115HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly while cruising at 35-40 mph. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to four anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their vertical jigs and cast without getting tangled up. Built tough with an aluminum hull that can handle Northern Michigan's changing conditions, this boat cuts through chop smoothly and tracks straight when you're working structure for those hard-fighting cisco and lake trout. The open deck design makes landing fish easy, and there's ample storage for all your gear. Whether you're dropping down to deeper water or working the shallows, this Alumacraft delivers the stability and fishability you need for a productive day on Grand Traverse Bay.
Cyprinus CarpioNote: Picked Dogfish are saltwater sharks and wouldn't be found in Grand Traverse Bay's freshwater system. This species doesn't match your lake trout charter location. Common Carp would be more appropriate, but they're typically found in warmer, shallow waters rather than the deep, cold bay waters where you target lake trout. These bottom-feeding fish average 15-30 pounds and put up a serious scrap when hooked. They prefer slower, warmer sections and feed heavily in spring and fall. While they're tough fighters, they don't align with your charter's focus on cold-water species like lake trout and cisco in the clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the kings of our deep, cold waters here in Grand Traverse Bay. These char family members typically run 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds, with their distinctive grey-green coloring and cream markings. They hang out in the deep, cold sections of the bay where oxygen levels stay high - often suspended mid-water or hugging the bottom in 60+ feet. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they move shallower and feed more aggressively. Overcast days beat sunny ones every time. What makes them special? That deep-water fight is pure power, and they're some of the best eating fish around. Pro tip: when vertical jigging, let your lure fall on slack line - lake trout often hit on the drop, and you'll feel that subtle tick before they take off.
Squalus AcanthiasPicked Dogfish are saltwater sharks that won't be found in the freshwater environment of Grand Traverse Bay. These spiny dogfish live in ocean waters, typically at depths of 160-490 feet in temperate marine conditions. They're aggressive feeders that hit various baits and put up a strong fight with their characteristic back-arching defense using venomous spines near their dorsal fins. While they're interesting gamefish in saltwater environments, they're not compatible with your freshwater lake trout charter in Michigan's inland waters. Your charter focuses on native cold-water species like lake trout and cisco that thrive in the clear, deep freshwater of Grand Traverse Bay rather than saltwater sharks.
Traverse City