Michigan Lake Fishing: 8-Hour Guided Adventures
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
8hour guided lake fishing trips from March through NovemberSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per tripAfternoon and evening sessions available for extended fishing time
Picture this: you're casting into some of Michigan's most productive waters while the afternoon sun starts its slow descent toward the horizon. Our 8-hour guided fishing trips give you the time you need to really dial in on what's biting, whether that's aggressive smallmouth bass or schooling crappie. Running from March through November, these extended outings let you experience the full rhythm of a Michigan fishing day without feeling rushed to get back to the dock.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. With 8 full hours on the water, you'll have time to hit multiple spots, adjust your approach based on what the fish are telling you, and really settle into the groove of Michigan lake fishing. We typically launch in the afternoon and fish well into the evening hours when many species become more active. The beauty of these longer trips is that we can adapt - if the morning bite was slow, we've got plenty of time to find where they're holding. You'll be fishing with a maximum of just one other angler, so there's no fighting for prime spots or waiting your turn with the good gear. The intimate setting means personalized instruction and more fish per person.
We'll be working everything from shallow weed beds to deeper structure depending on the season and what species we're targeting. Spring fishing often means working jigs and soft plastics around spawning areas, while summer calls for a mix of topwater action in the early evening and deeper presentations during the heat of the day. Fall fishing gets really exciting as baitfish schools tighten up and predators like northern pike and smallmouth bass go on feeding binges. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, but if you've got a lucky lure or favorite rod, bring it along. We'll have everything from finesse spinning gear for perch and crappie to heavier baitcasting setups for pike and bass. Live bait, soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits all have their place depending on conditions.
Crappie are the bread and butter of Michigan lake fishing, and for good reason. These schooling fish can provide non-stop action when you locate them, especially during their spring spawn in shallow bays and around fallen timber. Paper mouths they may have, but a mess of 10-12 inch slabs makes for some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater. Peak crappie fishing runs from late April through June, then picks up again in fall when they school in deeper water.
Smallmouth bass in Michigan lakes fight like fish twice their size. These bronze-backed beauties love rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges where they ambush crayfish and minnows. A 3-pound smallmouth will give you a battle you won't forget, jumping clear out of the water and making screaming runs toward structure. Summer and early fall are prime time, especially during the evening hours when they move shallow to feed.
Northern pike are the apex predators in these waters, and hooking into a 30+ inch pike is what fishing dreams are made of. They lurk in weed beds and along structure, waiting to ambush anything that moves. Pike fishing is best in spring and fall when they're most active, though summer can produce some giants if you know where to look. Their razor-sharp teeth and explosive strikes make every cast an adventure.
American yellow perch might not be the flashiest fish in the lake, but they're incredibly fun to catch and absolutely delicious. These striped schooling fish are perfect for kids and beginners since they bite readily on simple presentations. Once you find a school, you can often catch them one after another. Fall is peak perch time when they fatten up for winter, and a cooler full of 9-10 inch perch is a real prize.
Bowfin are Michigan's most unique catch - living fossils that have been around for millions of years. These primitive fish are tough fighters that inhale air and can survive in low-oxygen water where other species can't. They're not pretty, but they'll test your drag and give you a fight unlike anything else in freshwater. Spring and early summer are best when they move into shallow areas to spawn.
An 8-hour guided trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Michigan's lakes have to offer. You'll have time to learn new techniques, target multiple species, and really understand how these waters fish throughout the day. With our season running March through November, you can experience spring spawns, summer evening bites, and fall feeding frenzies. The 2-person maximum means you'll get personalized attention and won't spend half your day untangling someone else's line. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or just want to spend quality time on the water, these trips deliver the goods. Contact Unwrapped Outdoors today to secure your dates - the best fishing days book up fast.
This classic 1994 16-foot Sylvan aluminum fishing boat is your ticket to productive days on Michigan's lakes. Powered by a dependable 50HP Mercury engine that'll cruise you to the best fishing spots at 25 knots, she's built for serious anglers who know their waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure or cruising shallow bays where the bass like to hide. GPS navigation helps you mark those honey holes you'll want to revisit, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools and bottom structure. With room for up to 3 guests, there's plenty of space to spread out your tackle and work different techniques without getting tangled up. The aluminum hull handles Michigan's choppy conditions well and won't let you down when you're chasing that evening bite as the sun starts to drop.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are Michigan classics - sweet-eating fish that make up a huge portion of our sport catch. These golden beauties with dark vertical bars typically run 6-10 inches, perfect for a fish fry. They school up in massive numbers around weed beds, docks, and structure in lakes and slower rivers. Spring brings them shallow for spawning, but you can catch them year-round in 10-30 feet of water. Perch are ideal for families and beginners since they bite readily and fight just enough to be fun on light tackle. The firm, white meat is absolutely delicious - some say it's the best-tasting freshwater fish. They're not picky eaters, taking small jigs, live minnows, worms, or even pieces of perch belly. Here's my secret: once you catch one perch, stay put and keep fishing the same spot. These fish school tight, and where there's one, there's usually a hundred more waiting below.
Amia CalvaBowfin are Michigan's living fossils - primitive fish that have survived since dinosaur times and pack a serious punch. These olive-green fighters can reach 18-30 inches and are built like tanks with their long dorsal fins and powerful jaws full of sharp teeth. You'll find them in weedy backwaters, marshes, and slow river sections where other fish can't handle the low oxygen - bowfin can actually breathe air. They're most active at night and during overcast days, making them perfect targets for evening trips. What makes bowfin special is the incredible fight they give - they'll roll, thrash, and battle to the very end. While not known for eating quality, they're prized by anglers who want a challenge and a unique catch. They're aggressive predators that'll hit large spoons, spinnerbaits, and cut bait. Here's the key: fish heavy cover with stout tackle and keep your hands clear of that mouth when landing them.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are one of Michigan's most popular panfish, typically running 7-12 inches and weighing around a pound. You'll find both black and white crappie in our waters - blacks prefer clearer areas while whites handle murkier conditions. They love hanging around fallen trees, docks, and weed beds in shallow to moderate depths. Spring and fall are prime times when they move into shallower water, but dawn and dusk fishing produces best results year-round. These fish travel in schools, so once you find one, expect more action. What makes crappie special is their sweet, flaky white meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They're also perfect for families since they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle. Pro tip: when you locate a school, drop a small jig or live minnow right into the cover and be patient - crappie often nibble before committing to the bite.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are Michigan's freshwater sharks - aggressive predators that average 2-3 feet and can hit 15+ pounds. These toothy fish lurk in shallow, weedy bays and around structure, ambushing anything that moves. Spring through early summer offers the best action before they head deeper in hot weather. Pike are mainly sight feeders, so clearer water and sunny days work in your favor. What draws anglers is the explosive strike and bulldogging fight - plus the thrill of never knowing if the next fish will be a 20-incher or a 40-inch trophy. They'll eat large spoons, spinnerbaits, and big soft plastics retrieved steadily to mimic injured baitfish. Always bring wire leaders and long-nose pliers - those teeth are razor sharp. My go-to technique: cast large inline spinners along weed edges and retrieve just fast enough to keep the blade turning. Pike can't resist that flash and vibration.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pure fighters that'll test your skills on every cast. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-16 inches in Michigan waters, with females pushing 3-6 pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and structure in clear lakes and rivers. They prefer cooler water, so summer finds them deeper while spring and fall bring them shallow. Early morning and evening bites are most consistent, especially with light breezes. What sets smallmouth apart is their incredible fight - pound for pound, they're among the strongest freshwater fish. They'll jump, dive, and give you everything they've got. The meat is firm and tasty too, though many anglers release these scrappy fish. They hit a variety of lures from soft plastics to topwater, but here's a local tip: try a weightless tube bait around rocky areas in 8-15 feet of water. Let it sink slow and work it with subtle twitches - smallmouth can't resist that action.
Grand Rapids