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Lake Fishing Guides In Michigan

Check real-time availability on Michigan lake fishing trips. Online booking | 5 / 5 stars | Guides from $400

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Fishing in Traverse City

Lake Fishing Trip in Traverse City

Traverse City Smallie Special

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

Lake Fishing Trip in Grand Rapids

Trophy Panfish On The Fly

NEW
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $295
Fishing in Grand Haven

Lake Fishing Trip in Grand Haven

Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $675
Fishing in Manistee

Lake Fishing Trip in Manistee

Manistee Salmon Slam

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $825
Fishing in Grand Rapids

Lake Fishing Trip in Grand Rapids

Lake Michigan Steelhead Special

NEW
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $295
Fishing in Custer

Lake Fishing Trip in Custer

Michigan Bass And Trout Special

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $295

Top Cities for Lake Fishing in Michigan

Most Popular Types of Lake Trips in Michigan

Top Species for Lake Fishing in Michigan

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

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More Lake Fishing Guides In Michigan

Fishing in Hastings
Fishing in Hastings
Fishing in Hastings
trip description for Salmon Special in Hastings

If you've been searching for some Salmon action on the Great Lakes, look no further. On this trip with Captain Zach, you'll go after trophy King and Coho Salmon on Lake Michigan, a premier freshwater sportfishing destination! Captain Zach knows how to get you on the big ones! He targets King (Chinook) Salmon, Coho Salmon, as well as Lake Trout. Make sure you bring your A-game, because these fish love to put up a fight! You'll be fishing from the deck of his 18' Blazer jet boat. She's perfect for this type of trip, and is powered by a 60 HP Mercury engine so you can cruise smoothly. Your captain will bring everything you need for an ideal trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Zach is also happy to clean and package your keepers at the end of the trip. All you need to bring is a Michigan fishing license with the appropriate stamps, a cooler with snacks and drinks, proper clothing, sunscreen, and a smile! Get out there and enjoy the clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan with Captain Zach! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip near Grand Rapids

Salmon Special

NEW
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $395
Fishing in Clay Township
Fishing in Clay Township
Fishing in Clay Township
trip description for Harsen's Island Charter Adventure in Clay Township

This trip with Captain Tom is perfect for making some classic Michigan memories! You'll be fishing Lake St. Clair, which connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie. This rich freshwater fishery is a perfect place to hook trophy Pike, Musky, Walleye, and Bass! Captain Tom knows all the hot fishing spots in the lake, and will work hard to put you on the fish fast. On this trip, you'll do a combination of trolling for Pike and Musky, bottomfishing for lurking Walleye, and light-tackle jigging for Bass. As you try different spots, looking for the biggest and hungriest catches, you'll switch your techniques in order to maximize your success. You'll be fishing aboard Captain Tom's 42' sportfisher, which provides a quick and comfortable ride in any weather. She includes outriggers for trolling, a bathroom, and a cabin to keep you out of the sun. Captain Tom will provide everything you need for an awesome trip; all you need to bring is sunscreen, proper clothing, sunglasses, and your Michigan fishing licenses! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip near Grand Rapids

Harsen's Island Charter Adventure

NEW
42 ft 1 - 4 People From $425
Fishing in Clay Township
Fishing in Clay Township
Fishing in Clay Township
trip description for Walleye and Bass Trip in Clay Township

Although Lake St. Claire isn't considered one of the five Great Lakes, it's part of the Great Lakes system, connecting Lake Huron to the north with Lake Erie to the south. The lake averages just 11 feet deep, but boasts a rich freshwater fishery with tons of Bass, Perch, Pike, Muskie, and more! When you're targeting multiple species, you'll naturally use different techniques to maximize your chances of success. On this trip, that means slow-trolling for Walleye, which like to hit lures moving quickly near the bottom, as well as light tackle cast-and-retrieve techniques for Smallmouth Bass. Bass are typically a catch-and-release species, but Walleye are excellent eating fish, and Captain Tom is happy to clean them for you at the dock! Just bring a cooler so you can take your keepers home. You'll be fishing aboard his 24' cuddy cabin. She's a beauty, and is perfect for the kinds of fishing you'll be doing. She sports a 220-HP Ford V8 engine, so you'll be out there trolling in the blink of an eye, and has a comfortable cabin area with seating to keep you having fun all day. Captain Tom will come prepared with everything you need for an awesome trip! Just make sure to bring proper clothing, your Michigan fishing licenses, and a smile. Read More

Lake Fishing Trip near Grand Rapids

Walleye And Bass Trip

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $425
Fishing in Whitehall
Fishing in Whitehall
Fishing in Whitehall
trip description for Lake Michigan Charter Adventure in Whitehall

Take a trip out with Captain Dan and experience the great freshwater fishing that Lake Michigan has to offer! Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth-largest lake in the world, with just over 22,000 square miles of surface area. It's loaded with fish, including fantastic sportfish species such as Steelhead, King Salmon (also known as Chinooks), Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout—all of which you can target on this trip with Captain Dan. On this trip, you'll primarily be trolling lines to attract big Salmon, which love to take fast-moving baits and lures. When these powerful fish hit the hook, you'll feel it! Salmon are great fighters that will really test your strength, stamina, and skills—so bring your A-game! You'll also have the opportunity to drop your lines down to hook up some massive Lake Trout, which prefer the deeper, colder parts of the Lake. In addition to their fighting abilities, all of these species are terrific table fare! Whatever you're hoping to catch, Captain Dan is an expert when it comes to finding, hooking, and fighting fish in these waters. You'll be fishing from the deck of his 33' Wellcraft sportfisher. She's a beautiful boat with all the equipment necessary for a great day of fishing, including twin Volvo engines and a cabin to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the fall. Your captain will bring everything you need for an ideal trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Dan and his crew will also clean and package all your keepers at the end of the trip. All you need to bring is a Michigan fishing license with the appropriate stamps, a cooler with snacks and drinks, proper clothing, sunscreen, and a smile! Get out there and enjoy the clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan with Captain Dan! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip near Grand Rapids

Lake Michigan Charter Adventure

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $765
Fishing in Elk Rapids
Fishing in Elk Rapids
Fishing in Elk Rapids
trip description for Grand Traverse Bay Trip in Elk Rapids

Captain Jim offers top-quality open-water fishing charters on Lake Michigan, as well as many of the smaller lake and rivers here in this beautiful state! He specializes in trolling for Salmon, Trout, Steelhead and other members of the Salmonid family, and when you book with him, you'll be in the best possible position to take home a trophy fish! Whether you're a beginner or an old hand, Captain Jim will ensure that you have a memorable and extremely fun fishing trip. He's great with kids and will make sure that even the smallest member of your party gets a chance to hook a fish! On board his 24' Qwest pontoon boat, you'll be able to relax in comfort until a fish hits the hook. Then, get ready for some rod-bending action! Salmon are hard-fighting fish, so you'll have to bring your muscles when you come on this charter! Jim is a friendly, enthusiastic guide who has served thousands of happy anglers since 1998. Jim's fishing knowledge and love for the sport has consistently resulted in a successful day of fishing. Jim enjoys helping others catch fish as well as sharing the secrets that have given him a competitive edge over the competition. Your fishing party will be given Jim's personal attention and best effort to ensure a successful and enjoyable guided fishing experience. Get out there and get hookin'! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip near Grand Rapids

Grand Traverse Bay Trip

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Fishing in Manistee
Fishing in Manistee
Fishing in Manistee
trip description for Manistee Salmon and Steelhead in Manistee

If you've been looking for a top-tier sportfishing trip here on Lake Michigan, you're in the right place! Many people don't know that the Great Lakes are home to some of the biggest, baddest freshwater sportfish in the USA, and there's no better way to hook some up than a trip with Captain Lenny. On this trip, you'll chase big Salmon and Steelhead on trolling gear. Both of these species are a blast for any and all anglers, whether you're aiming for a new personal best, hoping to fill your cooler with keepers, or all of the above! You'll hunt these fish using a variety of baits and lures on trolling gear. All of the Salmonids—the family that includes Salmon and Steelhead—love to hit fast-moving targets, and when one of these fish takes the hook, you'll feel it! Both of these big-time sportfish are known for their fast runs and big jumps, so once that fish takes off, strap in for a fight. Once you're back on the dock, Captain Lenny is happy to clean and bag your keepers for you. Salmon and Steelhead are both excellent eating, whether you choose to throw them on the grill, sear them on the stovetop, or even prepare sushi! Ask Lenny for his favorite recipes. Captain Lenny's 31' boat is built for performance! She sports twin 454.crusader engines to get you moving fast, and has an enclosed console to keep you out of the wind. This vessel is built to cut smoothly through choppy lakewater, so you should be trolling with the utmost comfort. She also features a full kit of electronics, and a cooler for your keepers. Captain Lenny provides all the equipment needed for a successful day of fishing, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. You should bring food and drinks so you don’t get worn-out, plus appropriate clothing, some sunglasses, and sunscreen. Other than that, Captain Lenny has got you covered! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip near Grand Rapids

Manistee Salmon And Steelhead

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $800
See All Lake Trips in Michigan

Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Michigan

What are the best lake fishing trips in Michigan?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 31 lake trips in Michigan, and the most popular trips in the area are Traverse City Smallie Special guided by Butch, Trophy Panfish on the Fly guided by Zach, and Lake Michigan Trout & Salmon guided by Phil.

Our guides in Michigan are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2776 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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.

The most popular cities to book a Lake charter in Michigan are Holland, Manistee and St. Joseph.

Looking for kid friendly lake guides / fishing lessons in Michigan? Check out our beginner and family friendly lake guides in Michigan.

What types of lake fishing trips are common in Michigan?

The most commonly sought after species for lake Fishing are: 1. chinook salmon, 2. coho salmon, 3. lake trout, and 4. steelhead.

The most common fishing techniques in Michigan are light tackle fishing, trolling, and artificial lure fishing but live bait fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much does a Michigan lake fishing trip cost?

for lake fishing in Michigan prices can range anywhere from about $400 to $1,045, but the average price for a half day trip for lake fishing in Michigan is $639. The average price for a full day trip for lake fishing in Michigan is $792.

What month is best for lake fishing in Michigan?

The most popular season for lake fishing in Michigan is fall, and most anglers book their trips 40 days in advance.

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

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Michigan, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Michigan. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Michigan.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    My daughter and I had a great time fishing with Butch. She had never caught a smallmouth before. Not only did she catch more than me she caught the biggest (4.40 lbs). Weather wasn't ideal with slick water and overcast most of the time but he still managed to put on some good fish. Our best 5 went a little over 16.5lbs. Was a good trip and I would recommend Butch as he has a lot of guide/tournament experience in the area. We went in the West Bay out of Traverse City.

    Terry K. with Butch D. of Traverse City, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    Mate Jeremy and Captain Issac were an awesome team. My son, grandson and I caught 9 fish....7 kings and 2 rainbows. Biggest king was 41.5 inches long. Great trip!!

    Skip T. with Dan S. of Whitehall, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip Captain Jim really knew what he was doing. We limited out in about 3 hours.

    Michael L. with Jim C. of Elk Rapids, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    Zach was very personable and a very good guide. I fought several large salmon. We only got one in the boat but we had dozens of opportunities. I am going again.

    Tay B. with Zach G. of Custer, Michigan

Other Types of Fishing in Michigan

How are fishing conditions in Michigan?

View Michigan Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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See All Lake Trips in Michigan