facebook pixel

Light Tackle Fishing Guides In Michigan

Check real-time availability on Michigan light tackle fishing fishing trips. Online booking | 5 / 5 stars | Guides from $398

Experts Available 24/7

Licensed & Insured Guides

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Light Tackle Fishing Guides In Michigan

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
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 Thompsonville

River Fishing Trip in Thompsonville

Michigan Salmon Drift Fishing

NEW
15 ft 1 - 2 People From $550
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 Thompsonville

River Fishing Trip in Thompsonville

Spring Steelhead Slam

NEW
1 - 2 People From $550
Fishing in Manistee

Lake Fishing Trip in Manistee

Manistee Salmon Slam

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $825

Top Cities for Light Tackle Fishing in Michigan

Most Popular Types of Light Tackle Fishing Trips in Michigan

Top Species for Light Tackle 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.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Light Tackle Fishing Guides In Michigan

Fishing in Grand Rapids
Fishing in Grand Rapids
Fishing in Grand Rapids
trip description for Lake Michigan Steelhead Special in Grand Rapids

If you've wanted to improve your fishing and hook up some champion fish in the process, look no further than this trip with Captain Zach! On this trip, you'll hone in on Steelhead, one of Lake Michigan's premier sportfish and one of the best-eating freshwater fish. If you've never fished the Great Lakes, this is a perfect place to start! On this trip, you'll primarily be trolling lines to attract big Steelhead, which are really a type of lake-run Rainbow Trout. These fish are big fighters, and will perform hard runs and high leaps when hooked. Regardless of your experience level, Captain Zach will help you get hooked up and give you plenty of advice once that fish is on. 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 Traverse City

Lake Michigan Steelhead Special

NEW
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $295
Fishing in Custer
Fishing in Custer
Fishing in Custer
trip description for Michigan Bass and Trout Special in Custer

If you've ever wanted to double-up on freshwater gamefish, this trip with Captain Zach is your ticket! You'll be targeting Smallmouth Bass and Brown Trout on the edges of Lake Michigan, one of the biggest lakes in the world and a beautiful place to enjoy the summer sun. You can chase these fish using a variety of techniques and gear, from classic light tackle to fly gear and centerpins and more. Captain Zach has experience using all these types of gear and is happy to give you some advice no matter how you choose to fish. Your techniques and tackle will also vary depending on whether you're aiming for Smallies or Trout, so you can expect to mix things up quite a bit on this trip. 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 Traverse City

Michigan Bass And Trout Special

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

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 Traverse City

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 Traverse City

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 Traverse City

Lake Michigan Charter Adventure

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $765
See All Light Tackle Fishing Trips in Michigan

Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Michigan

What are the best light tackle fishing trips in Michigan?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 30 light tackle fishing trips in Michigan, and the most popular trips in the area are Traverse City Smallie Special guided by Butch, Michigan Salmon Drift Fishing guided by Alex, and Spring Steelhead Slam guided by Alex.

Our guides in Michigan are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2780 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 Light Tackle Fishing charter in Michigan are Holland, Clay Township and Whitehall.

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

What types of light tackle fishing trips are common in Michigan?

Lake fishing is the most popular for light tackle fishing in Michigan as well as river fishing and nearshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species for light tackle fishing in Michigan are: 1. coho salmon, 2. chinook salmon, 3. lake trout, and 4. walleye.

How much does a Michigan light tackle fishing fishing trip cost?

for light tackle fishing in Michigan prices can range anywhere from about $398 to $1,000, but the average price for a half day trip for light tackle fishing in Michigan is $611. The average price for a full day trip for light tackle fishing in Michigan is $752.

What month is best for on a light tackle fishing trip in Michigan?

The most popular season to go on a light tackle fishing trip in Michigan is fall, and most anglers book their trips 53 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

How are fishing conditions in Michigan?

View Michigan Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Light Tackle Fishing Trips in Michigan