Fishing and Charter Boats
In its November/December 2005 issue, Fly Rod & Reel magazine listed Traverse City as one of its "12 Top Fly-Fishing Retirement Towns." Together with such spots as Key West, Durango and Park City, editor Jim Reilly chose Traverse City as one of a dozen "finest places for living out the dream."
What is your sports fishing fantasy? Is it battling with a lake trout from a charter boat on West Grand Traverse Bay, or is it casting a fly for steelhead or trophy trout on the Boardman River? Whichever type of fishing is your favorite, you will agree with those who are finding Traverse City an extraordinary place for freshwater fishing. Great facilities, convenient boat launches, charter fishing boats, accommodations and natural beauty – the area provides the many elements in the experience that added together make it an ideal choice for anglers.
Detroit News outdoor writer Dave Richey in 1998 rated Grand Traverse Bay and the nearby part of Lake Michigan as the two top fishing spots on all the Great Lakes. In ranking the top 10 inland fishing lakes in Michigan, he placed Elk Lake in Antrim County and Glen Lake in Leelanau County in the top five.
Dozens of fishing charters operate out of East and West Grand Traverse Bays, Leland Harbor, and other nearby areas. During the season running from May through October, people fishing from the charters catch lake trout, salmon, steelhead, and brown trout.
The Boardman River, which flows through downtown Traverse City and nearby rivers including the AuSable, the Manistee and the Cedar, and provide excellent fishing for brown trout. The lower reaches of the Boardman, where it empties into Grand Traverse Bay at Traverse City, are among the many areas enjoying spring runs of steelhead and salmon.
From Glen Lake in Leelanau County east to Antrim County’s Lake Bellaire, numerous inland lakes abound with game fish of all sizes, from bluegills to muskies.
The fishing season in Traverse City does not end with the advent of winter, as ice fishing shanties pop up on lakes and bays throughout the region.
Fishing License Information:
A fishing license is required for all persons who have reached their 17th birthday, and they're easy to get for a day (under $10), a week, or all season. You can pay for them and print them out online at www.mdnr-elicense.com/welcome.asp In the Traverse City area, purchase licenses at K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Meijer, nearly any tackle shop and some gas stations.
