If you’re looking for a real taste of Northern Michigan, grab a rod and reel. Around here, fishing isn’t just a weekend hobby—it’s part of the lifestyle. With miles of shoreline, inland lakes, and rivers teeming with fish, this region is a haven for anglers of all levels. Whether you're after a quiet afternoon on a secluded lake or a full-day charter adventure on Lake Michigan, this is where you'll find some of the best fishing in the Midwest.
Here’s your go-to guide for fishing in and around Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Central Lake.
🎣 Traverse City: Big Water, Big Fish
Traverse City sits at the base of Grand Traverse Bay, offering incredible opportunities for both shore fishing and charter excursions. The bay is known for lake trout, salmon, and smallmouth bass—and if you’ve never watched the sunrise from a boat while trolling through deep water, you’re missing out.
Charter to Try:
Manitou Island Transit Fishing Charters or Fish With Jim Outfitters offer full and half-day charters for salmon and lake trout. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to deep-water fishing, they’ll set you up with everything you need.
Local Tip: Head to the Boardman River for some great fly fishing right in the city limits. Brown trout and steelhead make regular appearances.
🐟 Charlevoix: Salmon Runs & Scenic Casts
Charlevoix is a postcard-perfect fishing town nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. The Pine River Channel connects the two and is a hot spot during the annual salmon run—locals line up shoulder-to-shoulder in late summer for a shot at landing a monster king salmon.
Charter to Try:
Ward Brothers Boats in Charlevoix have been running fishing charters for decades. Their Lake Michigan trips are known for excellent catches and even better local knowledge.
Local Tip: Don’t overlook Lake Charlevoix for a quieter fishing experience. Smallmouth bass, perch, and walleye are all within reach.
"Here’s Christina with her daughter Preslee and her dad, Gary, out on a fishing charter from Charlevoix—making memories and reeling in the good stuff!"
🐠 Petoskey: Quiet Waters & Hidden Gems
Petoskey offers a slower pace with equally impressive fishing. Lake Michigan provides the big-water action, but inland lakes like Walloon Lake and Crooked Lake are where you’ll find those peaceful, glassy mornings perfect for topwater fishing.
Charter to Try:
Sweetwater Fishing Charters out of Petoskey run salmon and lake trout trips with a strong reputation for success and a comfortable, laid-back vibe.
Local Tip: Don’t sleep on Bear River. It’s a beautiful little stream running right through town, and when the steelhead are in, it’s game on. Christina caught this King Salmon right from that very spot!
🛶 Central Lake: Inland Lake Serenity
Central Lake is tucked into Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes—a connected series of crystal-clear inland lakes that are an angler’s dream. Intermediate Lake, Torch Lake, and Lake Bellaire all surround this small town, offering a range of fishing from bass and pike to lake trout and walleye.
Best For:
Pontoon fishing with friends, early morning solo missions, or even ice fishing come winter. These lakes stay productive all year long.
Gavin's Local Tip: "When it comes to spring fishing the waters are still cold and fish are lethargic. I would go back to the basics and use senkos and bounce the bottom. "
🧭 Why It Matters When You’re Moving Here
Living in Northern Michigan means the outdoors are always right in your backyard. Whether you're a weekend warrior or building a lifestyle around the water, these fishing spots offer a real connection to this place and the people who call it home. It’s more than sport—it’s tradition, it’s community, and it’s why so many people fall in love with living up north.
Looking for a place where you can walk out your back door and drop a line? Or maybe you’ve got your eye on a lakefront property with space for your own dock and boat? Let’s talk—because around here, “Gone Fishing” is more than just a sign on the door. It’s a way of life.
