Fishing Charters in Michigan

Browse fishing charters in Michigan that can help you catch catfish.

Northern Coast Outdoors - Northern Coast Outdoors
Northern Coast Outdoors

Northern Coast Outdoors

Traverse City, Michigan

Northern Coast Outdoors LLC offers guided fishing and hunting trips. Licensed and insured. Land consultation and management.

inshore
Traverse City, Michigan
Michigan Charter Boat Association - Jim Fenner
Jim Fenner

Michigan Charter Boat Association

Kaleva, Michigan

With over 25 professional captains, Ludington Charter Boat Association is your home for some awesome salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. Ludington is also known for the reefs and drop-offs near the port. The mature salmon return to the Ludington waters each summer prior to their spawning runs.

freshwaterSalmon
Kaleva, Michigan
Hemlock River Guide Service - Hemlock River Guide Service
Hemlock River Guide Service

Hemlock River Guide Service

Crystal Falls, Michigan

Jeff Joseph can be your personal fishing expert for float trips on Upper Michigan Rivers. Professional fish guide at Hemlock River Guide Service in Crystal Falls.

freshwater
Crystal Falls, Michigan
Cf River Products - Cf River Products
Cf River Products

Cf River Products

Frederic, Michigan

freshwater
Frederic, Michigan
Mj Charters - Mj Charters
Mj Charters

Mj Charters

Marquette, Michigan

Catch Trophy "Red Fin" Lake Trout on Spinning Tackle - Journey into the Heart of Lake Superior and Experince Fishing the way it was meant to be...

freshwaterSpeckled TroutLake Trout
Marquette, Michigan
U P North Fishing Charters L L C - U P North Fishing Charters L L C
U P North Fishing Charters L L C

U P North Fishing Charters L L C

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

U.P. North Fishing Charters L.L.C. is a veteran-owned business and operates on a fully equipped Thunder Jet 210 Luxor Pro charter boat located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

inshore
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Pull Hard Fishing - Pull Hard Fishing
Pull Hard Fishing

Pull Hard Fishing

Ludington, Michigan

inshore
Ludington, Michigan
Kc 1 Sportfishing - Kc 1 Sportfishing
Kc 1 Sportfishing

Kc 1 Sportfishing

Muskegon, Michigan

Fishing on Lake Michigan for salmon and trout out of the beautiful port of Muskegon,

freshwaterSpeckled TroutSalmon
Muskegon, Michigan
Margie J Sport Fishing Charters - Margie J Sport Fishing Charters
Margie J Sport Fishing Charters

Margie J Sport Fishing Charters

Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon Charter Boats - Muskegon sport fishing charter service for Salmon Coho Steelhead Brown Trout Lake Trout. Only charter boat to fish Muskegon for over 30 years. Family run with 3 generation catching fish for you. Located where the Muskegon to Milwaukee Lake Express Ferry is docked. Let our family take you sport fishing from the Salmon fishing port of Muskegon, Michigan with Margie J Sport Fishing Charters.

freshwaterSpeckled TroutBrown Trout
Muskegon, Michigan
Steelhead Nation Outfitters River And Lake Michigan Charters - Steelhead Nation Outfitters River And Lake Michigan Charters
Steelhead Nation Outfitters River And Lake Michigan Charters

Steelhead Nation Outfitters River And Lake Michigan Charters

Wellston, Michigan

We FISH!   As a Michigan-based business, we love to share our passion of the outdoors and our profound, deep love for the sport of fishing, especially Steelhead Fishing. 'Chromers' as they call them.  If you are anything like us, this passion burns a joyous mark on your soul - for all of your life!  We pride ourselves

freshwaterSteelhead
Wellston, Michigan
Cast Away Guide Service - Adam Mcnamara
Adam Mcnamara

Cast Away Guide Service

Baldwin, Michigan

Pere Marquette River fishing guide services for salmon, steelhead & trout, located in Baldwin, Mi. Experienced fly fishing guide for the PM.

freshwaterfly fishingSpeckled TroutSteelhead
Baldwin, Michigan
Mike In The Keys - Mike In The Keys
Mike In The Keys

Mike In The Keys

Lewiston, Michigan

inshore
Lewiston, Michigan

Best Time to Catch Catfish

Catfish can be caught year-round in Muskegon. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Catfish Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Catfish

Catfish

freshwater

If you're after whiskered giants, Muskegon offers some surprisingly good catfish opportunities, primarily in the Muskegon River and Muskegon Lake. The best time to target catfish is during the warmer months, from late spring through summer, especially at night. Focus on areas with deep holes, current breaks, and submerged structure. Cut bait, nightcrawlers, and stinkbaits are all effective catfish baits. A local tip: the Muskegon River below Croton Dam is a known catfish hotspot, accessible from several public access points. Be prepared for a strong fight, as catfish can grow to impressive sizes in these waters. The catfish population in Muskegon is primarily composed of channel catfish, with the occasional flathead catfish. Use heavy tackle and be patient, as catfish often require a soak time before they commit to the bait. Night fishing can be particularly productive, as catfish are more active under the cover of darkness.

How to Catch Catfish

Catfish Fishing Regulations in Michigan

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

5

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Fishing License

Applies to channel, flathead, and blue catfish, in combination. Check the current Michigan Fishing Guide for any location-specific regulations.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Michigan state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a good bait to use for catfish in the Muskegon area?

Popular catfish baits in Muskegon include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and stinkbaits. Experiment to see what the catfish are biting on that day.

Are there any limits on catfish I can keep in Michigan?

Yes, the daily bag limit for catfish in Michigan is 5. There is no minimum size limit.

What are some good spots to fish for catfish near Muskegon?

The Muskegon River and Muskegon Lake are known to hold catfish. Try fishing near structure, such as fallen trees and rocky areas.

Is catfish fishing open year-round in Muskegon?

Yes, the catfish season is open year-round in Michigan, so you can fish for them whenever you like.

More Catfish Fishing in Michigan

Other Species to Fish in Muskegon

Ready to Catch Catfish in Muskegon?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.