Fishing Charters in Michigan
Browse fishing charters in Michigan that can help you catch crappie.
Northern Coast Outdoors
Traverse City, Michigan
Northern Coast Outdoors LLC offers guided fishing and hunting trips. Licensed and insured. Land consultation and management.
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.
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.
Cf River Products
Frederic, Michigan
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...
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.
Pull Hard Fishing
Ludington, Michigan
Kc 1 Sportfishing
Muskegon, Michigan
Fishing on Lake Michigan for salmon and trout out of the beautiful port of Muskegon,
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.
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
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.
Mike In The Keys
Lewiston, Michigan
Best Time to Catch Crappie
Crappie can be caught year-round in Athens. Right now in February, activity is Fair.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Crappie
For slab-sized crappie near Athens, Michigan, your best bet is exploring the area's numerous small lakes and ponds. These often-overlooked gems can hold surprisingly good crappie populations. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target them, as they move into shallow weedy areas to spawn. Look for crappie around docks, brush piles, and lily pads. A simple bobber and minnow or a small jig under a float is often all you need. As the water warms in summer, crappie will move to deeper water, often suspending near submerged structure. A fish finder can be invaluable for locating these schools. A local tip: many of these smaller lakes lack developed access points, so be prepared to launch a kayak or canoe from the shoreline. The crappie in these smaller lakes tend to be less pressured and can grow to impressive sizes.
How to Catch Crappie
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Crappie in Athens.
Crappie Fishing Regulations in Michigan
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
25 per day
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Resident or Non-resident Fishing License
Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for exceptions on specific bodies of water.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Michigan state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait for crappie in the Athens, MI area?
Small minnows and crappie jigs are the go-to baits for crappie. Try different jig colors to see what the crappie are hitting on that day. Tube jigs and curly tail grubs can also be very effective.
What time of year is best for crappie fishing near Athens?
Spring is usually the best time for crappie fishing, as they move into shallower water to spawn. Early morning and late evening are often the most productive times of day.
What's the daily bag limit for crappie in Michigan?
The daily bag limit for crappie in Michigan is 25 fish. There is no minimum size limit for crappie.
Do I need a fishing license to fish for crappie in Michigan?
Yes, you need a valid Michigan fishing license to fish for crappie or any other fish species in Michigan's public waters.
More Crappie Fishing in Michigan
Other Species to Fish in Athens
Ready to Catch Crappie in Athens?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.