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 Merrill. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Crappie
If you're looking for slab crappie in central Michigan, Merrill offers some excellent opportunities. The Tittabawassee River and its connected backwaters are prime crappie habitat. These fish love the structure provided by fallen timber, submerged brush, and weed beds along the river's edge. Spring, as the water warms, is undoubtedly the best time to target them. Look for pre-spawn crappie staging near spawning areas in the shallow, protected bays and creeks off the main river channel. A simple minnow under a bobber is tough to beat. Fall can also be productive as crappie school up before winter. Focus on deeper holes and channels near structure. A small jig tipped with a wax worm can be deadly. Be aware that river levels can fluctuate, especially after heavy rains, so check conditions before heading out. Public access is available at several boat launches and parks along the river. The crappie in this area tend to be good size, with some reaching over 12 inches.
How to Catch Crappie
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Crappie in Merrill.
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 to use for crappie around Merrill?
Minnows and small jigs are popular and effective baits for crappie in the Merrill area. Try varying your presentation until you find what the fish are biting on that day.
Is there a size restriction for crappie I catch in Michigan?
No, there is no minimum size limit for crappie in Michigan. You can keep any size you catch, as long as you stay within the bag limit.
What is the daily bag limit for crappie in Michigan?
The daily bag limit for crappie in Michigan is 25 fish per person. Make sure to stop fishing for crappie once you've reached that limit.
Do I need a fishing license to target crappie in Michigan?
Yes, you need a valid Michigan Resident or Non-resident 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 Merrill
Ready to Catch Crappie in Merrill?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.