Traverse City, MI Fishing Trip — April

Your Traverse City, MI Fishing Trip

April2 peopleFamily Trip
High 52°F / Low 33°F2.3" rain · 12 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in April

12 species
WalleyeExcellent
Walleye
Various
Northern PikeExcellent
Northern Pike
Various
Largemouth BassExcellent
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
CrappieExcellent
Crappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing
PerchExcellent
Perch
Jigging · Live Bait
SteelheadExcellent
Steelhead
Various
Yellow PerchExcellent
Yellow Perch
Various
MuskieGood
Muskie
Casting · Trolling
CatfishGood
Catfish
Bottom Fishing · Jug Fishing
MuskellungeGood
Muskellunge
Various
Smallmouth BassGood
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing
Lake TroutGood
Lake Trout
Various

April Weather in Traverse City

52°F
Avg High
33°F
Avg Low
2.3"
Rainfall
12
Rainy Days

Mild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

11 Guides Matched

$910
Estimated total for 2 people
$455
per person
Charter $500
Tip $100
Licenses $60
Food $100
Lodging $150

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

What to Bring

Check with your guide about what gear is provided. Here's a recommended packing list:

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Food & Personal

  • Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Cooler for your catch
  • Motion sickness medication (if needed)
  • Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
  • Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

For freshwater / inshore Fishing

  • Bug spray
  • Rain gear
  • Light rain jacket

Michigan Fishing License

License Cost
Resident$26
Non-Resident$76
Requirements

Required for ages 17+. All-species license covers all state waters.

Buy License Online — Michigan

Species Regulations

Walleye
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:5 per day
Size Limit:15-inch minimum

Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for exceptions on specific bodies of water.

Northern Pike
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:5 per day
Size Limit:24-inch minimum

Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for exceptions on specific bodies of water.

Largemouth Bass
Season:Year-round, catch-and-release only from January 1 - Friday before Memorial Day. Harvest allowed starting Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
Bag Limit:5 per day
Size Limit:No size limit

Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for exceptions on specific bodies of water.

Crappie
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:25 per day
Size Limit:No size limit

Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for exceptions on specific bodies of water.

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