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Traverse City, MI Fishing Trip — May

Your Traverse City, MI Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 60°F / Low 44°F2.5" rain · 8 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in May

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

May Weather in Traverse City

60°F
Avg High
44°F
Avg Low
2.5"
Rainfall
8
Rainy Days

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

11 Guides Matched

Mega Bite Charters - Mega Bite Charters
Mega Bite Charters

Mega Bite Charters

5(180)Top Rated

Our Captains are experts in King Salmon Fishing Charters. They know how to play the line enough to wear these monsters out and help you catch the best dinner you can imagine.

freshwaterSalmon
Traverse City, Michigan
Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters - Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters
Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters

Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters

5(158)Top Rated

Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters; provides an unforgettable Traverse City charter fishing experience you won't soon forget!

Traverse City, Michigan
Central Coast Angling - Central Coast Angling
Central Coast Angling

Central Coast Angling

5(131)Top Rated

Learn about everything fishing and get Traverse City fishing updates from the Captain Bob and the professionals at Central Coast Angling.

Traverse City, Michigan
Diverse Angling Fishing Charters - Diverse Angling Fishing Charters
Diverse Angling Fishing Charters

Diverse Angling Fishing Charters

5(94)Top Rated

Michigan's most diverse charter fishing service.

Traverse City, Michigan
Pure Angling - Pure Angling
Pure Angling

Pure Angling

5(35)Top Rated

Come fish with Pure Angling and stay at these wonderful cabins!

inshore
Traverse City, Michigan
Fish-X-TC Charter Fishing Experience - Fish-X-TC Charter Fishing Experience
Fish-X-TC Charter Fishing Experience

Fish-X-TC Charter Fishing Experience

5(23)Top Rated

Recently featured on TV, Alonzo walks the walk catching fish and telling about some of his fishing expertise..

Traverse City, Michigan
Tall Tails Fishing Charter - Tall Tails Fishing Charter
Tall Tails Fishing Charter

Tall Tails Fishing Charter

5(20)Top Rated

Tall Tails Fishing Charter is Northern Michigan’s freshest guide service. We’ll target anything and everything that swims in the pristine waters of Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie Counties. Troll, cast, and jig for the opportunity to catch your fish of a lifetime!

Traverse City, Michigan
Dancing Bear Charters - Dancing Bear Charters
Dancing Bear Charters

Dancing Bear Charters

5(9)Top Rated
Traverse City, Michigan
Croff Craft Guide Service - Croff Craft Guide Service
Croff Craft Guide Service

Croff Craft Guide Service

5(1)Top Rated

Pictures of fish that have been caught throughout the years in Phil Croff's wooden drift boats

Traverse City, Michigan
Reel Fun Fishing Charters - Reel Fun Fishing Charters
Reel Fun Fishing Charters

Reel Fun Fishing Charters

4.8Top Rated

Reel Fun Fishing Charters Traverse City Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan
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
$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's Biting By Month

Peak
1 / 3

Walleye

Various
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Northern Pike

Various
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Muskie

freshwater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Largemouth Bass

freshwater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Also Consider Fishing In...

Manistee18 guides · 49 miLudington16 guides · 69 miLeland7 guides · 20 miFrankfort6 guides · 32 miElberta4 guides · 32 miElk Rapids3 guides · 14 mi

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.

Muskie
Season:Varies by waterbody; check specific regulations. Generally opens the Saturday before Memorial Day for most waters.
Bag Limit:1 per day
Size Limit:42-inch minimum

Some waters may have higher minimum size limits. Consult the Michigan Fishing Guide for specific regulations.

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.

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