Traverse City, MI Fishing Trip — May

Your Traverse City, MI Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 60°F / Low 45°F2.5" rain · 9 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
45°F
Avg Low
2.5"
Rainfall
9
Rainy Days

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

11 Guides Matched

Prepare for Your Trip

Gear recommendations and packing list for your trip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Bring

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

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Polarized sunglasses
Hat or visor
Weather-appropriate clothing
Non-marking shoes or deck shoes
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)
Bug spray
Rain gear
Light rain jacket
$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.

Things to Do in Traverse City

Activities for your non-fishing days

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.

Start Over