Traverse City Fishing Reports

Stay Updated with the Latest Fishing Conditions on Lake Michigan

Stay informed with the latest fishing reports from All Jack’d Up Charters, your trusted source for real-time fishing conditions in Traverse City, Michigan. Our fishing reports provide up-to-date information on fish activity, water temperatures, and the best spots to target smallmouth bass and other popular species in Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking for local insights, these reports will help you make the most of your time on the water.

As one of the top-rated Traverse City fishing charters, All Jack’d Up Charters offers valuable tips on current fishing trends. Our detailed reports include information on seasonal fish migrations, bait recommendations, and the latest fishing techniques that have been successful in Traverse City’s waters. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, our reports are tailored to help you reel in your next big catch.

For those targeting smallmouth bass, our fishing reports provide guidance on the best lures, ideal depths, and prime fishing hours. We also offer updates on other local species, including lake trout, walleye, and perch. With Captain Jack Kowalski’s deep local knowledge, you can trust that our fishing reports are accurate and reliable, helping you prepare for an unforgettable day on the water.

Keep checking back for weekly updates on Traverse City’s fishing conditions. Whether you’re booking a full-day or half-day trip with All Jack’d Up Charters, staying informed will ensure you have the best possible experience while fishing on one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan.

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Spring Action Heats Up for Smallmouth and Lake Trout fishing report coverpicture

April 30, 2025

Grand Traverse Bay - Grand Traverse, MI Fishing Report on 30th Apr, 2025

Fishing on Lake Michigan out of Traverse City is picking up as spring water temps rise and fish activity increases. Smallmouth bass are moving into shallower waters near rocky shorelines and drop-offs. Anglers are finding success using soft plastics, crankbaits, and live bait presentations. Early mornings and late afternoons are producing the best bites. Lake trout are active in deeper water, especially off the points and reefs of Grand Traverse Bay. Trolling with spoons and flashers is yielding steady catches, with most fish holding between 60 and 100 feet. Cisco are also starting to show up in stronger numbers and can be caught jigging in open water. As the season progresses, expect action to improve even more. Water clarity is good, and calmer conditions have made for productive days on the water. Whether you're fishing from a boat or the shoreline, now is a great time to explore Lake Michigan's rich fishery around Traverse City.

Fishing In Traverse City fishing report coverpicture

December 30, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay - Houghton, MI Fishing Report on 30th Dec, 2023

We had a great time with Traverse City Fishing Charters! We caught smallmouth bass, and everyone was delighted with the trip.

Water is cooling down fishing report coverpicture

August 21, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 21st Aug, 2023

Back on the water after a short break and the water is cooling down and the big fish are on the move. Water temps have dropped 8 degrees in the last week and we went looking for big fish. We fished wacky worms slow in 15' to 20' and the first four fish were all over 4# (5.86, 4.9, 5.5 and 4.29) not a bad first hour. As the sun came out and the water calmed down the big fish stopped biting biting but we continued to catch fish in the mid 3# range. Fishing is only going to gwt better the next few weeks with fall coming in.

Ups and Downs fishing report coverpicture

August 5, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 5th Aug, 2023

Only fished three days last week. Monday was a short trip and only fished a couple spots. Locations that were good the week before had no fish and spot that didn't had fish. Wedneday was a good day, we started slow and bounced around with only 7 fish before noon then everything changed with approaching storms, our last stop produced 15 fish with several over 3.5#. Friday was a day for me to fish and look for some new spots for fishing later this week. Clients want big fish this week so we are going to fish deep rocks!

Busy weekend! fishing report coverpicture

July 30, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 30th Jul, 2023

Fished Friday, Saturday and Sunday and everyday fished different. We started Friday with light winds and sun, fish we're cruising the 10' to 15' rock lines. Saturday was windy and rough and fish were tough to find. we did manage to find a few nice ones on the drop offs abd rock lines. Sunday was lighter winds but still rough, we fished a lot of spots and found fish everywhere from 5' to 20'. we were able to score a 5.42# and 6.32# at the end of the day. fishing should become more perdictable in August.

July 25, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 25th Jul, 2023

Fished Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, every day was a different. Saturday was a good day with fish active on the rocks between 5' and 12', we caught fish into the mid 4# range. We found a couple still on their beds. Sunday was a struggle with wind and big waves. We manage to get a few but the bigger fish would not bite. Tuesday we fished spots I hadn't fished yet this year. the bit was good and we managed a couple over the 4# mark and one tank at 5.5#. fishing should continue to inprove with fish finally into there sunmer patterns.

Little slower fishing report coverpicture

July 18, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 18th Jul, 2023

it was a grind today, we fished from 4' to 20' and couldn't find a consistant bite. Jeff, Pete and Zeke fished hard and found some, but this was the toughest day so far this year.

Cold front fishing fishing report coverpicture

July 11, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 11th Jul, 2023

Big south wind on Monday blew the warm water out. Water temp dropped 12 degrees from Sunday and big waves from the north made the fishing tough. Fish were on transition bottoms and the bite was tough to feel with the wind.

The spawn is done!!! fishing report coverpicture

July 9, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 9th Jul, 2023

Fish are done spawning, YAY! Bass are moving to their summer haunts and are aggressive. Fishing was good on transition lines and dropoffs.

Fishing remains great fishing report coverpicture

June 21, 2023

Lake Michigan Fishing Report on 21st Jun, 2023

Got out Monday and Wednesday this week. Monday was great with many fish over 4#, Wednesday was a little slower with the mayfly hatch this week, but we did get a nice steelhead as a bonus. spawn is winding down and fish will be putting in the feed bag.

Breezy on the bay fishing report coverpicture

June 15, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 15th Jun, 2023 - 1

Cold, breezy and a little drizzly perfect June day in upper michigan! Luckily the fish didn't care. Great crew today heres their review.

Jack was the perfect charter for us! We took our 15 year Autistic son for his first charter trip and no words can describe how awesome he was with him (and us). He took the time to show us the ropes and get us on some nice small mouth bass. If you’re looking for a great guide, great fishing (even in the cold) you can’t go wrong with Jack! Highly recommend and we will be booking again!

West Bay is Awesome! fishing report coverpicture

June 14, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 14th Jun, 2023 - 2

After 3 days of rain and wind I was able to get out today. I checked out some new areas looking for fish that havent been pressured too hard. Found lots of fish cruising and on beds. sight fishing will remain excellent for the next few weeks.

West Bay Still Hot fishing report coverpicture

June 10, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 10th Jun, 2023

West Bay continues to produce quality Smallmouth. Males into the 4# class are building beds with bigger females cruising around. We have a few cool days with rain in forcast which will help keep this pattern going.

West Bay is hot fishing report coverpicture

June 7, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report on 7th Jun, 2023

West Grand Traverse Bay has alot of fish shallow and starting to bed. Fish will be shallow and aggressive for the next couple weeks making fun fishing.

Smallmouth bass fishing report coverpicture

May 7, 2023

Grand Traverse Bay - Grand Traverse, MI Fishing Report on 7th May, 2023

Spring is here, and the Smallmouth are on fire, with the added excitement of a few lure-stealing pike lurking in the waters, making for an action-packed Traverse City fishing adventure.