Traverse City, MI Fishing Trip — April
Your Traverse City, MI Fishing Trip
April2 peopleFamily Trip
High 52°F / Low 34°F2.3" rain · 11 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.
What’s Biting in April
12 species
ExcellentWalleye
Various
ExcellentNorthern Pike
Various
ExcellentLargemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
ExcellentCrappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing
ExcellentPerch
Jigging · Live Bait
ExcellentSteelhead
Various
ExcellentYellow Perch
Various
GoodMuskie
Casting · Trolling
GoodCatfish
Bottom Fishing · Jug Fishing
GoodMuskellunge
Various
GoodSmallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing
GoodLake Trout
Various
April Weather in Traverse City
52°F
Avg High
34°F
Avg Low
2.3"
Rainfall
11
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.
For Your Target Species
For Inshore Fishing
For the Season
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
What's Biting By Month
Peak
1 / 3
Michigan Fishing License
License Cost
Resident$26
Non-Resident$76
Requirements
Required for ages 17+. All-species license covers all state waters.
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.