Fishing this past week on Lake Michigan near Traverse City provided steady action for anglers, with lake trout making up the majority of the catch along with a mix of steelhead and salmon. The most consistent fishing came in 40–60 feet of water, where lake trout were holding tight to bottom and actively feeding. Our downrigger program pulling Hammerhead cowbells accounted for most of the trout action, while shallow lead core setups continued to produce fish higher in the water column. The 2, 3, and 5 color lead cores picked up lake trout, steelhead, pink salmon, and smaller king salmon. Bright UV spoons and Yeck Fireball patterns were among the more productive presentations during the week.   One of the biggest keys was locating warmer water. Areas with slightly warmer surface temperatures consistently produced more bait and better fishing activity. Anglers who found warmer water were rewarded with a better mix of species and more consistent action. Overall, it was a productive week on the water with good conditions and steady fishing. Lake trout continue to provide reliable action, while steelhead and salmon are offering some bonus opportunities for anglers covering water and staying around the warmest temperatures available.

Traverse City Fishing Report – Mixed Bag Action on the Bay

Traverse City fishing continues to provide steady action on Lake Michigan as we spent the morning working the southern end of the bay in 40–60 feet of water. Most of the lake trout came on downriggers pulling Hammerhead cowbells tight to bottom throughout the trip. The shallow lead core program also produced action higher in the water column. Our 2 and 5 color setups took both salmon on bright UV spoons, while a 3 color lead core with a Yeck Fireball on a copper blank picked up one of the lake trout.  

We landed 4 lake trout along with a pink salmon and a smaller king salmon, while losing several additional trout throughout the morning. Overall it was a fun mixed-bag trip with steady action and excellent conditions on Lake Michigan near Traverse City. With water temperatures continuing to warm, the summer salmon bite should continue improving over the next several weeks. If you’re looking to experience Lake Michigan fishing this season, be sure to check out our Traverse City fishing charters for available trip information and upcoming openings.

Traverse City Fishing Report – Boat Is Back In The Water

The Storm Hawk is officially back in the water and running trips for the 2026 season. Early fishing around Traverse City has been off to a strong start, with solid lake trout action throughout West Grand Traverse Bay.

Recent trips have been producing steady bites while trolling on the bay here in Traverse City. We’ve also seen a few steelhead mixed in as water temperatures continue to improve. We are anticipating a stellar “bonus” catch spring fishery here in West Grand Traverse Bay. I have a feeling we will be seeing more steelhead, brown trout, salmon, maybe even a few walleyes in the 2026 spring season.

Spring is one of our favorite times to fish because conditions are often calm and the lake trout fishing can be very consistent for anglers of all experience levels.

As the season progresses, we’ll continue following fish movement and adjusting daily based on conditions around Traverse City and Lake Michigan.

If you’re planning a fishing trip this season, now is a great time to get on the water.

📞 Call 231-590-4866 to reserve your trip. Or for more information check out our Traverse City Fishing Charters homepage!

What to Expect on a Fishing Charter with Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters in Traverse City

If you’re planning a Traverse City fishing charter, you’re probably wondering what the experience is really like. From battling powerful Salmon and Trout on Lake Michigan to watching the sunrise over Ole mission Peninsula, a trip with Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters is more than just fishing — it’s a full Great Lakes adventure.

Here’s exactly what you can expect when you book your charter.

 A Premier Traverse City Fishing Experience

• Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters specializes in Lake Michigan salmon fishing and Trout Fishing out of Traverse City. Located along the shores of the beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay, this region is nationally known for world-class Great Lakes sport fishing.
• When you arrive at the dock, you’ll meet your licensed captain, receive a quick safety overview, and board a fully equipped Great Lakes fishing vessel designed for comfort and performance.
• No prior fishing experience is required — beginners and families are always welcome!

 A Fully Equipped Great Lakes Charter Boat

• One of the biggest advantages of booking a professional fishing charter in Traverse City is access to specialized equipment.
• On your charter with Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters, you’ll fish with:
• Advanced GPS and fish-finding sonar
• Downriggers and planer boards
• Tournament-quality rods and reels
• Professional trolling setups for salmon and trout
• Years of professional experience in your crew

Everything is provided except your Michigan fishing license, so you can simply show up ready to fish.

 What You’ll Be Fishing For on Lake Michigan

Traverse City offers some of the best salmon fishing in Michigan. Depending on the season, your charter may target:

Chinook (King) Salmon

• The most sought-after species on Lake Michigan. Known for their size and strength, king salmon peak season from (July through September.)

Coho Salmon

• Aggressive and fast-striking — great for action-packed trips. (Mid-August until end of September)

Lake Trout

• Available throughout much of the season and excellent for steady rod action.

Steelhead

• Hard-fighting and known for spectacular jumps once hooked. You never know when a Steelhead is going to bite!

Brown Trout

• These fish have turned into a lottery fish for us here in Traverse City. Once a plentiful catch is now just a lucky catch.

Your captain monitors water temperature, baitfish movement, and seasonal patterns daily to ensure you’re fishing in the most productive areas.

The Experience: What the Day Feels Like

Most trips begin early in the morning when the water is calm and fish are active.

• Here’s how your charter typically unfolds:
• Meet Capt. Brady and Depart the dock
• Run to prime fishing grounds on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay (Pending where we are fishing out of)
• Set multiple trolling lines
• Wait for the rods to fire — and when they do, the adrenaline kicks in!
• When a fish hits, you’ll be coached through reeling it in. The fight can last several minutes, especially with large Chinook salmon and Trout. It’s an exciting, hands-on experience that anglers of all skill levels enjoy.

 After the Catch

At the end of your trip:

• Your fish are cleaned and filleted dockside
• Catch is bagged for easy transport
• You can take your fresh Lake Michigan prized catch home
• Or you can take it to local restaurant that prepares your catch 3 ways Blackened, Fried, and Lemon Peppered
• Few things compare to grilling your fresh fish you caught just hours earlier!

 Family-Friendly & Beginner Friendly

One of the most common questions about booking a Traverse City fishing charter is whether it’s suitable for kids or first-time anglers. With Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters, the answer is yes.

Trips are designed to be:

• Safe
• Educational
• Interactive
• Fun for all ages
• The captain provides guidance throughout the experience, making it ideal for families vacationing in Northern Michigan.

 Best Time to Book a Fishing Charter in Traverse City

Fishing is productive throughout the whole season, but here’s a quick breakdown:

April–June: Strong Lake Trout fishing and early Salmon action

July–September: Strong Lake Trout Fishing, and King Salmon fishing

August–September: Trophy King salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout fishing

Summer dates fill quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

 Why Choose Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters?

When searching for the best fishing charter in Traverse City, anglers choose Storm Hawk for:

• Experienced Great Lakes captain fish with the owner not a hired captain
• Proven salmon fishing success
• High-quality equipment
• Clean, comfortable boat
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Flexible half-day and 3/4-day trips what suites your needs

The focus is simple: provide a safe, exciting, and successful day of great lakes fishing on Lake Michigan.

Ready to Experience Great Lakes Charter Fishing in Traverse City?

If you’re looking for a professional, results-driven Lake Michigan fishing charter, Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters delivers a true Great Lakes experience.

From powerful fish to peaceful mornings on the water, your next fishing adventure starts in Traverse City.

Book your charter today and experience why Northern Michigan is one of the top freshwater fishing destinations in the country.