April - September
Tactic: Trolling
Target: Lake Trout & Cisco
Grand Traverse Bay
* For 2026* - We are launching just outside of Traverse City in Elk Rapids at the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor -
$500 for 1-2 Anglers
+ $50 for each additional angler up to 6
($150 deposit)
Departing at 5:30 - 7 AM, 12 PM, or 4:30 - 5:30 PM for 4 hours
(Time varies with sunrise/sunset)
All bait, fishing gear, and fish cleaning is included
(bags provided for fillets)
Remaining Balance
The remainder of the payment will be due at the end of the fishing trip. Cash and credit card are accepted, but credit cards are subject to a 3% processing fee. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are all accepted. Gift cards purchased are also redeemable at this time. No checks.
Items to bring for your trip:
Sunglasses - Sunscreen - Drinks - Snacks - Cooler - Dress in layers - Rain Gear - MI Fishing License
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Trolling is recommended for kids/families/big groups
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Typically more action on trolling trips (we cover more water & multiple rods at different depths)
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On Noon fishing trips during salmon season, we will be targeting lake trout (some rods will still be out for salmon)
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You are welcome to take a cooler on the boat for food & drinks (we have a built-in cooler in the bow if you don't have one)
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Kids 16 years and under do not need a fishing license
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Dogs can be brought aboard, but the boat cushions will be removed and a notice of having your fury friend is required
$10 daily license for Michigan residents or $11 for out of state license
Click here to purchase MI DNR fishing license
What is trolling?
Trolling is a productive and relaxed fishing trip where the boat moves at a pace of 2-2.5 mph. We set the lines, and you reel in the fish. It’s the most popular choice for families, offering an easy and fun experience catching fish. Here in Michigan, we can legally run 3 rods out a person and we can achieve that when we troll as compared to having one rod in your hand when casting/jigging.
We start out the season by offering fishing trips targeting cisco & lake trout in early April (weather permitting) on Grand Traverse Bay. Dressing appropriately for the weather is key to having an enjoyable experience in April. We always recommend dressing in layers as the temperature can vary quite drastically this time of year in a short amount of time. Don't let the colder temperatures turn you away, because the fishing is hot in the spring as the warming water triggers a feeding frenzy!
As we make our way into the months of May/June, we turn our focus to the shallows as the water near the shoreline will warmer quicker than the deeper water in the basin. This is a very fun time to be on the bay as we have the opportunity to catch a variety of fish like lake trout, whitefish, cisco, steelhead, fresh water drum, and smallmouth bass. This is the only time of the year when many of these fish are swimming in the same areas . Once the water temperature gets close to 60 degrees, these fish will begin to separate in search of cooler water. Forcing us to slide out deeper targeting different areas
Approaching July, the water will get too warm near the shoreline and will push lake trout out deeper into the bay in search of cooler water. At this point we will focus on deep water trolling tactics for the remainder of the season. This is also a very productive time of year as Lake Trout are in their "usual areas" making them easy for us to find.