Fishing Season: Late March until December

Grand Traverse Bay - MI

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Hawkins Outfitters's Tip of the Week

There are some boats out fishing pre-spawn smallmouth bass. You should be able to catch some perch and Lake Trout as well.

Directions open in app

Map of Grand Traverse Bay

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Hawkins Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 5/27/25

With continued warm weather on the horizon the fishing will get better and better. Look in shallows and drop offs for prespawn fish.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/27/25

Jigging, search baits and streamers

Local Species Available Late March until December

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    Steelhead

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    Kings

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    Lake Trout

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    Carp and Smallmouth

Hawkins Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Schultzy's Single Fly Cray N/A 4
Hawkins' Hat Trick Olive/white 6
Hawkins Triple Double olive/white 8

Schultzy's Single Fly Cray

This molted crayfish fly is unbeatable anywhere crayfish are found.

5.99

Item #9R7T

Buy Now

Hawkins Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Grand Traverse Bay

Grand Traverse Bay is actually two different bays. East and West bay. Both bays provide excellent fly fishing opportunities through out the year. Anglers can chase on foot, carp, smallmouth, lake-trout, and king salmon. Also anglers can work the many drop offs and shelves with sinking fly flies for the same species that are not working their way into the shallows.

Nearest Airport:

Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, MI

Hatches:

Best Time to Fish:

Midafternoon

Best Stretch:

There is not one

Best Access:

Traverse City