Charlevoix Fishing Guides
Charlevoix fishing charters work the waters of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, and the Pine River Channel for salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye.
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Charlevoix, MI Fishing Guide
Charlevoix, Michigan, sits in a prime spot between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, giving anglers two very different fisheries to choose from. Lake Michigan trips here often target Chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, and steelhead, with runs out to offshore humps, deep-water drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Salmon charters usually run full-day or six-hour trips, leaving early from the city marina or nearby ramps, with captains running anywhere from a few miles out to 15–20 miles depending on water temps and bait location. Trolling with downriggers, divers, and planer boards is the go-to approach offshore, with spoons and flashers doing most of the work.
Inside Lake Charlevoix, you’ll find calmer water and a mixed bag of smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, and pike. Half-day and evening trips are popular here, especially for families or anglers looking to stay close to town. Light tackle casting, jigging, and live bait rigs work well along drop-offs, weedlines, and rock piles. The Pine River Channel—linking Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan—can produce excellent fishing when current draws baitfish in, especially for bass and the occasional salmon staging in late summer.
Seasonally, salmon start showing offshore in July, with the bite peaking through September as fish stage for the rivers. Lake trout can be caught all summer, and steelhead show up when temp breaks set in. Bass fishing in Lake Charlevoix is steady from late spring into fall, with walleye action picking up in the evenings and after dark. Winter brings ice fishing opportunities for perch, walleye, and pike on the inland lake.
Nearby waters like Torch Lake, Elk Lake, and the Jordan River offer alternate options if you want to explore beyond the immediate area. Charters here range from big offshore sportfishermen to smaller bass boats and ice fishing shanties, giving anglers a wide choice of styles depending on season and target species.
Fishing Seasons in Charlevoix
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Charlevoix kicks off with smallmouth bass moving shallow in Lake Charlevoix and walleye active along drop-offs. Lake trout and steelhead are available close to shore in Lake Michigan before the water warms. Many spring charters run shorter trips targeting nearshore structure with light tackle or jigging rigs. Perch fishing can be excellent in both lakes as they stage before spawning. Water temps are still cold, so layers and wind gear are essential.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak offshore season, with salmon and lake trout moving into range from June through August. Full-day trolling trips are common, starting at sunrise to take advantage of cooler temps and more active fish. Inside Lake Charlevoix, bass fishing is excellent along rocky points and weed edges, while evening walleye trips produce with crawler harnesses and crankbaits. Warm, stable weather makes summer a prime time for family fishing trips and mixed-bag days.
Fall (September–November)
Fall sees salmon staging in the Pine River Channel and at the mouth of Lake Charlevoix. This is prime time for anglers looking to tangle with big kings in shallow water. Bass and walleye remain active in the inland lake, and lake trout feed heavily before winter. Cooler temps mean fewer boats, but the fishing can be at its best. Vertical jigging and casting lures near current areas produce well.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing focuses on Lake Charlevoix’s ice season. Anglers set up shanties over perch schools, run tip-ups for pike, and jig for walleye in deeper basins. The offshore season on Lake Michigan shuts down, but nearby rivers may still hold steelhead in open stretches. Local guides provide heated shelters and all necessary gear, making it easy for visiting anglers to get on the ice without bringing equipment.
Gamefish in Charlevoix
- Chinook Salmon – 10–25 lbs. Taken offshore in summer by trolling spoons and flashers near temp breaks.
- Coho Salmon – 5–12 lbs. Found offshore in summer, often mixed with Chinooks; hit fast-trolled spoons.
- Lake Trout – 5–20 lbs. Caught on deep humps and drop-offs by trolling or jigging all summer.
- Steelhead – 4–12 lbs. Taken offshore in warm months and in rivers in spring and late fall.
- Smallmouth Bass – 2–5 lbs. Found around rocks and weedlines in Lake Charlevoix from spring to fall.
- Walleye – 2–8 lbs. Best at night in Lake Charlevoix using crankbaits and crawler harnesses.
- Northern Pike – 5–15 lbs. Weedline ambush predator in Lake Charlevoix; hits spoons and live bait.
- Yellow Perch – 8–14 in. Schooling fish on flats and drop-offs; ice and open-water favorite.
Charlevoix Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points in Charlevoix?
Most charters depart from the City Marina on Round Lake, with quick access to both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. Smaller inland lake trips may launch from boat ramps in East Jordan or Boyne City.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day trips last 4–5 hours, perfect for Lake Charlevoix or nearshore runs. Full-day trips of 6–8 hours are standard for offshore salmon fishing on Lake Michigan.
Is fishing gear included with Charlevoix charters?
Yes. Licensed captains provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Ice fishing trips also include heated shanties and electronics.
Are night fishing trips available?
Yes, especially for walleye in Lake Charlevoix. These run in summer and early fall, focusing on trolling crankbaits or drifting live bait after dark.
Do I need a fishing license?
Anyone 17 or older must have a valid Michigan fishing license, available online or at local tackle shops. Short-term licenses are an option for visitors.
When is the best time to fish Charlevoix?
Salmon peak in late summer through early fall, while bass and walleye fishing stays steady from May to October. Ice fishing runs from late December into March.
What techniques are common here?
Offshore trolling dominates Lake Michigan salmon trips, while light tackle casting, jigging, and live bait rigs work best in Lake Charlevoix. Ice fishing involves jigging spoons and using tip-ups.
What species can I catch in one day?
Depending on season, you might target salmon, lake trout, and steelhead offshore, or bass, walleye, perch, and pike in the inland lake. Mixed-bag days are common in summer.
Can families fish in Charlevoix?
Absolutely. Calm waters in Lake Charlevoix make for kid-friendly trips, and guides often tailor outings for first-time anglers.