Frankfort Fishing Guides
Frankfort fishing charters run out into Lake Michigan for salmon, lake trout, and steelhead, while nearshore trips target brown trout and perch along the sandy points and river mouth.
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Frankfort, MI Fishing Guide
Frankfort, Michigan sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline at the mouth of the Betsie River, and it’s a solid launch point for both nearshore and offshore fishing. Most charters here offer half-day and full-day runs, with early morning departures being the norm for salmon and trout. Boats range from big Great Lakes sportfishers set up for trolling multiple lines to smaller rigs that work closer to shore when fish are stacked up in tight. The main harbor provides easy lake access, and during peak season you’ll see a steady stream of charter captains heading out before sunrise.
The fishery is built on classic Great Lakes structure — deep, cold water just offshore, with shoals, points, and the Betsie River plume concentrating baitfish. In spring, browns and cohos are often found within a mile of the beach, so runs can be as short as 10–15 minutes. By midsummer, big kings and lake trout push deeper, with boats running 5–15 miles out to find stable temperature breaks and bait schools. Steelhead roam the top layers offshore, especially near temperature gradients and scum lines.
Seasonal changes are pronounced. Ice-out brings inshore trout, then coho and early kings. Summer focuses on deeper-water trolling, with long lines, downriggers, divers, and leadcore setups in play. Come September, mature kings stage near the river mouth before running upstream, giving anglers a shot at heavy fish close to port. In the fall, nearshore browns and steelhead return to feed before winter sets in.
Techniques are all about covering water — downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers are the tools of choice. Meat rigs, spoons, and flashers with flies are staples, and captains constantly adjust depth and presentation to match the bite. On calm days, some anglers will even mix in jigging or vertical presentations for lake trout on deeper humps. Frankfort’s harbor keeps you close to alternate options too, with nearby Platte Bay and Arcadia offering more protected water if the main lake kicks up
Fishing Seasons in Frankfort
Spring (March–May)
Early spring in Frankfort starts with brown trout and coho salmon running the shoreline. Most charters stick to 1–3 miles out, trolling spoons and body baits near the surface. As the water warms, lake trout start showing up in deeper structure, and kings begin trickling into the catch mix. The Betsie River plume is a hotspot during this time, holding warmer water and baitfish. Light tackle trolling is common until the thermocline sets up.
Summer (June–August)
Summer means deep-water runs for mature Chinook salmon, lake trout, and offshore steelhead. Captains work 100–300 feet of water, often running long spreads with downriggers, leadcore, and copper lines. Steelhead suspend high and respond to bright spoons run near temperature breaks, while lake trout hug the bottom and kings work mid-depths. Morning and evening trips see the best action, with midday fishing slowing on bright days.
Fall (September–November)
Fall brings staging Chinook salmon right to the harbor mouth. September is prime for big kings on short runs, often just outside the pier heads. Captains troll plugs and flashers at slower speeds to target aggressive fish. Lake trout and steelhead stay active offshore, and browns start pushing back into the shallows. Charter activity remains steady through October as weather allows.
Winter (December–February)
While most charter boats haul out by late fall, winter fishing here shifts to shore and ice opportunities inland. On mild years without heavy ice, some locals will run small boats close to shore for brown trout on warmer days. Nearby inland lakes offer ice fishing for perch, walleye, and pike once safe ice forms. The main harbor is usually quiet except for a few hardy shore anglers casting for steelhead.
Gamefish in Frankfort
- Chinook Salmon – 10–25 lbs. Found offshore in summer, staging near the Betsie River in late August–September; taken by trolling flashers and flies.
- Coho Salmon – 5–12 lbs. Spring nearshore troller’s favorite, especially along the beach and river plume; hits spoons and body baits.
- Lake Trout – 5–20 lbs. Deepwater humps and reefs in 80–200 feet; taken with downriggers, cowbells, and spin-n-glos.
- Steelhead – 5–15 lbs. Suspended offshore in summer, near pier heads in fall; bright spoons and plugs work best.
- Brown Trout – 4–12 lbs. Early spring and late fall along the beach; trolled with stickbaits and spoons in stained water.
- Yellow Perch – 8–14 inches. Found inshore and in nearby bays; targeted with live minnows or jigs.
- Smallmouth Bass – 2–5 lbs. Rocky shorelines and harbor areas; taken with crankbaits, tubes, and jigs in warmer months.
Frankfort Fishing FAQs
Where do most fishing charters in Frankfort depart from?
Most charters depart from the Frankfort Municipal Marina, located right inside the harbor at the mouth of the Betsie River. It provides quick access to Lake Michigan and sheltered docking.
How long are typical charter trips here?
Half-day trips run about 5 hours, usually focused on a specific bite window like early morning. Full-day trips last 8–9 hours and allow for running farther offshore or targeting multiple species.
What fishing gear is provided on Frankfort charters?
Charter captains supply all rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Boats are equipped with downriggers, planer boards, and the electronics needed to find fish. Anglers should bring personal items and a cooler for fillets.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake Michigan?
Yes, anglers need a valid Michigan fishing license, and a Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp is also required for salmon and trout species. Licenses can be purchased online or locally.
When is the best time for salmon fishing in Frankfort?
Peak Chinook salmon fishing runs from mid-July through September, with staging kings near the harbor in late summer. Coho salmon action is best in spring and early summer.
What fishing techniques are common here?
Trolling is the primary method, using downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers to cover different depths. Captains adjust spread and lure selection based on water temps, clarity, and target species.
What species are available besides salmon and trout?
While salmon and trout dominate the charter scene, nearshore and inland waters also hold yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and seasonal walleye.
How many people can join a charter trip?
Most Lake Michigan charter boats in Frankfort are licensed for 4–6 passengers, though some larger vessels can accommodate more.
Are there any specialty trips offered?
Some captains run evening salmon charters in summer or target brown trout inshore during spring. Inland trips for bass or ice fishing in winter can be arranged with local guides.