Traverse City continues to receive recognition throughout the country as a top destination for fly fishing. For reasons found on and off the water, Traverse is not only suited for an angler’s piscatorial needs, but its accommodations and amenities off the water too. Whether traveling to the area alone, with a fishing partner or on the family vacation – find out why Traverse City continues to gain recognition from anglers as the place to visit and live. Fly Rod and Reel magazine in 2005 named Traverse City as one of the “12 Top Fly-Fishing Retirement Towns” and more recently Field & Stream magazine in 2008 considered Traverse City as the “Third Best Fishing Town in America.” Here’s why:
On The Water
Guide Trips – Come Fish a Half or Full-Day
Within just 70 miles of Traverse City, anglers can experience the Mid-West’s best rivers including the Manistee, Boardman, Betsie, AuSable, Pere Marquette, Pine, Little Manistee and the Platte. With Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan so close, big water anglers will find freshwater fishing surrounds them. And a look at a regional map will show there are almost too many lakes and ponds to fish, providing almost endless fishing opportunities.
Know this: the Grand Traverse Region offers anglers the most diverse freshwater fishery in the world. There is no other place where anglers can find themselves casting a fly rod to so many different species including: Steelhead, two Species of Pacific Salmon, thee species of Trout, Small and Largemouth Bass, Carp, Pike, Musky, Walleye, Atlantic Salmon, to name just the larger species.
Fish for Brown, Brook and Rainbow Trout
Known as the birthplace of Trout Unlimited, Northern Michigan provides anglers with brook, brown and rainbow trout fishing in some of the most beautiful rivers. The Hex hatch is what we are often known for when it comes to trout fishing, but the birthplace of the Adams – probably the most popular dry fly – was invented for fishing on the Boardman River, which eventually flows right through Traverse City – how’s that for history and notoriety? More recently, the ever increasing in popularity trophy streamer fishing techniques started right here by Kelly Galloup when he lived in the area and operated the now – defunct Troutsman Fly Shop.
The Hex Hatch Is Just One Mayfly Our Trout Like
With “hatches to match,” the dry fly angler will find the local rivers challenging, but rewarding. When the bugs aren’t emerging, anglers can find success below the surface with nymphs or streamers. Or, if you really love that surface activity feed that only a dry fly can produce, spend the day in a drift boat on the Upper Manistee with a fly fishing guide casting grasshopper patterns to the bank during the months of July, August and into September. The smaller creeks and tributaries in the area can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon in pursuit of Brook Trout, if small streams and seclusion is what you prefer.
Steelhead – Freshwater’s Finest Fish
Steelhead fishing is our longest season on certain rivers like the Manistee below Tippy Dam and the Betsie (Benzie County). Found in the rivers starting in October and continuing through April, this sportfish – favored by so many — tend to challenge both anglers and their equipment once hooked. Never been embarrassed by a fish? Then try steelhead. The love/hate relationship flyfishers have with this species gets them to the water early and the experience keeps them coming back.
The prolific Salmon of Lake Michigan return to their native rivers each fall and provide more than sport; it’s a unique experience to watch a dozen or more of these fish holding in a pool or to witness a few fish in shallow water performing their spawning ritual. From King/Chinook salmon to the smaller Coho/Silver salmon, fly roders can experience what some consider the best salmon fishing in the lower 48 from late August on the Betsie River stretching through mid-October on the Big Manistee River below Tippy dam to Lake Michigan.
Salmon Fishing – Late August through September
Both West and East Grand Traverse Bays – for years – have been the destination of anglers in pursuit of Salmon, Lake Trout, Whitefish and Lake Run Brown Trout. More recently, however, the attention has turned to Carp and Smallmouth Bass. It took a while, but much of the stigma towards carp has been replaced with respect for these “Golden Bones.” Big, strong and – more often than not – picky, anglers have found the challenge of carp fishing addictive. Really. And while searching the flats for the common carp, keep an eye out for the less noticeable species – Smallmouth Bass. In fact, did you know many of the Bass fishing pros you see on TV consider the Bays to be among the best smallmouth fisheries in the world?
To learn more about the region’s fly fishing, Current Works Guide Service or to book a trip – visit our home page.
Off the Water
Current Works guide service is proud to call Grand Traverse County home for reasons beyond fishing. A true community with a small town feel, Traverse City offers so many of the amenities of a large city that visitors often become residents. In our vibrant, walkable downtown you will find boutiques and other unique shops, fine dining, galleries and coffee shops along the banks of the Boardman River, just a stone’s throw from the southern shores of West Grand Traverse Bay.
In the immediate vicinity of downtown, the area boasts: all levels of lodging accommodations from resorts, B&Bs, and major hotel chains to cottage and condo rentals. Restaurants range from the mundane to the phenomenal, and shopping can be done in malls and big box stores or one of the specialized shops that help to make Traverse City area special.
If you prefer pine trees over parking lots, the area has plenty to show you. Visitors and locals alike spend their time on the sandy beaches or at the city and state parks. Campers will find state, federal and private campgrounds throughout the region as a great place to pitch a tent or park the RV. The Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore of Leelanau and Benzie Counties is the hidden gem of the area and happens to be just one place where hikers can get their fill of nature when not fishing.
Within an hour’s drive you can experience pastoral views of water and landscape on your way to visit one of the many wineries and vineyards spread throughout Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. Prefer beer over wine? Northern Michigan has numerous micro-breweries and brew pubs to quench your thirst and expand your palate.
Looking for entertainment? Check out the schedules for live performances at The Interlochen Center for the Arts, Traverse City Opera House, Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Inside Out Gallery, or one of the local bars for some live music. From minor league baseball, football and hockey teams for sports fans, to museums and festivals which include the National Cherry Festival (early July) and the Traverse City Film Festival (early August) Microbrew Festival (August), Winter Fest and Comedy Arts Festival (February) there isn’t a time where there is nothing to do.
Getting Here
Located in the Northwest corner of the State of Michigan, visitors find Traverse is worth traveling to. Being 200 miles north of Detroit, Traverse City is far enough away from the Motor City to have its own identity – “The Cherry Capital” thanks to the thousands of acres of local orchards. With an ever expanding air service, Cherry Capital Airport has daily flights from most major U.S. airlines as well as a place to park your private aircraft. Other airports within an easy drive include: Detroit Metro, Flint and Grand Rapids. Drivers will find a number of routes leading to the area including U.S. and County highways, about an hour from I-75 – a major North-South Interstate. Chicago residents will find the drive to take about five hours; three hours from Grand Rapids, barring any traffic.
For more information on the area, visit the Links page on this website and/or visit the Traverse City Visitor and Convention bureau’s website.
You can understand why the excellent fishing opportunities for fly fisherman and all anglers alike is not the only experience that makes Traverse City and the Northwest Michigan region a great place to visit, and often a future home town. Want to experience what some consider the secret location for fly anglers looking for diversity? Then plan a visit to Traverse City and let Ted Kraimer and Current Works Guide Service show you some of the area’s best fishing.