Michigan’s magical waters have long been fishing destinations for first-time anglers and experienced fishermen alike. For vacationers that want to make the most of their time on the water, turn to the help of expert anglers to help you reel in the best fish Michigan has to offer. You voted for the Top 7 Fishing Charters in each region. Here are your freshly caught winners!
A record-breaking 16,000 people voted in MyNorth’s 2021 Red Hot Best Awards, recognizing winners from across seven regions and 46 different categories in Northern Michigan. The categories include everything from healthcare and frontline workers to takeout and hiking trails. This is how we celebrate Northern Michigan!
Searching for the full winner’s list? Here are the Red Hot Best Winners 2021: The Best of Northern Michigan.
Above the Bridge
Top 40 Charters, Escanaba
Put your family fishing trip in the best hands with Top 40 Charters in the Upper Peninsula. Top 40 offers scenic shoreline tours, hunting, and sport fishing all season long with expert fishers who will take you to low-traffic areas and secret fishing hotspots. Book early to catch some Spring Salmon as soon as the Michigan winter begins to melt away, or wait until fall to try your luck at catching big Walleye on the Little Bay de Noc.
View the full list of Above the Bridge Red Hot Best winners to find the best wineries, beaches and much more.
Benzie & Leelanau
Tiny Bubbles Charters, Frankfort
Tiny Bubbles Charters is proud to be the only 3rd-generation fishing charter to run out of Northern Michigan all year round. Climb aboard their guaranteed-catch Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout charter yacht, or try out one of their fully furnished and heated Ice Shanties for ice fishing in the winter. Find monthly updates on their website to see what they’ve been catching this summer!
View the full list of Benzie and Leelanau Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Drop here!
Related Read: Trout Unlimited Began 50 Years Ago On The AuSable.
Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington
Tie: Dreamweaver Charters, Ludington & Riverside Charters, Manistee
Fans loved these charters so much they couldn’t pick a winner! Dreamweaver Charters is a second-generation locally-owned fishing charter named after its own fishing boat, the massive Dreamweaver III. With over 30 years of experience, Dreamweaver Charters knows that fishing it is just as much about the experience as it is about catching fish!
Just 30 minutes north in Manistee, Riverside Charters welcomes fishers at all levels of experience. Owned and operated by full-time captain Paul Schlafley, fishers will enjoy a friendly and personable fishing experience while fishing the Manistee River and Lake Michigan!
View the full list of Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Red Hot Best winners.
Charlevoix & the Chain of Lakes
True North Trout, Boyne City
True North Trout specializes in guided Fly Fishing tours in many of Northern Michigan’s rivers within an hour’s reach of their home base, Boyne City. Whether you choose to wade into the Platte River or book a slow drift float on the Ausable, True North’s fishing experts will have you out on the water catching fish in no time.
View the full list of Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes region Red Hot Best winners.
Related Read: Tips to Start Fly Fishing in Northern Michigan.
Gaylord, Kalkaska and Greyling
Gates Au Sable Lodge, Grayling
Looking for an all-in-one fishing trip complete with lodging, food, and anything else you could possibly need? Look no further than the Gates AuSable Lodge in Grayling. Family-owned since 1970, the lodge has a classic, woodsy charm that has made it a Fly Fishing destination for generations of anglers. Book your guided fishing tour right through the lodge, as well as reservations for dinner at their in-house restaurant with fresh, made-from-scratch entrees.
View the full list of Gaylord, Kalkaska and Grayling Red Hot Best winners to find the best golf courses, events in the area, and more.
Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits
Second Wind Charters, Harbor Springs
Fish the Little Traverse Bay with Captain Thom through Second Wind Charters and gain an unforgettable fishing experience only found in Northern Michigan. Second Wind offers boat rides for scenic tours of the Little Traverse Bay as well as charter fishing trips where you can battle it out with Lake Trout and Salmon.
Looking for the best beaches, wineries and more? View the full list of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and The Straits Red Hot Best winners.
Related Read: Vision Quest: World Class Carp Fishing on Beaver Island.
Traverse City
Central Coast Angling, Traverse City
Get to fishing in the one and only Grand Traverse Bay through Central Coast Angling in Traverse City. The diversity of fish found in the clear blue waters of the bay makes it a world-class fishing spot, and you’ll have plenty of chances to catch your dream fish with expert captains guiding the way. Whether you reel in a smallmouth bass or find yourself angling the depths for Chinook Salmon, Central Coast angling offers something for everyone.
Searching for more of Traverse City’s top beaches, breweries and more? View the full Traverse City Red Hot Best winners list.
Searching for more fishing tips, articles and reports? View our Northern Michigan Fishing page.
