Walleye is recorded in 13 of the 24 spots within 75 minutes of Traverse City. Below are the strongest of them by our score: drive time, depth data, species and public access.
By our bite calendar, Walleye peaks around Traverse City in April, August, and September. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Walleye near Traverse City
1. Long Lake
Long Lake is a 13-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Crescent Shores, the public ramp on Long Lake closest to downtown (≈ 7.7 mi). Public access on Long Lake: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 88 ft. Recorded here: Walleye, Largemouth Bass, White Sucker, and Bluegill.
2. Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a 9-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Silver Lake, the public ramp on Silver Lake closest to downtown (≈ 5.1 mi). Public access on Silver Lake: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 96 ft. Recorded here: Walleye, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, and Rock Bass.
3. Boardman Lake
Boardman Lake is a 3-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Surveyed depths reach 73 ft. Recorded here: Walleye, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
4. Lake Bellaire
Lake Bellaire is a 50-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Steiner Road, the public ramp on Lake Bellaire closest to downtown (≈ 22.8 mi). Public access on Lake Bellaire: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 95 ft. Recorded here: Walleye, Brown Trout, Muskellunge, and Cisco.
5. Birch Lake
Birch Lake is a 31-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Birch Lake, the public ramp on Birch Lake closest to downtown (≈ 17.2 mi). Public access on Birch Lake: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 50 ft. Recorded here: Walleye, Northern Pike, and Flathead Catfish.
6. Lake Charlevoix
Lake Charlevoix is a 67-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Tourist Park, the public ramp on Lake Charlevoix closest to downtown (≈ 36 mi). Public access on Lake Charlevoix: 8 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 122 ft. Recorded here: Lake Trout, Walleye, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
