Departing from Empire, MI — Minutes from Glen Arbor
Lake Michigan Charter Fishing
Captain Scott McDaid has been putting families and anglers on fish for 26 years. Salmon, lake trout, steelhead, and brown trout — aboard a 28-ft Grady White Sailfish.
Book now — season closes in 14d 9h 2m
5-Star Rated
Google Reviews
26 Years
On Lake Michigan
Up to 6 Guests
Per Charter
5 Species
Salmon, Trout & More
Where You'll Fish
Empire, MI — The Heart of Lake Michigan's Best Fishing
Empire sits on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, tucked inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is one of the most productive stretches of water on the entire Great Lakes — and it is just 5 minutes from Glen Arbor and 15 minutes from Traverse City.
Most visitors to the area do not realize they are minutes from world-class charter fishing. Captain Scott McDaid has been working these waters since 1998, and he knows exactly where the fish are — in every season.
Departure Point
5707 S Lake St, Empire, MI 49630
Charter Rates
Simple, All-Inclusive Pricing
Prices are for the entire boat — not per person. Bring up to 6 guests and split the cost.
Half Day Charter
4–5 Hours
$700
Perfect for families and first-timers. Enough time to get out on the water and come home with a cooler full of fish.
Book This TripFull Day Charter
8 Hours
$1,300
The full experience. More water covered, more species targeted, and the best chance at a trophy catch.
Book This Trip
Everything Included
Show Up Ready to Fish
- All fishing tackle and equipment
- Ice for your catch
- Fish cleaning and bagging
- Up to 6 guests per trip
- Michigan fishing license not required (covered)
- Captain Scott's 26 years of local knowledge
What We Target
Five Species, Year-Round Opportunity
Lake Michigan's waters off Empire produce world-class fishing across multiple species. Captain Scott knows the seasonal patterns and will put you on the best bite.
Chinook Salmon
Spring – Fall
Coho Salmon
Summer – Fall
Lake Trout
Year-round
Steelhead
Spring & Fall
Brown Trout
Spring & Fall
Your Captain
Captain Scott McDaid
Captain Scott has been running charters on Lake Michigan out of Empire since 1998. In 26 years on the water, he has learned every current, every seasonal pattern, and every productive stretch of the lake between Empire and the Manitou Islands.
He runs a 28-ft Grady White Sailfish — a purpose-built sportfishing vessel with full safety equipment, comfortable seating, and everything you need for a great day on the water.
Whether you are a first-time angler or a seasoned fisherman, Captain Scott will put you on fish and make sure you have a day worth remembering.
Call Captain Scott: (231) 334-3632
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Fish Lake Michigan?
Call Captain Scott to check availability and book your trip. Half day and full day charters available out of Empire, MI — minutes from Glen Arbor.
(231) 334-36325707 S Lake St, Empire, MI 49630 — departing minutes from Glen Arbor