Eagle Point Marina is a full-service launch and mooring facility on the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay

Eagle Point Marina sits on the eastern shore of Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City, offering protected deep-water moorings, a concrete launch ramp, and fuel service. The facility is open year-round and serves both resident boats and transient visitors. The marina is privately operated and does not require a state launch permit beyond Michigan's standard registration, though you will need to pay the daily or seasonal launch fee.

The location gives you direct access to Grand Traverse Bay's main basin and the deeper water of the east arm, where lake trout, whitefish, and walleye hold year-round. Shallow bays nearby hold smallmouth bass and pike in summer. The marina itself is sheltered by a breakwater and sits in 20 to 30 feet of water at the dock, so it can accommodate larger vessels and is usable in most weather conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Eagle Point Marina has a concrete launch ramp, fuel dock, and year-round moorings on the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City.
  • The facility charges a daily launch fee and accepts transient boats; call ahead to confirm current rates and availability during peak summer season.
  • From the marina you can reach lake trout and whitefish grounds in the main bay within 10 minutes, and shallow-water bass and pike habitat in nearby bays.
  • Michigan fishing licenses are required for all anglers; lake trout have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of two fish in Grand Traverse Bay.

What Fish Are in Grand Traverse Bay and When They Bite

Lake trout are the primary target from Eagle Point Marina and are present year-round in the deeper water of the east arm. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons, when trout move into shallower water and feed actively. Summer fishing is possible but requires deeper trolling or jigging in 60 to 100 feet of water. Winter ice fishing is also popular in the shallower bays, though the marina itself remains open for boat access.

Whitefish school in the same deep-water zones as lake trout and are often caught incidentally while targeting trout. They are excellent table fish and have no special size or bag restrictions in Michigan. Walleye are present but less abundant than trout; they hold in 30 to 50 feet of water and bite best at dawn and dusk. Smallmouth bass and northern pike inhabit the shallow bays and weed beds around the marina, particularly in summer, and can be caught from June through September.

Launch Ramp Conditions and Access Details

Eagle Point Marina has a single concrete launch ramp with a gradual slope suitable for most trailer boats up to 25 feet. The ramp is maintained year-round and is usable in most conditions, though ice can make it impassable in deep winter. There is a paved parking lot with trailer parking available; during peak summer weekends (July and August), the lot fills by mid-morning. The marina staff can direct you to overflow parking if needed.

The ramp is located at the south end of the marina basin, and you will need to navigate through the mooring field to reach open water. Boat traffic can be heavy on summer weekends, so plan your launch for early morning if possible. The marina does not have a fuel dock directly at the ramp, but fuel service is available at the main dock after you launch.

Mooring, Fuel, and Dockside Services

Eagle Point Marina offers both seasonal and transient moorings. Seasonal slips are rented by the month or year and are typically reserved well in advance, especially from May through September. Transient moorings are available on a daily or weekly basis and are the option for visiting anglers. Call the marina directly to confirm availability and current rates, as these change seasonally and can fill quickly during summer.

Fuel (gasoline and diesel) is available at the main fuel dock during operating hours. The marina also has a ship's store with basic supplies, ice, and fishing tackle. Restrooms and a launch area for kayaks are available to all users. There is no on-site restaurant or lodging, but Traverse City is 5 miles away and has numerous hotels, restaurants, and tackle shops.

Michigan Fishing Regulations and License Requirements

All anglers 17 and older must carry a valid Michigan fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at any DNR office, or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in Traverse City. A one-day license costs less than a week-long license, which costs less than an annual license; choose based on how long you plan to fish.

Lake trout in Grand Traverse Bay have a 15-inch minimum length and a daily limit of two fish per person. Walleye have an 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish. Whitefish have no minimum size and no daily limit. Possession limits (the total you can have at home) are twice the daily limit for most species. Check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change.

How to Reach Eagle Point Marina and What to Bring

Eagle Point Marina is located on the east shore of Grand Traverse Bay, approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown Traverse City. From US-31, take M-37 north toward Acme, then follow local roads to the marina entrance. The address is 4241 East Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684. GPS coordinates are approximately 44.76°N, 85.35°W. Parking and the launch ramp are clearly marked from the entrance.

Bring a current Michigan fishing license, your boat registration, and a valid photo ID. Wear a life jacket at all times on the water. Bring a rod and reel suitable for the species you are targeting — a medium-action spinning rod works for bass and walleye, while a heavier jigging rod or trolling setup is better for lake trout. Bring sunscreen, water, and a cooler with ice. The weather on Grand Traverse Bay can change quickly, so check the forecast and bring a rain jacket even if the morning looks clear.

Nearby Fishing Options and Alternative Launch Points

If Eagle Point Marina is full or you want to explore other water, several other launch points serve Grand Traverse Bay. Traverse City State Park has a public launch ramp on the west arm of the bay, about 3 miles away, and charges a daily vehicle fee. Boardman River has a public access site near downtown Traverse City and is good for walleye and pike in spring and fall. Elk Lake, about 20 miles south, is a smaller inland lake with good smallmouth bass and pike fishing and has several public launch sites.

The Boardman River itself flows into the bay and has a reputation for walleye and pike; several guides operate from Traverse City and can show you the productive sections. If you are interested in offshore lake trout fishing in deeper water, charter boats operate from Traverse City and can take you to grounds 10 to 20 miles offshore where larger trout are more common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Michigan fishing license if I am fishing from a boat?

Yes. All anglers 17 and older must have a valid Michigan fishing license, whether fishing from shore, a boat, or a dock. The only exception is children under 17 fishing under direct supervision of a licensed adult. You can purchase a license online, by phone, or in person at any DNR office or tackle shop.

What is the best time of year to fish for lake trout at Eagle Point Marina?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive, when trout move into shallower water and feed actively. Summer is possible but requires fishing deeper (60 to 100 feet) and is more challenging. Winter ice fishing is also popular in nearby shallow bays.

Can I keep fish I catch and take them home?

Yes, as long as you follow Michigan's size and bag limits. Lake trout must be at least 15 inches and you can keep two per day. Walleye must be 15 inches with a five-fish daily limit. Smallmouth bass must be 12 inches with a five-fish daily limit. You can possess twice the daily limit at home.

Is there a restaurant or lodging at the marina?

No. Eagle Point Marina has fuel, ice, and basic supplies, but no restaurant or overnight lodging. Traverse City is 5 miles away and has numerous hotels, restaurants, and tackle shops. Several bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals are also nearby.

What should I do if the launch ramp is icy or the marina is full?

Call the marina ahead of time to confirm conditions and availability. If Eagle Point is full, Traverse City State Park has a public launch ramp on the west arm of the bay about 3 miles away. The Boardman River also has public access near downtown Traverse City and is a good alternative for walleye and pike fishing.