First Street Beach is a public access point in downtown Traverse City with shallow water, sandy bottom, and easy parking

First Street Beach sits at the foot of First Street in Traverse City, directly on Grand Traverse Bay. The beach is a short walk from downtown shops and restaurants, making it one of the most accessible fishing spots in the area. The water here is shallow near shore—typically 6 to 12 feet within the first 50 yards—and the bottom is mostly sand and silt, which holds baitfish and attracts feeding fish.

This is not a remote wilderness spot. It is a working public beach with swimmers, paddleboarders, and families during warm months. The trade-off is convenience: you can park steps away, fish before work or after dinner, and leave whenever you want. The bay water is cold year-round, even in summer, so expect a wetsuit if you plan to wade.

Key Takeaways

  • First Street Beach offers easy downtown access with free parking nearby and shallow water that does not require a boat.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent fishing, when lake trout and whitefish move into shallower water.
  • Summer crowds are heaviest from late June through August, so early morning or evening fishing is more productive.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required, and you must follow bay-wide regulations for species, seasons, and daily limits.

What Fish Are Here and When They Bite

Lake trout are the primary target at First Street Beach. They move into shallow water during spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when water temperatures drop below 60 degrees. During these windows, you can catch them from shore using jigging spoons, small live shiners, or tube jigs worked along the drop-off just beyond the shallow zone. Early morning and dusk are most productive.

Whitefish are also present year-round and often more willing to bite than lake trout. They prefer small jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms, fished on or near the bottom. Whitefish are less seasonal than trout—you can catch them in summer and winter, though fall and spring are still better.

Smallmouth bass appear in summer (June through August) in the shallower areas near the beach. They respond to small crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures early and late in the day. Midday fishing is usually slow because the water is clear and the fish move deeper.

Winter fishing is possible but requires caution. The beach does not freeze solid, but ice can form along the shore. Some anglers fish for whitefish and lake trout through winter, but access and safety depend on ice conditions, which change year to year.

Seasons, Water Temperature, and Timing

Grand Traverse Bay water temperature drives the fishing calendar. In spring (April and May), water warms from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and lake trout become active in shallow water. This is the most reliable time to fish First Street Beach. Mornings are typically calmer, and the light is better for sight-casting to cruising fish.

Summer (June through August) brings warm air and water in the 60s to low 70s. Lake trout retreat to deeper water, but smallmouth bass move in. The beach is crowded on weekends and warm evenings, so plan to fish early morning (before 8 a.m.) or after sunset. Midday is usually dead.

Fall (September through October) is the second-best season. Water cools back into the 50s, lake trout return to shallow water, and the crowds thin out. Wind can pick up in October, making the bay rough, but the fishing is often excellent.

Winter (November through March) is slow and cold. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s. Whitefish bite sporadically, and lake trout are deep. Most anglers fish other locations or take a break during winter.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

First Street Beach is located at the foot of First Street in downtown Traverse City. Parking is available on the street and in nearby municipal lots—typically free or low-cost. The beach itself is open to the public year-round. There are no facilities directly on the beach, but downtown Traverse City is steps away with restrooms, food, and shops.

The beach is sandy and easy to walk on. Wading is possible, but the water is cold even in summer. Most anglers fish from shore, casting into the shallow water. A small boat or kayak gives you access to deeper water and more fish, but it is not necessary to catch fish here.

The beach can be crowded during summer weekends and holidays. If you want solitude or calmer conditions, fish on weekday mornings or in shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October).

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Michigan fishing license to fish First Street Beach. Licenses are sold online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops in Traverse City. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting.

Grand Traverse Bay has specific regulations for lake trout, whitefish, and bass. Lake trout daily limit is typically 5 fish, with a minimum size of 15 inches. Whitefish have no size limit and a daily limit of 25 fish. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. These rules can change, so check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go.

Catch-and-release is always allowed and is encouraged if you want to fish longer without hitting your limit. Use barbless hooks or pinch down the barbs to make release easier and safer for the fish.

Gear and Tackle for First Street Beach

A medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line is ideal for lake trout and whitefish. Jigging spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in silver, gold, or white are the most reliable lure. Tube jigs (2 to 3 inches) tipped with a small shiner or minnow also work well. For whitefish, small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) with maggot or waxworm tipping are standard.

For smallmouth bass in summer, use a medium-light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound line. Small crankbaits (1 to 2 inches), soft plastics (3 to 4 inches), and topwater plugs all produce. Bass are less picky than trout, so experiment with color and retrieve speed until you find what works.

Bring a net if you plan to land fish regularly. The sandy beach is forgiving, but a net makes it easier to land trout and keeps them in the water longer, improving their survival if you release them. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful for early morning or evening fishing.

Nearby Bait and Tackle Shops

Traverse City has several bait and tackle shops within a few miles of First Street Beach. These shops stock live shiners, minnows, maggots, and waxworms, as well as jigs, spoons, and other lures. Staff can tell you what is biting that week and offer advice on technique. Calling ahead to confirm they have what you need saves a trip.

If you forget gear or run out of bait, you can usually find what you need without leaving downtown. Some shops also rent small boats or kayaks if you want to explore deeper water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish First Street Beach in winter?

Yes, but conditions are harsh and fish are less active. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, and whitefish are the most reliable target. Ice can form along the shore, so check conditions before you go. Many anglers prefer other locations or take a break during winter.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. You can catch lake trout and whitefish from shore, especially in spring and fall when they move into shallow water. A boat or kayak lets you reach deeper water and fish more efficiently, but it is not required.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (sunset to dark) are most productive year-round. Midday fishing is usually slow, especially in summer when the water is clear and fish move deeper. In spring and fall, overcast days often fish better than sunny ones.

Is First Street Beach crowded?

Yes, during summer weekends and holidays. Swimmers and paddleboarders use the beach from late June through August. Fish early morning or after sunset to avoid crowds and find calmer conditions. Weekday mornings are usually quiet.

What should I bring for a day of fishing?

Bring your fishing license, rod and reel, tackle box with jigs and spoons, a net, sunscreen, and water. Wear layers because bay wind can be cold even on warm days. If you plan to wade, wear a wetsuit or neoprene boots—the water is cold year-round.