Northern Michigan Fishing Guide Near Your Vacation Rental
Looking for a fishing guide near Traverse City? Freshwater Therapy, operated by Joe Testa, offers guided fishing trips on Lake Leelanau, Long Lake, and both East and West Bays in Traverse City. Each destination is just a short drive from any Traverse City Getaway home, making it easy to add a guided day on the water to your stay. His season guides from the game fish opener to the middle of June, and then mid August until ice up.
Who Is Joe Testa?
Joe is a Coast Guard licensed fishing guide who knows Northern Michigan water inside and out. He runs trips for walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, and lake trout on Lake Leelanau, Long Lake, and Traverse City's East and West Bay, with a fully rigged boat and top tier gear so guests don't have to bring a thing. Whether it's your first time holding a rod or you've got a tackle box the size of a suitcase, Joe tailors the trip to you.
You might also recognize the Testa name. Joe and his wife Kelsey own and operate every Traverse City Getaway home, so when we say we trust him with our guests, we mean it.
When Can You Book a Trip?
Freshwater Therapy fishes Northern Michigan waters during two seasonal windows:
From the game fish opener to the middle of June
Mid August until ice up
Dates fill up fast within those windows, so it's worth booking early, especially if your stay lands near the start or end of a season.
What Clients Are Saying
A Perk Just for Our Guests
Book a trip with Freshwater Therapy during your stay and show Joe your Traverse City Getaway booking confirmation for $25 off your trip. It's our way of saying thanks for staying with us, and helping you get the most out of your time on the water.
How Do I Book a Fishing Trip With Freshwater Therapy?
Contact Joe Testa with a text at (517) 488-3224 or give him a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fishing guide near Traverse City vacation rentals?
Yes. Freshwater Therapy, guided by Joe Testa, operates out of Traverse City and guides Lake Leelanau, Long Lake, and both East and West Bay, close to every Traverse City Getaway property.
What fish can you catch on Lake Leelanau, Long Lake, and Traverse City's bays?
Guests fishing with Freshwater Therapy typically target walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, and lake trout depending on the lake and time of year.
Do I need my own gear to book a guided fishing trip?
No. Freshwater Therapy provides a fully rigged boat and top tier gear, so you can show up ready to fish. All you need is a valid Michigan fishing license.
Is there a discount for Traverse City Getaway guests booking a fishing trip?
Traverse City Getaway guests get $25 off your guide trip when they book with with Joe.
We highly recommend Freshwater Therapy to anyone staying with us who wants a real Northern Michigan day on the water. It's one of our favorite local partnerships, and we think you'll walk away with more than just a good catch.
