136 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Orvis Traverse City serves the fly fishing community of northwestern Lower Michigan from one of the most scenic small cities in the Great Lakes region. Traverse City sits at the foot of Grand Traverse Bay, surrounded by a landscape of cherry orchards, rolling hills, and the clear cold streams that drain into Lake Michigan — waters that define Great Lakes fly fishing at its finest. The Boardman River flows directly through town, a genuine trout stream with wild fish accessible to wading anglers minutes from downtown. To the south, the Platte River and the Betsie River offer steelhead runs that attract anglers from across the country each fall and spring.
The Orvis store in Traverse City carries the full line of Orvis fly fishing gear — rods, reels, waders, wading boots, and apparel — alongside the carefully curated selection of third-party brands that complements Orvis's own lineup. The fly selection covers both resident trout and migratory steelhead and salmon, with particular depth in the Hex patterns that define summer fishing on northern Michigan rivers. Staff members fish the local rivers regularly and provide knowledgeable reports on conditions across the region. The store also operates Orvis's casting instruction program, offering both introductory sessions and advanced clinics for anglers looking to improve specific skills. For the visiting angler arriving in Traverse City with an eye on Michigan's spectacular northwest Lower Peninsula waters, Orvis Traverse City is the ideal first stop.
Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead
Brown Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead
“Stopped into Orvis Traverse City before fishing the Boardman River and the staff pointed me to a stretch of wild water I'd completely overlooked on the map. The river was exceptional — clear, cold, and full of wild brown trout rising to caddis in a beautiful urban canyon. The fly selection was well-matched to the local hatches and the staff were genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. Outstanding shop.”
“Took an Orvis casting clinic here before a trip to the Platte River for fall coho and it transformed my casting efficiency. Instructor was patient and technically precise. The shop's steelhead and salmon gear selection was exactly right for the conditions. The staff know these northern Michigan rivers intimately — their report on the Betsie was dead accurate.”
“Clean, well-stocked Orvis store with staff who clearly fish the local waters. Good fly selection for northwest Michigan rivers and helpful with trip planning for the Platte and Boardman. Would benefit from a slightly deeper tying materials section but the overall operation is solid. Good stop before any NW Michigan fishing trip.”
