Sight Fishing the Depths: A Unique Lake Trout and Cisco Adventure on Grand Traverse Bay
The Thrill of Sight Fishing — Evolved
There’s something timeless and exhilarating about watching a fish strike your lure. It’s a moment that stirs childlike excitement, no matter how experienced an angler you are. For many, that first taste of “sight fishing” comes from watching a bobber disappear beneath the surface. From there, the journey continues—whether it’s spotting a bass explode on a topwater plug or peering into gin-clear water to see fish tailing on the flats.
But modern technology has added a new chapter to the sight-fishing story: electronics. Watching a fish react to your lure 25 feet beneath your boat on sonar can be just as thrilling as seeing the strike with your eyes. This high-tech evolution of sight fishing is precisely what James Lindner and Captain Chad Diltz of Sport Fish Michigan are exploring in this unique Grand Traverse Bay adventure—targeting lake trout and ciscos in crystal-clear water, often more than 25 feet deep.
Vertical Fishing in Pristine Waters
As James and Chad set out on their mission, they’re excited by the possibilities. The early summer conditions—cold, clean, and inviting—have created a vertical fishing paradise. Armed with sonar and blade baits, the pair plans to track schools of fish and “bomb” their lures into them from above. The conditions are perfect, and the clarity of the water allows them to spot massive schools with ease. 
Grand Traverse Bay is a gem of a fishery, both for its productive waters and stunning natural beauty. As James notes, this region is a full-blown tourist destination—complete with vineyards, cherry orchards, and rolling hills. On this Memorial Day trip, the sun is shining, the air is crisp, and the bay is alive with potential.
Michigan: A Freshwater Fishing Powerhouse
The state of Michigan itself is a haven for anglers. Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and home to more than 65,000 lakes and ponds, Michigan is the Great Lakes State in every sense. You’re never more than six miles from a body of water or more than 85 miles from a Great Lakes shoreline. Unsurprisingly, recreational fishing opportunities abound.
Names like Henry Ford, Motown, Kevin VanDam, and Madonna echo through its cultural history—but for anglers, it’s the endless freshwater access that defines the state. From Detroit’s rivers to the Upper Peninsula’s wild stretches, Michigan is made for fishing.
Starting Strong: Blade Baits and Cold-Water Brawlers
Chad makes the first notable hookup of the day, working a blade bait in 53-degree water. The initial bite comes after a few casts into both deep and shallow structure. His verdict? Big head shakes—likely a lake trout. James stands by to net the fish as the clear water reveals a healthy laker. It’s a satisfying start, showing how effective vertical jigging can be in shallow cold water.
As Chad unhooks the fish—caught on a fire tiger pattern blade bait—he notes the chilly water temperatures. From 58 degrees at the launch to 52 degrees offshore, these breaks in temperature often mark the hotspots for active fish. Sure enough, they find trout and ciscos schooling together near one of these breaks.
A Mixed Bag in Clear Water
It doesn’t take long before another rod bends, this time producing a cisco—maybe even a whitefish. These tough, silvery fish provide rod-bending action, darting and fighting hard all the way to the net. With their steely blue backs and streamlined bodies, ciscos are surprisingly strong for their size and beautiful to behold in the sunlit water.
Though good to eat, James and Chad are quick to release these fish, highlighting the sporting value of the fight. Handling them with care, they remark on how challenging these muscle-bound swimmers can be to grip and unhook safely.
Big Cisco Action and a Surprising Size Range
Cisco fishing isn’t just about action—it’s also about size. While many fall in the two to three-pound range, some of the largest can reach four and a half pounds, especially in fall when they bulk up with eggs and fat reserves. Captain Ben Wolfe, who often guides these trips with Sport Fish Michigan, tells anglers they can expect non-stop action when the bite is hot. “If you want to pull on fish until your arm is sore,” he says, “this is the trip for you.”
High-Tech Scouting and Old-School Visuals
One particularly interesting tactic employed by Chad and his team is their use of mapping over traditional sonar to locate schools. In these clear, expansive sand flats—often stretching from 20 to 40 feet deep—finding fish involves running the boat on plane and scanning the water with their eyes. The schools can be massive, sometimes extending a quarter mile in length.
Once a pod is spotted, the team uses modern sonar to hover above and drop baits vertically. This method combines the best of both worlds: traditional sight fishing and advanced electronic assistance.
A True Multi-Species Playground
What makes this Grand Traverse Bay experience so captivating is the diversity of species and techniques. One cast might hook a trout, the next a cisco, and another could bring in a whitefish. As James recounts his own experiences fishing across Michigan—from St. Clair smallmouths to Alpena king salmon—he emphasizes the incredible variety available within the state. Sport Fish Michigan is the gateway to all of it.
The action continues with blade baits in black-and-silver and perch patterns, each color potentially triggering a different response. The beauty of the bite here is its unpredictability—you simply don’t know what’s going to hit next.
A Full-Spectrum Fishing Experience with Sport Fish Michigan
Captain Chad Diltz and the Sport Fish Michigan team offer far more than just lake trout and cisco fishing in Grand Traverse Bay. Their guide services extend across the entire state—from the coldwater species of northern Lake Michigan to the trophy smallmouth of Traverse City and beyond. Whether you’re looking to jig walleyes on the Detroit River, chase muskies on Lake St. Clair, or troll for king salmon in the northeast, Sport Fish Michigan has a team of captains that can get you there. As Chad explains, if one guide is booked or you’re fishing in a different region, their network can cover your needs.
James Lindner notes that this variety is part of what makes Michigan such a phenomenal angling destination. River steelhead fishing, one of Chad’s specialties, is just wrapping up for the season—but only weeks prior, he was catching post-spawn dropbacks in local tributaries. That same day, he transitioned from the river to vertical jigging for cisco and lake trout in open water. That’s Michigan in a nutshell: versatility and abundance.
Selecting the Right Tools for Deep-Water Success
As the action heats up, James asks Chad about his top lure picks for vertical jigging trout and cisco. The key, Chad says, is to match your lure type and size to the depth zone. In shallower waters ranging from 25 to 50 feet, blade baits are tough to beat. Available in half-ounce to one-ounce sizes and in a wide range of colors and brands, these lures can be adjusted based on water clarity, light conditions, and fish response.
For deeper or more aggressive presentations, Chad often turns to jigging spoons or hard baits like Rapala’s Jigging Rap or Rippin’ Rap. James was having success earlier using the Rapala Flat Jig—a deeper-water cousin of the Jigging Rap—executing a distinct retrieve style: casting, letting it hit bottom, then giving it a double pump and following it back down with slack line. Each bait has its own rhythm and cadence, and finding the right one can unlock aggressive bites.
The Importance of Presentation and Line Management
Vertical jigging success depends heavily on subtlety and precision. As James explains, the retrieve style varies by bait. That double pump and controlled slack-line drop often triggers a strike as the lure flutters back to bottom—mimicking the erratic behavior of a wounded baitfish.
Equally important is the line setup. James uses 10-pound Sufix 832 braided line in ghost white, connected to a small VMC barrel swivel and a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader. The white braid isn’t just about strength and casting distance—it also offers excellent visibility for bite detection. In clear water, where fish may strike on the fall from as far as 80 feet from the boat, being able to visually detect the “tick” or sudden jump of the line can mean the difference between a hookup and a missed opportunity.
Rod Choice: Power, Action, and Precision
James is fishing with a 7’6″ St. Croix Icon walleye rod, noting that it loads deep into the blank. This is essential when fishing for species like cisco, which have soft, delicate mouths. A rod with too much power or too stiff an action can easily rip the hooks out of the fish. A longer rod also gives you the ability to quickly pick up line and move your bait effectively—especially important when the strike zone is far from the boat.
Trophy Fish and Visual Thrills
The moment every angler waits for soon arrives—a powerful hit and heavy head shakes that signal a lake trout is on the line. As James battles the fish, it comes into view beneath the boat, gliding up through the gin-clear water. It’s a stunning specimen, thick-bodied and beautifully colored.
“That is a pretty fish,” James says, admiring the trout as they net it and prepare for a quick release. Thanks to the cold water, these fish release well, recovering quickly and darting back to the depths.
These trout—and the aggressive cisco schools—are often referred to as “velociraptors” by Captain Ben Wolfe, a nod to their relentless feeding behavior. And when the action is hot, the experience is almost surreal.
Tech That Powers the Pursuit
Along with lure selection and precise presentations, high-quality electronics are essential to the success of this style of fishing. The Megadon Imaging Transducer—integrated directly into Minn Kota trolling motors—offers ultra-clear views of the bottom, structure, and fish. Combined with Humminbird’s Solix Series and features like Mega Imaging+ and AutoChart Live, it’s an unbeatable system for locating and tracking fish in real time.
With this setup, anglers don’t just fish blind—they fish with intent, targeting pods, tracking movement, and adjusting on the fly. It’s this blend of old-school skill and modern innovation that defines Sport Fish Michigan’s approach.
Gear for Every Season and Every Reason
Whether it’s a dependable Lund Adventure Series boat or a V8 Mercury Pro XS engine, the equipment featured during this episode is designed to handle rough water with comfort and precision. From Smooth Moves suspension seats to Bubba’s trusted electric fillet knives, every piece of gear enhances the on-the-water experience.
Bringing It All Together: Boat Control and Cast Strategy
The final insight offered by James and Chad in this segment revolves around effective boat control. Once fish are located, the boat is pinned in position with spot-lock or anchor mode, and anglers begin fan casting across the break line. This strategic method allows them to cover water efficiently while staying within striking range of actively feeding fish.
Peak Season Fishing in Grand Traverse Bay
As spring transitions to summer, the waters of Grand Traverse Bay along Lake Michigan’s shoreline become a magnet for deepwater species. April, May, and early June are truly prime time for fishing here. With cold water holding lake trout, cisco, and even the occasional whitefish or smallmouth bass nearshore and shallow, the action is fast, accessible, and incredibly fun.
According to Captain Chad Diltz, this seasonal window provides anglers with a rare opportunity: targeting deepwater fish in relatively shallow water. Whether you’re looking for an exciting catch-and-release day or high-quality table fare, it’s all possible in this unique fishery.
The Rise of Cisco Fishing
Sport Fish Michigan’s decision to actively guide for ciscos didn’t come overnight. In fact, for years, these fish were more of a bycatch—incidental catches during trout trips. But the response from anglers was overwhelmingly positive. Clients loved the aggressive strikes, strong fights, and non-stop action ciscos provided. Recognizing the appeal, Chad and the team developed dedicated trips for cisco fishing, adding another exciting dimension to their guide offerings.
When you mix in lake trout and the possibility of picking off a rogue smallmouth bass while jigging, the trips become as diverse as they are action-packed. The unpredictability and fast-paced nature make them ideal for families, groups, and anglers of all skill levels.
A Broader Mission: Fishing with Purpose
In addition to promoting world-class fishing, this episode of The Edge highlights a deeply personal and spiritual component. James Lindner shares his involvement in the Minnesota Fishing Challenge, an annual event benefiting the Adult & Teen Challenge Centers across Minnesota. More than just a fundraiser, this tournament serves as a meaningful reunion for many people—uniting faith, family, and fishing.
James reads a moving email from a participant who describes a life-changing experience during the event. His father, acting as a boat captain for his grandson, was overwhelmed by the compassion, love, and spiritual presence at the tournament. By the end of the evening, he confided to James that he felt like a changed man.
This powerful testimonial is a reminder that fishing can be more than just a pastime. It can be a conduit for connection, healing, and transformation. As James asks the viewers, “Have you ever felt the hand of God touch you?” It’s a quiet but compelling invitation to reflect on the moments in life that feel like more than coincidence.
Wrapping Up: Fishing, Faith, and the Great Outdoors
As the episode winds down, James and Chad reflect on the beauty of the experience. From managing precise boat control and fan casting into productive zones, to experimenting with lures and battling hard-pulling trout and cisco, every moment on the water reinforces why this fishery is so special.
James signs off with a heartfelt message: “In fishing, there are good days, and there are great days. Time is just a wink from the Almighty.” The final takeaway is clear—cherish the moments, whether it’s a big fish, a quiet sunrise, or a heartfelt conversation.
For more information on how you can experience the thrill of lake trout and cisco fishing—or any of Michigan’s diverse angling opportunities—visit Sport Fish Michigan. From all of us here at The Edge, have a safe and memorable fishing season. We’ll see you on the water.
