Guide To Great Trout Fishing In Michigan

All about fishing for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

Trout Waters

Cold, clear water creates ideal conditions for trout. And, Michigan has lots of it, including ice fishing options. Aside from the rivers and streams containing trout there are quite a number of larger lakes with healthy trout populations. These lakes include Black Lake, Brevoort Lake, Burt Lake, Crystal Lake, Elk Lake, Glen Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Charlevoix, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Leelanau, Lake Michigamme, Lake Michigan, Lake St Clair, Lake Superior, Manistique Lake, Mullett Lake, Torch Lake and Wixom Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Michigan Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout came out of Lake Michigan.

The state record brook trout was taken out of Clear Lake.

The state record for brown trout came from the Manistee River.

The state record for lake trout was served by Lake Superior.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources stock trout in waters across the state. Visit their website for details and information regarding trout stockings in Michigan.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout information

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.