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Brook Trout ⚠ Special Concern

πŸ”¬ Salvelinus fontinalis

Michigan's only native trout β€” a true gem of the north. Prefer pristine, cold headwater streams in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan.

0.25-0.75 lb, 8-12 inches
Typical size
9 lbs 1 oz
Michigan record
Spring, Fall
Best season
266
Listed lakes

πŸ›‘ Conservation Status

⚠ Special Concern Michigan's only native trout. Requires cold, clean headwater streams β€” the clearest indicator of watershed health. Populations in southern Michigan have declined due to warming waters and sedimentation. UP and northern Lower Michigan populations remain strong.

🌿 Habitat & Behavior

Cold, clean headwater streams and spring seeps. Stocked in select inland lakes. Sensitive to warm water ÔÇâ gone when temps hit 68┬░F.

🎣 Best Techniques

Small spinners, dry flies, wet flies, small worms ÔÇâ match the hatch in clear streams

🌊 Where to Catch in Michigan

Lake County Population Notes
Addis Lake(s) Alger Good β€”
Albany Creek Chippewa Good β€”
Alberta Pond Baraga Good β€”
Ankadosh Creek Chippewa Good β€”
Arbutus Lake
510 acres
Grand Traverse Good Cold, clear water β€” native brook trout
Arfelin Lake Marquette Good β€”
Au Sable River Crawford Good β€”
Au Sable River Crawford Good β€”
Au Sable River Oscoda Good β€”
Au Sable River (East Branch) Crawford Good β€”
Au Sable River (East Branch) Crawford Good β€”
Au Sable River (North Branch) Crawford Good β€”
Au Sable River (North Branch) Crawford Good β€”
Au Sable River (South Branch) Crawford Good β€”
Au Sable River (South Branch) Roscommon Good β€”
Au Sable River (South Branch) Crawford Good β€”
AuGres Arenac Good β€”
Barber Creek Allegan Good β€”
Bark River Delta Good β€”
Bass Lake Dickinson Good β€”

πŸ“¦ DNR Stocking History

Total stocked: 6,394,645
Stocking events: 3,690
Peak year: 1987 (474,684)

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πŸ“‹ Quick Facts