Rainbow Trout Introduced
🔬 Oncorhynchus mykiss
Stocked heavily by MDNR in many Michigan streams and lakes.
🎣 Get Full Stocking Data & Forecasts
Fishing Pro · $4.99/mo · Cancel anytime
Bite this month
Good
Best season
Spring, Fall
Keeper size
10" at ~2 yrs
Regulations
15" min · limit 5
Where to Catch Rainbow Trout in Michigan
| Lake | County | Population |
|---|---|---|
|
Big Twin Lake
210 acres
|
Wexford | |
|
Black Lake
10,130 acres
|
Cheboygan | |
|
Lake Ann
176 acres
|
Benzie | |
|
Walled Lake
640 acres
|
Oakland | |
| Ackerman Lake | Alger | |
| Ada Township Park Pond | ||
| Albany Creek | Chippewa | |
| Algoe Lake | Lapeer | |
| Allans Lake (LaFarge Quarry) | ||
| Allen Lake | ||
| Andrus Lake | ||
| Ankadosh Creek | Chippewa | |
| Anna River | Alger | |
| Appleton Lake | ||
|
Arbutus Lake
510 acres
|
Grand Traverse | |
| Au Sable River | Crawford | |
| Au Sable River | Iosco | |
| Au Sable River | Oscoda | |
| Au Sable River | Crawford | |
| Au Train River | Alger |
Rainbow Trout Conservation Status
Introduced Rainbow Trout was introduced to Michigan and is now an established part of the fishery. Native to Pacific drainages. Introduced to Michigan in the 1800s and now a cornerstone of MDNR's stocking program. Not harmful in managed trout streams and lakes. Michigan requires a minimum length of 15" to keep. The daily bag limit is 5.
Rainbow Trout Habitat & Behavior
Cold, well-oxygenated streams and lakes. MDNR stocks heavily in rivers, inland lakes, and Great Lakes tributaries. DNR records show Rainbow Trout present in 615 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Crawford, Cheboygan and Roscommon counties. Bite activity rates Good or better in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.
Best Rainbow Trout Techniques
Spinners, egg sacs, worms — drift fishing in streams
Best Rainbow Trout Baits
Spawn sacs, egg flies, Kwikfish plugs, night crawlers, small spoons
Rainbow Trout Fishing Regulations in Michigan
15"
Minimum size
5
Daily limit
10
Possession limit
Year-round on most streams (check specific river regs)
Season
Lake-run steelhead peak spring and fall. Stream regulations vary widely — some rivers have catch-and-release only sections or special size limits.
⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually.
Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.
Michigan DNR Rainbow Trout Stocking Records
Rainbow Trout Stocking Events by Lake
| Date | Lake | County | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13 more recent stocking events available with Fishing Pro
See what's been stocked recently, including lake, quantity, and size.
|
||||
| May 26, 2026 | Cedar River | Menominee | 15,998 | 7.6" |
| May 26, 2026 | Carp River | Marquette | 8,999 | 7.8" |
| May 26, 2026 | Carp River | Marquette | 4,800 | 7.8" |
| May 21, 2026 | Tamarack Creek | Montcalm | 1,300 | 6.6" |
| May 21, 2026 | Tamarack Creek | Montcalm | 2,700 | 6.6" |
| May 21, 2026 | Tamarack Creek | Montcalm | 900 | 6.6" |
| May 20, 2026 | Au Sable River | Crawford | 37,117 | 3.3" |
| May 20, 2026 | Brevoort River | Mackinac | 7,298 | 7.2" |
| May 20, 2026 | Au Sable River | Oscoda | 37,117 | 3.3" |
| May 20, 2026 | Huron River | Baraga | 14,595 | 7.2" |
| May 19, 2026 | St. Marys River | Chippewa | 9,149 | 7.4" |
| May 19, 2026 | St. Marys River | Chippewa | 9,150 | 7.4" |
Most valuable for Rainbow Trout anglers
See where Rainbow Trout will be stocked next
Full stocking history across all 495 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
Fishing Pro — $4.99/mo
16,255
Historical stocking events
495
Lakes stocked
Apr
Next likely stocking window
Peak Stocking Months
Apr
May
Jun
Top Stocked Lakes
See the top 5 lakes most likely to be stocked with Rainbow Trout next season.
Unlock with Fishing Pro
Forecast based on historical DNR stocking patterns. Not a guarantee of future stocking. Verify with the Michigan DNR.
Unlock with Fishing Pro
Estimated Mature Rainbow Trout — September
See Which Lakes Have Mature Rainbow Trout Right Now
Based on DNR stocking records from 2023–2025, we estimate which Michigan lakes likely hold Rainbow Trout at keeper size (10") today.
Best Times to Fish Rainbow Trout
Angler Tips for Rainbow Trout
No tips yet for this species. Fishing Pro members can share tips and photos.
Be the first to share an angler tip
Fishing Pro members only