Rainbow Trout — Michigan Fishing
← All Fish Species

Rainbow Trout Introduced

🔬 Oncorhynchus mykiss

Stocked heavily by MDNR in many Michigan streams and lakes.

0.5-2 lbs, 10-18 inches
Typical size
26 lbs 10 oz
Michigan record
Spring, Fall
Best season
243
Listed lakes

🛡 Conservation Status

Introduced 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.

🌿 Habitat & Behavior

Cold, well-oxygenated streams and lakes. MDNR stocks heavily in rivers, inland lakes, and Great Lakes tributaries.

🎣 Best Techniques

Spinners, egg sacs, worms — drift fishing in streams

🌊 Where to Catch in Michigan

Lake County Population Notes
Big Twin Lake
210 acres
Wexford Excellent MDNR stocked regularly
Black Lake
10,130 acres
Cheboygan Excellent MDNR stocks heavily. Clear water makes fly fishing productive.
Lake Ann
176 acres
Benzie Excellent Small, cold, clear ÔÇö MDNR stocked
Walled Lake
640 acres
Oakland Excellent Rainbow trout stocked annually by MDNR.
Ackerman Lake Alger Good
Albany Creek Chippewa Good
Ankadosh Creek Chippewa Good
Anna River Alger Good
Arbutus Lake
510 acres
Grand Traverse Good MDNR stocked
Au Sable River Crawford Good
Au Sable River Iosco Good
Au Sable River Oscoda Good
Au Train River Alger Good
AuGres Arenac Good
Banana Lake Schoolcraft Good
Barber Creek Allegan Good
Bark River Delta Good
Bass Lake (West) Marquette Good
Bear Creek Manistee Good
Bear Den Lake Presque Isle Good

📦 DNR Stocking History

Total stocked: 93,080,205
Stocking events: 9,083
Peak year: 1988 (3,338,290)


Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share a tip or report!

📋 Quick Facts