The Michigan DNR stocked 2,800 large adult trout in Southeast Michigan.
The trout are retired broodstock from Michigan’s state fish hatcheries. They have been stocked in the Proud Lake Recreation Area of the Huron River in Oakland County and the Island Lake Recreation Area of Spring Mill Pond in Livingston County.
Here’s how many trout were stocked:
- The Huron River, downstream of the Proud Lake Dam, was stocked with approximately 1,370 brown trout and 1,400 rainbow trout, all ranging in size from 13 inches to 19 inches.
- Spring Mill Pond was stocked with approximately 450 brown trout and 200 rainbow trout, also ranging from 13 inches to 19 inches.
- In addition, 400 yearling rainbow trout were stocked in the Huron River and 100 in Spring Mill Pond. Anglers should be aware that some portion of these yearlings may at first be smaller than the minimum size limit of 8 inches.
Special regulations for anglers
The DNR said special regulations apply for anglers interested in catching the stocked trout.
The Huron River at Proud Lake Recreation Area is closed to fishing from Oct. 1 through March 31. From April 1 through April 29, anglers can only use flies and do catch-and-release fishing. Children under 12 may keep one trout sized between eight inches and 12 inches.
Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area is closed to fishing March 15 through March 31. From April 1 through April 29, anglers are to use artificial lures only and do catch-and-release fishing.
On both bodies of water, beginning April 30, all baits are allowed and anglers can keep up to five trout over eight inches -- but only keep three trout over 15 inches.
The Clinton River was stocked with 640 adult brown trout ranging from 13 to 17 inches. The fish stocked at Riverside Park in Auburn Hills are meant to offer more fishing opportunities beyond the yearling fish that are stocked each year. The Clinton River is open to trout fishing all year and anglers can keep up to five trout over eight inches, but only three over 15 inches.
‘Do Not Eat’ fish advisory
The fish were stocked upstream of the section of the Huron River that is under a “Do Not Eat” fish advisory due to elevated PFAS levels in fish.
The section of the Huron River under the advisory is from Wixom Road south to Lake Erie. The main source of contamination in Norton Creek has been addressed, but the advisory is still in place until more testing can be completed. Spring Mill Pond is not connected to the Huron River and is not affected by the advisory.
More information can be found at Michigan.gov/PFASResponse.
2024 Michigan Fishing Guide
Learn more about fishing in Michigan by visiting Michigan.gov/Fishing.