West Branch Trail Creek

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 2
Species: 5

West Branch Trail Creek is a stream located in LaPorte County, Indiana, which flows through the Michigan City area before eventually connecting with the main Trail Creek channel and emptying into Lake Michigan. This waterway serves as an important tributary that supports a diverse fishery, particularly known for its steelhead, coho salmon, and chinook salmon populations. As part of the Lake Michigan watershed system, West Branch Trail Creek provides anglers with opportunities to target migratory fish species that run upstream from Lake Michigan during various seasons, making it a popular destination for both local and visiting anglers looking to experience the thrill of catching these powerful fish in a stream setting.

Indiana licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at West Branch Trail Creek and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Steelhead

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

Rainbow Trout17,842 fish · FingerlingsSep 11, 2025
Coho Salmon32,007 fish · FingerlingsSep 10, 2025
Coho Salmon31,002 fish · FingerlingsSep 10, 2025
Rainbow Trout19,783 fish · YearlingsMar 26, 2025
Rainbow Trout16,927 fish · YearlingsMar 25, 2025

Source

Great Lakes Fishery Commission

Updated Nov 14, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on West Branch Trail Creek. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Trail Creek (Old Johnson Rd.) Access

Access Point

Trail Creek (Creek Ridge County Park) Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on West Branch Trail Creek

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Indiana licenses and regulations

Indiana Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Indiana Fishing License

Non-resident youth age 17 or younger are exempt from a fishing license, state migratory waterfowl stamp, and gamebird habitat stamp.

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Indiana Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Indiana Stream Access Laws

Public recreation and boating are allowed on all navigable, state-owned waters/riverbeds. That determination, however, can be difficult to ascertain. We recommend consulting a stream roster on indiana.gov

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Take West Branch Trail Creek with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around West Branch Trail Creek to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for West Branch Trail Creek to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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