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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown Trout were introduced to Michigan in 1883 from Germany, making Michigan one of the first states to import them to North America.

These European natives have thrived statewide and are now more tolerant of warmer water temperatures than other trout species, allowing them to occupy waters from Michigan's best-known trophy waters to small marginal streams in southern Michigan.

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta

Physical Characteristics:
  • Brown Trout average 15 inches but trophy fish regularly reach 25-30 inches, with the Michigan state record exceeding 40 pounds.
  • They display golden-brown coloration with red spots surrounded by white circles and distinctive black spots along their sides.
  • In the Great Lakes, lake-run Browns average 8 pounds but can grow much larger, with predominantly silver coloration.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide in Michigan, from best-known trophy waters to small marginal streams in southern Michigan.
  • In the Great Lakes, lake-run Browns are found near river mouths and harbors.

Key Locations

  • Michigan's famous trout streams like the Au Sable, Pere Marquette, and Manistee Rivers.
  • Inland lakes including Higgins, Burt, Mullet, McCormick, and Bear Lake.
  • Lake Michigan hotspots include Milwaukee and Racine harbors in Wisconsin, Chicago lakefront areas like Montrose and Diversey harbors, and Michigan locations like Manistee River, St.
  • Joseph River mouth, and areas near warm-water discharges.

Specific Spots

  • Found in rocky, boulder-strewn areas during spring.
  • In streams, target undercut banks, areas below riffles, pools, and runs where Browns ambush prey.
  • Target shallow flats for big Browns prowling at night.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Brown Trout in Michigan?

For Great Lakes fishing: diving plugs like Mag Lip 3.5, Kwik-Fish K-9, Lindy River Rockers, and Storm Hot n Tot. Spoons and stickbaits like Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue, Rapala Husky Jerk, and Bomber Long A. Near river mouths: spawn sacs, waxworms, or single e.g.gs under slip floats.

What flies work for Brown Trout in Michigan?

During spring hatches: Hendricksons, Little Black Stone Flies, Caddis, Sulphurs, March Browns, and Black Quills. Summer: terrestrial patterns like hoppers, ants, and beetles, plus early morning Trico hatches. Use sizes 18-22 dry flies for surface feeding. Large articulated streamers for trophy Browns.

When is the best time to fish for Brown Trout in Michigan?

Brown Trout fishing in Michigan is most productive during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). June offers exceptional dry fly fishing during the famous Hexagenia limbata (giant Michigan mayfly) hatch. Summer fishing focuses on terrestrial patterns.

How do you catch Brown Trout in Michigan?

During spring hatches, match insects. Streamer fishing with large articulated patterns works excellently for trophy Browns, particularly during low-light conditions. Mouse patterns fished at dusk and after dark can produce exceptional results.

What do Brown Trout eat?

Adult Brown Trout are highly predatory, feeding on insects and larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, small rodents, and other fish. Fish over 12-14 inches become increasingly piscivorous, targeting sculpins, smaller trout, and even mice.

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