All trout anglers have their favorite fishing spots, and the search for a new location can be both exciting and daunting. Trout Trails, a new Michigan DNR online mapping tool, can equip resident and out-of-state anglers with detailed site knowledge for trout-fishing locations to help plan future trips.

Trout Trails was launched online in 2015 in an effort to connect anglers with lesser-known trout waters. Michigan is nationally known as a trout-fishing destination with nearly 20,000 streams and hundreds of lakes. This tool highlights locations in the western Upper Peninsula and the north-central and southwestern areas of the Lower Peninsula.

The development of the online aid includes several phases and already features 129 sites. A second phase is coming later this spring that will add 56 new fishing sites in the central Upper Peninsula, northwestern Lower Peninsula and southeastern L.P.

All site descriptions include detailed information regarding trout species available, fishing regulations, presence of stocked or naturally reproducing trout, driving directions, non-trout species that may be caught, information such as presence of fast water if one is wading, canoe/kayak/tube accessibility, the best times to fish, what bait or lures to use and much more. Also included is a site photograph along with links for area lodging, restaurants, additional activities and guide services.

The goal of Trout Trails is to help anglers find new places to go and plan with confidence from the most detailed information available. Each location has been verified by DNR fisheries biologists to ensure that the information obtained is current and accurate.

The fishing sites are presented in a map format that makes it easy to glean all the necessary information from each destination point. The site is mobile-friendly and accessible via any type of device. Additionally, information for each of the sites is available in a printable format.

Don’t forget that each year the DNR will add additional sites to eventually provide statewide reports. To access Michigan’s Trout Trails, visit michigan.gov/trouttrails. The DNR hopes it will entice anglers to explore new fishing locations, opportunities and adventures they haven’t had before, including each season.

Michigan’s trout seasons
Michigan provides outstanding opportunities all year for trout, but here are details on specific seasons anglers may be interested in.

Anglers can fish for brook, brown, lake, rainbow (steelhead) trout and splake on all Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers year ‘round. The minimum size limits vary, as do possession limits. Check out the 2016 Michigan Fishing Guide for full details.

The season for Type A and D trout lakes and Type 1 and 2 trout streams is open April 30 through September 30. Other rules and regulations apply, including tackle restrictions, daily possession limits and size limits. Full details can be found in the 2016 Michigan Fishing Guide.

For all other waters, including Type B, C, E and F trout lakes and Type 3 and 4 trout streams, the season is open all year. There are possession-season differences though, as well as minimum size limits and daily possession limits.

Additional locations are considered Gear Restricted Streams. Full details on those areas are in the 2016 Michigan Fishing Guide.

The 2016 Michigan Fishing Guide can be found at retailers located throughout the state or by visiting michigan.gov/fishingguide. Come partake in some of the finest trout fishing in the country—start planning a trip by visiting michigan.gov/fishing.