Approximately 4,900 adult trout were stocked by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the Clinton River (Auburn Hills), Huron River (Proud Lake Recreation Area) and Spring Mill Pond (Island Lake Recreation Area) in southeast Michigan. These fish are retired broodstock from Michigan’s state fish hatcheries.
The Huron River, downstream of the Proud Lake Dam, was stocked with 1,900 brown trout and 1,400 rainbow trout, all ranging in sizes from 13 to 19 inches. Spring Mill Pond was stocked with 380 brown trout and 540 rainbow trout, also ranging in size from 13 to 19 inches.
In addition, 200 yearling rainbow trout were stocked in the Huron River and 300 in Spring Mill Pond. Anglers should be aware that some portion of these yearlings will at first be smaller than the minimum size limit of 8 inches.
Special regulations apply for anglers interested in targeting these 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 are limited to flies only, catch-and-release fishing. The exception is that children under the age of 12 during this time period may keep one trout that meets the 8-inch minimum size limit and is under 12 inches.
- Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area is closed to fishing March 15 to March 31. From April 1 through April 29 anglers are limited to artificial lures only, catch-and-release fishing.
- On both bodies of water, beginning April 30, all baits are allowed, and anglers may keep up to five trout over 8 inches, but only three over 15 inches.
- The Clinton River was stocked with 650 brown trout averaging 17 inches at Riverside Park in Auburn Hills. The Clinton River is open to trout fishing all year, and anglers can keep up to five trout over 8 inches, but only three over 15 inches.
Mention of PFAS concerns
The Huron River is under a “Do Not Eat” fish consumption advisory from Wixom Road south to Lake Erie due to elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in fish. The main source of PFAS contamination in Norton Creek has been addressed, but the advisory is still in place until further testing. These trout do not reside in the Huron River for long periods of time. Touching the fish or water is not considered a health concern.
For more information, go to Michigan.gov/PFASResponse and search for Huron River. Spring Mill Pond is not connected to the Huron River and not affected by the consumption advisory.
For more information on 2022 fishing regulations, visit Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.
