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Huron River, Spring Mill Pond stocked with thousands of trout -- What anglers need to know

By Amber Ainsworth
Published  March 31, 2023 3:05pm EDT
Environment
FOX 2 Detroit
article

Michigan DNR Fisheries hatchery staff release adult broodstock trout into the Huron River at Proud Lake Recreation Area. 

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (Fox 2) - Thousands of trout were recently added to the Huron River and Spring Mill Pond.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said about 1,200 brown trout and 1,200 rainbow trout were stocked in the Huron River downstream of the Proud Lake Dam in Oakland County. All of these trout range in size from 14 to 19 inches.

Spring Mill Pond in Livingston County received approximately 220 brown trout and 400 rainbow trout, also ranging in size from 14 to 19 inches.

In addition to the adult trout, 900 yearling rainbow trout were stocked in the Huron River, and 650 were added to Spring Mill Pond. The DNR noted that some of these yearlings may be smaller than the minimum size of 8 inches at first.

Related: MDHHS updates guidelines for eating rainbow smelt, carp from some Michigan lakes

There are special regulations for anglers wanting to catch the trout:

  • The Huron River at Proud Lake Recreation Area is closed to fishing Oct. 1 through March 31. April 1 through April 28, anglers are limited to flies only, catch-and-release fishing. The exception is that children under 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 through March 31. April 1 through April 28, anglers are limited to artificial lures only, catch-and-release fishing.
  • On both bodies of water, beginning April 29, 2023, all baits are allowed, and anglers may keep up to five trout over 8 inches, but only three over 15 inches.