Grand Rapids, Michigan

Trout Limit in Michigan

The daily bag limit for trout caught in inland Michigan waters is five fish with only three that can measure greater than fifteen inches in length. There are certain inland waters where the daily limit for brook trout is ten fish.

The daily trout limit for brown, rainbow, and brook trout caught in the Great Lakes is five fish with a maximum of three from any one species. The daily trout limit for splake and lake trout caught in the Great Lakes is two to five fish measuring at least fifteen inches in length.

In this article, we will review the Michigan fishing regulations for 2022 as well as the size limit for brown and steelhead trout. We will also provide you with a map of Michigan trout streams.

Michigan Fishing Regulations 2022

All anglers over the age of sixteen, whether resident or non-resident, are required to possess a valid Michigan fishing license to fish in state waters. Certain designated trout streams and lakes have gear restrictions such as flies only, artificial lures only, or special hook restrictions. In some waters, you can use live bait to fish for trout, but others prohibit it.

Check the 2022 Michigan Fishing Guide found on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for designations of trout water bodies and their individual regulations and restrictions.  

Brown Trout Size Limit

For brown trout harvested from inland waters of Michigan, they must measure at least eight inches in length. For brown trout harvested from the Great Lakes region, they must measure at least ten inches in length.

Michigan Steelhead Size Limit

The size limit for steelhead trout caught in inland Michigan waters is eight inches in length. The size limit for steelhead trout caught in the Great Lakes region is ten inches in length.

Michigan Trout Stream Map