Ever wondered where hatchery fish go when they retire? They could be in a body of water near you! Approximately 3,050 adult trout, retired broodstock from Michigan’s state fish hatcheries, were recently stocked by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These fish were stocked in the Huron River (Proud Lake Recreation Area, Oakland County) and Spring Mill Pond (Island Lake Recreation Area, Livingston County) in southeast Michigan.
The Huron River, downstream of the Proud Lake Dam, was stocked with approximately 990 brown trout and 1,430 rainbow trout, ranging in size from 13 inches to 20 inches.
Spring Mill Pond was stocked with approximately 200 brown trout and 425 rainbow trout, also ranging from 13 inches to 20 inches.
Special regulations apply for anglers interested in targeting these trout:
The Huron River at Proud Lake Recreation Area is closed to fishing Oct. 1 through March 31. April 1-25, anglers are limited to flies only, catch-and-release fishing, with the exception that children under 12 may keep one trout sized between 8 inches and 12 inches.
Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area is closed to fishing March 15-31. April 1-25, anglers are limited to artificial lures only, catch-and-release fishing.
On both bodies of water, beginning April 26, all baits are allowed and anglers may keep up to five trout over 8 inches, but only three of those five may be over 15 inches.
The 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations are available online along with other helpful fishing information, such as learning-to-fish tips, location suggestions, fish identification and more. Visit Michigan.gov/Fishing for the most up-to-date resources.
To see where other fish have been stocked in Michigan, visit the DNR fish stocking database.
Ever wondered where hatchery fish go when they retire? They could be in a body of water near you! Approximately 3,050 adult trout, retired broodstock from Michigan’s state fish hatcheries, were recently stocked by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These fish were stocked in the Huron River (Proud Lake Recreation Area, Oakland County) and Spring Mill Pond (Island Lake Recreation Area, Livingston County) in southeast Michigan.
Special regulations apply for anglers interested in targeting these trout:
