Michigan Brown Trout

Question
I was wondering if you have any Brown Trout fishing tips, what lures to use, how deep should I look for them, etc. I know some guys are catching them in Lake Michigan right now. What are the restrictions on catching this fish? Appreciate any info on Michigan Lake Brown Trout.

Answer
Hi Erick,

I'm not sure where you are writing from, but in Wisconsin the limit is five fish per day.  If you want to keep some actually keep some of the smaller ones (3-4 pounds).  

The trout can be at any depths.  It is all dependent on the water temps and what time of the day or year it is.  They will see out a preferred temp range which may be very deep or on the bottom in the summer.  It may be near the surface during the cold parts of the year.  If their food source is on the bottom they will be there too.  Likewise with bait on the surface.  They will also feed higher early in the day and drop deeper as the sun gets higher.

My favorite lures are Mepps Syclops spoons ##1 and #2), Storms 4.5" Thundersticks, Rapala Shadraps, Jigging spoons and a plain jig tipped with a 4" white gulp minnow.  Keep your line light.  I use 8# most of the time.  Use a clear line.  

For live baits, medium golden shiners, spawn bags, and in the summer a live Alewife.

Good luck,

Marc