Some trout are also present between the mouth of Paint Creek in Rochester and Dequindre. There is also some hit-or-miss catch-and-release trout fishing in the North Branch of the Clinton downstream from Romeo-Plank Road in Macomb County. You can get additional information on fishing it from the DNR at (734) 432-1267.

In Lapeer County, the South Branch of the Flint River is also open for catch-and-release brown trout fishing between Davison Lake Road and Higley Road, but it hasn’t been stocked in recent years.

HOW TO CATCH ’EM
For trout, the normal active water temperature feeding range is between 50 and 65 degrees. In January and February, the water temperature will always be below this, but the trout will still feed through the winter.

A rising water temperature tends to turn trout on, and they can detect — and respond — to a change of less than 1 degree. You’ll want to concentrate your fishing when the water temperature is on the rise and weather is mild. This means fishing during the warmest part of the day, usually from mid- to late morning to late afternoon. In the winter, sunny days are usually better than cloudy ones, unless it’s really mild. Sometimes a very cold morning followed by a warm, sunny day can produce prime fishing in the afternoon. This is especially true if anchor ice forms overnight. The action of the anchor ice lifting off the bottom as the day warms brings up with it some sand and other substrate. This also puts aquatic insects and other invertebrates into the flow, where they become easy pickings for the trout.

It is a good idea to choose lures or flies that will be a substantial meal for trout, rather than trying to match the natural food. Fish them as slow as possible so the fish get a long look at them. Often, a bright or gaudy fly or lure will excite a brown or brookie into grabbing your offering.

Keeping warm is important to enjoying a winter trout outing. Always dress in layers topped off by a jacket that’s both windproof and waterproof. It may be too cold to rain, but melting snow can get you wet, too. A warm hat is also very important. I hate fishing with gloves on, but sometimes it is just too cold. Fingerless wool gloves work for me, but there are many other types out there. Taking a break and putting your hands under your armpits can help. Likewise, moving to another spot can warm you up. Of course, the ultimate in warming up is hooking and landing a nice trout!

Boot-foot neoprene waders are ideal for ice-water wading. Be sure to wade carefully, because while taking a spill in the summer might be a nuisance, falling in right now can end your trip pretty fast. A wading staff can be very helpful in keeping you upright. Studded soles can help with ice and slippery rocks. Felt is often not a good choice now, because snow sticks to it and builds up, making for difficult walking on the bank when you change locations.

Local tackle shops are frequently your best source for current stream conditions. You can get phone numbers for those close to your chosen stream, along with information on lodging, restaurants and more from the local chambers of commerce. For info on reaching them, contact the Michigan Chamber of Commerce at (517) 371-2100 or go online at www.michamber.com.