Brown Trout

While Lake Michigan is known for its salmon and steelhead, Brown Trout fishing is also available near Portage, Indiana, primarily in the lake itself and its tributaries. The best time to target these browns is during the spring and fall migrations, as they move closer to shore to spawn or feed. Focus your efforts near the mouths of rivers and streams that flow into Lake Michigan. A valuable local tip: Anglers often find success trolling with spoons or crankbaits in the nearshore waters. Additionally, pier fishing at Burns Harbor can be productive, especially during early morning or late evening hours. These Brown Trout can be surprisingly large, often exceeding 5 pounds, and they put up a good fight. Be sure to check the Indiana DNR regulations for size and bag limits, as they can vary depending on the location and time of year. Using a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish can greatly improve your chances of finding trout.