Mill Creek is the largest tributary of the Huron River in South-East Michigan. For the past decade Ann Arbor Trout Unlimited, in cooperation with many local and national organizations, has worked to create a trout fishery in Mill Creek. Today Mill Creek provides anglers a rare opportunity to catch brown trout in Southeast Michigan.
The concept was explored as early as 2008 by Tom Edsall and Carlos Fetterolf and stocking began after the removal of a low-head dam in Dexter, Michigan. After years of data collection AATU was able to demonstrate that trout could survive year round in Mill Creek and were growing at a rate consistent with other Michigan trout streams. At this point AATU and the Michigan DNR entered a long-term stocking agreement with ongoing conditions related to angler data collection and in-steam sampling.
While the project has seen much success the work is not done. We continue to work to improve habitant, study the creek, and learn more about angler experiences. Read below to learn how you can help continue to ensure the success of the project and development of this unique resource!
The concept was explored as early as 2008 by Tom Edsall and Carlos Fetterolf and stocking began after the removal of a low-head dam in Dexter, Michigan. After years of data collection AATU was able to demonstrate that trout could survive year round in Mill Creek and were growing at a rate consistent with other Michigan trout streams. At this point AATU and the Michigan DNR entered a long-term stocking agreement with ongoing conditions related to angler data collection and in-steam sampling.
While the project has seen much success the work is not done. We continue to work to improve habitant, study the creek, and learn more about angler experiences. Read below to learn how you can help continue to ensure the success of the project and development of this unique resource!
70 Degree Pledge
Brown trout are a cold-water species and are stressed when water temperatures warm. Ann Arbor Trout Unlimited asks anglers to refrain from targeting trout in Mill Creek when water temperatures approach or exceed 70˚F. During summer 2023 AATU installed an EviroDIY water monitor in Mill Creek. This monitor will provide information on the water temperature in Mill Creek in real time.
Mill Creek Fish Survey
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For over a decade the Ann Arbor chapter of Trout Unlimited has been working closely with the Michigan DNR to develop a trout fishery in Mill Creek. We need your help to keep the project and fishery moving forward. If you have fished Mill Creek recently let us know about you experience by filling out the "Mill Creek Fish Survey" form on this page. Your experience helps us understand angler use and the health of the fishery. We don't just want to know about successful outings, you can tell us about the unsuccessful ones too (although you know what they say about a bad day of fishing!). Let us know what you caught, where you fished, and how long you spent fishing, and don't worry, we wont give away your secret spot! We appreciate your help in continuing to make the Mill Creek project a success!
Tight Lines, AATU |
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Mill Creek Access Guide
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The Mill Creek Public Access Points and Stream Section Guide is a great resource for anglers looking to explore Mill Creek. Available for free-download below, the guide gives anglers a detailed description of different sections of the public waters of Mill Creek as well as the best access points. The guide was made possible by thousands of angler hours spent exploring and fishing the creek and the work of many Ann Arbor Trout Unlimited volunteers . Click below for a free download of the guide. |
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