Brown Trout is recorded in 14 of the 24 spots within 75 minutes of Traverse City. Below are the strongest of them by our score: drive time, depth data, species and public access.
By our bite calendar, Brown Trout peaks around Traverse City in May, June, and July. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Brown Trout near Traverse City
1. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is a 2-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Boardman River, the public ramp on Lake Michigan closest to downtown (≈ 0.3 mi). Public access on Lake Michigan: 26 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 902 ft. Recorded here: Alewife, Common Carp, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
2. Elk Lake
Elk Lake is a 25-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Whitewater Township Park, the public ramp on Elk Lake closest to downtown (≈ 12 mi). Public access on Elk Lake: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 150 ft. Recorded here: Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and Cisco.
3. Green Lake
Green Lake is a 21-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Green Lake, the public ramp on Green Lake closest to downtown (≈ 14.1 mi). Public access on Green Lake: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 102 ft. Recorded here: Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass.
4. Duck Lake
Duck Lake is a 22-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Interlochen State Park - Duck Lake, the public ramp on Duck Lake closest to downtown (≈ 11.5 mi). Public access on Duck Lake: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 98 ft. Recorded here: Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Cisco, and Bluegill.
5. Torch Lake
Torch Lake is a 36-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Torch River Bridge, the public ramp on Torch Lake closest to downtown (≈ 15.4 mi). Public access on Torch Lake: 5 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 250 ft. Recorded here: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, and Atlantic Salmon.
6. Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a 39-minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Launch at Crystal Lake Marina, the public ramp on Crystal Lake closest to downtown (≈ 24.7 mi). Public access on Crystal Lake: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 175 ft. Recorded here: Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and Atlantic Salmon.
