Trout newbie.

[Hammer-Time]

Hey guys. Im looking to hopefully get in some kind of trout fishing before summer ends. Im kinda new to the whole thing and was hoping for some information. I live in the saginaw area and was wondering, where is the closest "good" trout stream. Im just looking for a good days fun and maybe a nice meal too. thanks

[spiff]

I'm new, too, but the best source I've found of trout stream locations is the Inland Trout and Salmon Guide from the DNR. You can pick one up at any location that sells fishing licenses. It has maps, regulations, etc.

Good luck.

[MEL]

I would say the closest one to you would be the Rifle River. Its a good trout stream, pretty easy to wade. Lots of canoes and tubers during the nice hot days tho. You can also find trout in the colder sections of a couple of the rivers around the Clare and Mt Pleasant areas.
I would say your best place for info on trout fishing is right here on MSF.
Look around, do some research, ask questions and we'll get you on the fish.
Another place to look is in books. Trout streams of Michigan, Flyfishers guide to Michigan and the Tom Huggler series Fish Michigan, 50 rivers and the 2nd one 50 more rivers will all give you very valuable information.
The Mich. trout and salmon guide is a guide of rules. Its not going to tell you what waters are truely trout waters. It may be usefull to look at certian rivers or to find rivers in certian areas. But just cause a certian river may be a "green" or #1 river it does not mean that Browns and Brookies and Rainbows will be in there. It may only be a salmon/Steelie stream!!!!!
For example, the Titabawasassee near Saginaw is a #3 stream in the Guide.
Good luck catching a Brook,Brown or Bow and there in July-Aug.-Sept. or
at anytime for that matter!!!! Remember the Trout Guide is a guide to the REGULATIONS that cover trout waters. Its not a guide as far as putting you on trout waters. But it can be usefull as reference!!!!

[woodie slayer]

for a newbie that wants to learn how to catch trout i would fish the Ausable below Mio dam.they plant 50-60 thousand browns and rain bows every year and they are usually eager to bite worms,small spinners or if you are new with a fly rod it is a perfect place to learn to fish dries.
it's easy to wade and lots of different accesses between Mio and Mc Kinley..or you can rent a canoe and float it.

[MEL]

Re: Au Sable below Mio. I fish it quite often as we have a family cabin in the area.
I see two possable proublems for a "newbie". 1) quick,fast,strong water for a newbe to try to fish. Also, some DEEP holes. Its ok if youve got a few years wading expierence under your belt.
2) Regulations:(see Oscoda in your guide) The regulations right in that area changes from a #2 to a
special lures and flys only area. NO bait!!! And the DNR watches that area
real heavy. Other than that its a wonderfull area to fish. Weekends can be a bummer due to the canoes and A-holes(drunks) getting on right there in Mio. Some big Browns can be taken in that area.

If your gonna make that trip consider the Manistee north of Grayling also.
Small water. gentle flow. Clear and Cold. Good access. plenty of Browns and Brooks to keep you busy and my favorite......lack of Canoes(drunks) and its a #2 so flys,lures and bait are permitted
Still for my money being close to Saginaw, easy to fish, good population of trout I'd try the Rifle.

[Hammer-Time]

I think im going to give the rifle a try. For being not too far away from saginaw, it seems the better choice(with gas prices and all). Id love to get into fly fishing, but not this year for me. Too close to waterfowl season for me to be spending more money than needed. Im on one of those college budgets too.

[IGGY]

Hammer
Fish north of Greenwood rd. to the headwaters.