Cold Water

East Branch Stony Creek

From 33 Mile Road to Stony Creek Impoundment. Historically this section of the watershed was stocked by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with brown trout.  While the stocking program stopped in the early 1990’s there is a possibility of some trout remaining in the creek.

This beautiful brown trout shows just how much we should value the Paint Creek and the fishing opportunities it provides.

Paint Creek

The length of the creek from Lake Orion to the city of Rochester is known as one of the best trout streams in southeast Michigan. MDNRE stocks Paint Creek with brown trout every year.  These fish are surviving very well in the creek and have made this into southeast Michigan’s “gem” of a trout stream.  The avid trout fisherman should not overlook Paint Creek.

North Branch of the Clinton River

Between Fisher Road in Bruce Township to the confluence with East Pond Creek at Powell and Romeo Roads.  In its headwaters the North Branch is small and often difficult to fish, however, reports indicate that in years past the trout fishing here was much better than most expected.

East Pond Creek

The entire length of the creek from northern Addison Township to the confluence with the North Branch Clinton of the River at 32 Mile Road.  This creek is very small and often difficult to fish, however this has been historically a fine trout fishery.  For the patient angler, the upper section of East Pond Creek has the potential for a very rewarding day of fishing.

Warm Water

Main Branch

There is a great stretch between Loon and Cass Lakes in the western part of the watershed, as well as downstream from Pontiac all the way to the county line at Yates Park. While this section of the river is primarily a warm water fishery, MDNRE has resumed the brown trout stocking program in the Auburn Hills area. There are several different access points throughout Auburn Hills to target these fish at. Check out the Parks page for public access points.

Independence Oaks County Parks

Several fishing spots are located along the headwaters of the Clinton River and in Crooked Lake.  This area of the watershed is great for anglers targeting panfish or bass.  If you are looking for a place to take a youngster fishing Independence Oaks County Park is just the place.

Inland Lakes

There are over 400 inland lakes in Oakland County, many of which provide excellent lake fishing opportunities.  Many of these lakes provide managed boat ramps for easy fishing access.  There are plenty of places to target panfish, pass, pike, walleye, and even trout in Maceday Lake.

The annual steelhead run in the Clinton River brings smiles to the faces of anglers both young and old.

River Bends Park, Shelby Township

The park entrance is off 22 Mile Road between Ryan and Shelby Roads in Shelby Township. There is a fishing access site on the Clinton River a short distance further south on Ryan Road. This is a popular access point for local steelhead fishermen in the fall, winter and spring.

CRWC staff members Dan Keifer and Jason Davis enjoying a day of fishing on the Clinton River below Yates Dam.

Main Branch

From Dequindre Road to the mouth of the Clinton River. This section of the river receives an excellent run of steelhead, white suckers and walleye each spring. These fish migrate from Lake St. Clair to the Yates Mill Dam. Throughout the rest of the year the lower sections of the Clinton River provide fishing opportunities for panfish, bass and even pike.

Spillway

East of I-94 to Lake St. Clair.  The Clinton River spillway is not often fished yet there are fishable numbers of panfish, bass and pike.  During a day of fishing the spillway an angler may be greeted with the occasional walleye or musky that has moved in from Lake St. Clair.

Assist us in keeping our information up to date. If you notice any errors or omissions, please contact our office at (248) 601-0606 or contact@crwc.org.