What can I expect from Houghton Lake?

[Maydar1]

How is the fishing in this lake. I've never been there before. I heading up Wed-Sunday next weekend. How is the bass fishing smallmouth or largemouth, walley, pike. I'm pretty sure I heard it's an excellent panfish lake, but I like looking for the bigger fish. Thanks for you help.

[Burksee]

We were up that way during Memorial Day weekend, lots of boats! Got a few fish but wasnt really tryin to hard. It was more of a family floatin around the lake kinda day. Did hear of some reports of some decent catchs though!

Good fishing reports, bait and lodging if needed can found at any of these places at Houghton Lake.

Lyman's On the Lake Resort
6560 Houghton Lake Dr.
Houghton Lake, MI 48629
(989)422-3231
http://www.houghtonlakefishing.com/teamlyman/

Korbinski's Marine
363 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
Prudenville MI 48651-9457
(989)366-9500
http://www.korbinskis.com
(*see reports on the bulletin board)

Zagers Sportsman Resort & Marine, LLC
228 Rapson Ave
Houghton Lake, MI 48629
(989)366-5471
http://www.sportsmanresort.net/

Good luck and please post a report when you get back! :)

[FREEPOP]

As with any large body of water, be careful of the weather. The lake is relatively shallow and you can get into real big trouble real fast if a strom moves in. I'm not real intimate as some here and I'm sure some will help with advise, maybe even an evening of fishing.

[scottyhoover]

You can expect:
1. The best fishing is generally first hour/last hour, but if fished properly they can be had all day long.
2. The real fisherman get on the water at 6am, then at about 8am a fleet of pontoon boats will pull up well within casting distance and proceed to run the fish out of your weed spot. (shouting matches will ensue)
3. To keep catching annoying rock bass.
4. If you work it right, you can expect this:
http://www.michigan-walleye.com/photo/galleries/Walleye/houghton_eye1.jpg

[ih772]

For every one walleye you catch expect ten hammerhandle pike. The bite is anywhere from 1 hour to half an hour in the early morning and late evening. The weekend pontoon fisherman will anchor on top of you and drive the fish away. It's best to fish it during the week and away from crowds. try the south west end of the lake. ;)