Higgens smelt

[fishmaster08]

how is the smelt action? how much ice is out there? enough for machines?

[HeavyF150]

Smelt Saturday night were slow, two guys, three hours, 5 smelt.

Saturday during the day there must have been 50 or 60 shantys out off the north shore. Quads and sleds everywhere.

The holes we drilled Saturday night were through about 14-16 in of ice, with only about 6-8 in of snow on top.

If you need anything while in the area, go see Bill at Higgins Lake Sport and Party store. (989) 821-9517

[born2fish]

Are the reports of slow smelt action in the first half of February usual. My first year of smelt fishing was 2007 and I really got started the 26th and 27th of Feb.

I ask because I planned on making my first trip this coming weekend (2/16) with a buddy who has not fished for smelt before and I am a little worried about the reports I've heard so far. I have the shanty, heater, and lantern (as well as under water light, marine battery) so comfort should not be a problem but NO BITES=NO FUN. .

I know it will pick up as winter continues, but unfortunately his wife is expecting in March and this will be the last over night trip allowed, so rescheduling for later in 2008 is not possible. Just wondering what others with more experience think about this year so far.

[chibear54]

you can get into them now....i've heard mixed reports, but some really good ones. but as everyone says, it will get better later on

[Scout 2]

Some people are getting them now but keeping still on when and where.

[born2fish]

Some people are getting them now but keeping still on when and where.

The're Smelt:confused: In biologic terms, glorified bait. Bottom of the food chain. No shortage of numbers. This is one fishery where as long as the neighbors are not obnoxious, I say the more, the merrier. Selfishness is not an option.

Its a large enough lake that I am limited to the access sites anyway.

[buck_buster]

We just got back from fishing Higgins for a week and it was a great trip. The smelt finally turned on last night and we did rather well. The perch are huge this year and we did even better catching them. If you are going up to fish smelt, stay away from the North State Park because the smelt are not biting well there yet. Go directly out in front of Big Creek and you will have alot of fun. As for the perch we did well at Table Top, Flag point and treasure island. When I get a minute to unpack I will post cordinates. If you need anything while you are up there, make sure you see Bill at Higgins lake sport and tackle. Bill is a great guy and will point you in the right direction and you won't have to second guess the information obtained.:fish:

[Ferris_StateHunter]

I do not know how anyone can go smelt fishing and not have a good time...

but It will pick up later in the year

[swampbuck]

Just so you know there is access all the way around higgins lake. you can use any road end for access and unless its marked no parking(not many) you can park at the road end also. look at a map there is probably 100 access points or more.

buck busters locations are very good but by no means are they the only locations or the best for that matter. I also agree that Bill at higgins lake sport is a good place to start, for info or whatever you need.

[lakertaker08]

Fished Higgins for smelt lasnight from dark until 9 and between 2 of us we caught 56. They were nailing it early and then kind of shut off but we had plenty for laker bait so we went home.

[buck_buster]

swampbuck your right there are many other places for good catches on higgins. We have had our place up their for about 15 yrs. now and there are many places I fish and do well but to have to give that information would be insane if you know what I mean:)

[JIG_EM_UP-DEER_DOWN]

I am going up tommorow night. Where's the smelt at???? Have heard a mix report, and only staying for about 4 hrs then heading up to the U.P. I would like to get some snacks for out on the ice. Thanks for the help.

[swampbuck]

swampbuck your right there are many other places for good catches on higgins. We have had our place up their for about 15 yrs. now and there are many places I fish and do well but to have to give that information would be insane if you know what I mean:)

I agree. I hope it dont get too crazy around big creek those people in that neighborhood can be kind of touchy. It would be nice if both smeltowns break up a little though. the mess from that large of gathering is disturbing and uncalled for.