Houghton or Higgins Lake

[Big Albie]

going to a cabin in Houghton Lake Late July not sue where to go any body know what lake is good for fishing

[shanny28757]

I wouldn't start at Houghton Lake if I were you...we've had VERY limited success. The little success we have had has not been consistent at all.

However, if you figure it out let me in on your secret.;)

[ih772]

Houghton was slow last week, and doesn't look any better this week either. Didn't go out today, it was way too rough.

[swampbuck]

What kind of fish are you seeking? What fishing method/ boat/equip?

Those are 2 very different lakes/species. In fact the differences are at totally opposite ends of the spectrum. I prefer Higgins, of course I may be a little biased.

[solasylum]

Not meaning to hijack this thread. I'm hitting Higgins (North state park) this coming Wednesday for 4 days. Last year we had success fishing around the island for rock bass with crawlers. What other options are available? I may try jigging some of the deeper water for lakers. I've read a few reports of perch being an available species. Any idea what depth and type of presentation they use??

Thanks,

Scott

[swampbuck]

jigging for trout with a leadhead and a smelt, Even the cleaned ones from the store.

Shiners for perch, preferably trapped or netted from the lake. I would suggest you go talk to bill at higgins lake sport and tackle, he keeps track of whats going on. I havnt been out fishing on the lake since ice out.

I hope your not going to the s. state park for the boat party out front. The DNR/POLICE. ARE PRETTY MUCH SHUTTING IT DOWN. heavy patrols/tickets/arrests

oops I misread what park you are going too, anyways for anyone interested, The partying at south beach is over!

[Fishslayer5789]

Yeah those 2 lakes are total opposite each other. Houghton Lake is a really tough lake to fish if you don't fish it often because of all the cover spread across the lake. Go to Lyman's Bait and Tackle and they will put you on top of the fish. Houghton is your perch, bass, pike, walleye, panfish lake and Higgins is your trout, perch, laker, whitefish lake but there is the assortment of other species in there as well including some huge pike but they are more limited.