Houghton Lake, Michigan | Lake, Fishing & Travel Info (2024)

FAQs

What kind of fish are in Houghton Lake in Michigan? ›

Fishing abounds for a variety of species including; Lake Trout, Perch, Crappie, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill and more.

systems (Houghton Co.): No more than 1 walleye over 23" may be possessed in daily possession limit.

Houghton Lake has a maximum depth of 21 feet and an average depth of less than nine feet. Thus, Houghton Lake contains extensive shallow-water areas suitable for rooted plant growth. The shoreline of Houghton Lake is over 35 miles long and the shoreline development factor is 1.8.

Beaches & Parks

There are great public beaches that include swimming, children toys, barbecue pits and sheltered picnic areas and some even have showers and toilets.

The lake offers almost every species of game and panfish found in Michigan with the exception of the trout/salmon families, the sturgeon, the muskellunge, and white bass. Common catches include northern pike, bluegill, walleye, crappie, yellow perch and both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.

During the summer, the warm waters of Houghton Lake are perfect for swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing. Guests also enjoy barbecues and bonfires on the beach, beach volleyball and lounging on the shoreline.

Even though there is no disputing that Lake Erie is the absolute best Walleye fishery, there are lots of other places that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Schools of Walleye patrol the weed edges in 10-20 feet of water on both South Lake Leelanau and Long Lake.

In Michigan, everyone ages 17 or older must have a fishing license to fish. You're required to carry your license and the ID you used to purchase it and show both if requested. You'll also need a license when you're targeting amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles in public waters in the state.

Fishing. At 22,000 acres, Houghton Lake is Michigan's largest inland lake and has been called a "Fish Factory" by many sources. It is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 24 feet and heavy weed bed cover, making it an ideal fish habitat.

What is the deepest spot in Houghton Lake? ›

Houghton Lake has a maximum depth of 21 feet and an average depth of less than nine feet. Thus, Houghton Lake contains extensive shallow water areas suitable for rooted plant growth. The shoreline of Houghton Lake is over 35 miles long and the shoreline development factor is 1.8.

Higgins Lake beat Torch Lake, Lake Charlevoix and Houghton Lake in the championship round of the challenge, which began with 50 of Michigan's top inland lakes in mid-June. More than 1,900 people voted for Higgins in the final round.

Swimmer's Itch is fairly common in many of the pristine lakes in our area of Northern Michigan. It also occurs in at least 30 other states as well as Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Avoid swimming in shallow water near shore where swimmer's itch is most common.

Located behind the Rite Aid is a DNR boat launch. This can be used with a DNR Permit. Another DNR Boat Launch is located at Lantz Landing on Old 27 next to Comfort Suites.