Lake Fishing
In Roscommon County you will find great fishing on all three of our county lakes (Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake & Lake St. Helen). 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.
Roscommon County Lakes
Houghton Lake
Michigan's largest inland lake covering 22,000 acres. The lake offers great fishing possibilities. Here you will find good fishing possibilities for walleye, pike, bass and bluegill. There are seven access sites strategically located around the lake.
Bait Shops - Houghton Lake
Angelo's Party Store
2506 N Harrison Road · Houghton LakePhone: (989) 202-4422
H & H Fireworks
8979 W Houghton Lake Drive · Houghton LakePhone: (989) 366-0126
Heights Marina
900 Shoreline Drive · Houghton LakePhone: (989) 422-5712
Houghton Lake Fishing Segment
Fishing on Houghton Lake
Higgins Lake
Designated as the sixth most beautiful inland lake in the world. This 10,185 acres lake features easy access as well as opportunities to catch lake trout, bass, pike, perch, small mouth bass, rainbow trout and more.
Bait Shops - Higgins Lake
B&B Sports & Marina
431 Clare Boulevard · RoscommonPhone: (989) 821-7220
Evergreen Northern Market
9961 N Higgins Lake Drive · RoscommonPhone: (989) 821-5425
Higgins Lake Boat Yard
103 Mill Road · Higgins LakePhone (989) 821-6509
Higgins Lake Sport & Party Store
10028 West Shore Drive · RoscommonPhone: (989) 821-9517
Sports Barn
9475 N Cut Road · RoscommonPhone: (989) 821-9511
Lake St. Helen
Located just off Interstate 75, Lake St. Helen covers 2,390 acres. Anglers will find fishing is fantastic. Fish in the 8 to 9-inch range are common. Crappie population is growing. Largemouth, northern pike and walleye are also present. Here you will find good fishing for bass, bluegill, walleye, and rock bass. This manmade lake is extremely popular with anglers and boaters alike.
Bait Shops - Higgins Lake
The Minnow Bucket @ Exit 222
776 N Saint Helen Road · Saint HelenPhone: (989) 632-3257
Fly Fishing
Fly-fishing is incredible on the AuSable River, famous for its world-class Trout fishing.
Smelt Fishing
This type of fishing is done in early spring with nets on the Cut River and the Muskegon River. Fish through the ice for smelt on Higgins Lake with hook and line.
Cut River
The Cut River connects Marl Lake to Higgins Lake giving ample opportunity to fish for Perch, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike. Most anglers use a canoe or small boat and fish in the center of the lake because it is considerably smaller, shallower and less developed than other lakes in the area.
Fly Fishing
Smelt Fishing
Cut River
More Fishing
Ice Fishing
Experience the excitement of winter fishing on Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake and Lake St. Helen. Here you will find perch, crappie, small and large mouth bass, northern pike, walleye, pike, bluegill and more. Shanties MUST be removed by March 15 from all bodies of water.
Fishing Contest
Enjoy fishing on Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake or Lake St. Helen on open water or the ice. If you are lucky enough to catch tagged fish, adult anglers become eligible to win $100,000.00 in cash and a brand new Lund Boat package from Spicer’s Boat City. Youth anglers (17 and under) become eligible to win a $250 cash prize and a new kayak.