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.

  • Lake Fishing
    Roscommon County Lakes

  • Houghton Lake
    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.

    Houghton Lake Map

    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
  • Houghton Lake Area
    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.

    Higgins Lake Map

    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

  • Houghton Lake Area
    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.

    Lake St Helen Map

    Bait Shops - Higgins Lake

    • The Minnow Bucket @ Exit 222

      776 N Saint Helen Road · Saint HelenPhone: (989) 632-3257

      • Fly Fishing

    • Houghton Lake Area
      Fly Fishing

        Fly-fishing is incredible on the AuSable River, famous for its world-class Trout fishing.

      • Smelt Fishing

    • Houghton Lake Area
      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

    • Cut River
      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.

      • More Fishing

    • Michigan DNR
      Go Fishing

      Michigan DNR

      Use the map to find new locations for fishing fun.

    • Ice 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

      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.

    Great Outdoors