Introduction to Houghton Lake:

Time to fish Houghton Lake, located in the heart of Michigan, is the state’s largest inland lake, boasting an impressive surface area of over 20,000 acres. This expansive body of water stretches approximately 7.5 miles long and 5.5 miles wide, providing ample space for a variety of recreational activities. With an average depth of around 7.5 feet and a maximum depth reaching 22 feet, Houghton Lake is renowned for its accessible and family-friendly waters.

Anglers flock to Houghton Lake for its exceptional fishing opportunities. Houghton Lake is home to a diverse array of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and perch. Its extensive weed beds and varied underwater structures create ideal habitats for these fish, making it a popular destination for both casual and competitive fishing. Whether you’re casting from a boat or ice fishing in the winter, Houghton Lake offers a rich and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Trolling on Houghton Lake

Trolling is a popular technique to fish Houghton Lake, particularly effective for targeting walleye, northern pike, and other predatory fish. To troll successfully, use a boat equipped with a trolling motor to maintain a steady, slow speed.

What to troll with at Hughton Lake: Pay attention to the lake’s contours and underwater structures, as fish often congregate around drop-offs, weed beds, and submerged points. Trolling allows you to cover large areas of the lake, increasing your chances of locating schools of fish.

Nightcrawler Harness Fishing Houghton Lake: Stop by Lymans on the Lake (lymansonthelake.com) and pick up a whole bunch of their massive nightcrawlers and Leeches! Hook your worm up to either a 2 or 3 hook harness and get to trolling! Go in and ask them what the fish are biting!

You can also pick up one with just a single hook and hook on a leech.

You can view these harnesses on Amazon if you want to pick up a few!

Crankbait/ Spoon Fishing Houghton Lake:

Focus on finding weed lines and drop-offs, which are prime locations for fish to hide and ambush prey. Weed lines are areas where dense vegetation transitions to open water. These edges create a natural habitat for fish, offering cover and abundant food. To find weed lines, look for areas with visible aquatic plants along the shoreline or use a fish finder to locate underwater vegetation. We will talk about how to find these weed lines in a little, which is very important to fish Houghton Lake!

When casting, aim your lure along these weed lines and drop-offs. Retrieve your lure with varying speeds and patterns to mimic the movement of prey and entice strikes. Techniques like flipping and pitching can help you place your lure precisely in tight spots around vegetation and structures, while walking the dog with topwater plugs can create irresistible action on the surface.

Rapla Crank: Check Price on Amazon Googan Squad Hound: Check Price

Bobber: Fish Houghton Lake

Bobber fishing, is a versatile and straightforward tactic suitable for anglers of all ages and skill levels. This method is particularly effective for catching bluegill, walleye, crappie, and perch. Attach a bobber to your line above a baited hook or jog head—live bait like worms, leeches or minnows work well. Cast your line into areas with visible weed beds, on the edge of the weed beds, or right on the bottom of the drop offs. The bobber keeps your bait suspended at the desired depth, making it easier to detect bites. Patience is key with bobber fishing, as it allows you to relax and wait for fish to come to your bait. This also works well for fishing when it is windy to stay on fish in Houghton Lake! Toss the anchor and see what you can reel in!

Classic Bobbers Weighted Jig Heads

Finding weed beds to fish on Houghton Lake

First off pick up THE MOST IMPORTANT MAP you will ever buy Fishing Hot Spots Houghton Lake

I have had mine for over 15 years and it is still going strong thanks to the durable, waterproof material it is made out of! This map contains depth areas and marked fishing areas and boat ramps.

This map will help you navigate away from the very shallow areas that could ruin your boat as well!

Conclusion: Best way to fish Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake’s diverse fish population and varied underwater terrain make it a fantastic destination for anglers using a variety of tactics. Whether you prefer the methodical approach of trolling, the simplicity of bobber fishing, or the active engagement of casting, Houghton Lake offers something for every fisherman. So pack your gear, head to the lake, and enjoy the thrill of fishing in one of Michigan’s most beloved fishing spots.

Interested in just fishing for Crappie? Check out our post! Mastering the Art of Crappie Fishing in 2024: Tips and Techniques for Success – Cast United Fishing