Fishing Dead Stream Flooding Mar 20,2012

Crappie near Reedsburg Dam

I had a pretty successful day of fishing on Dead Stream Flooding by the Reedsburg Dam. I went out around 2 in the afternoon and worked my way around from the boat launch to the dam and back before finally finding a spot with the fish biting. I'm not sure if it was the spot or the time as it was near 5 before I tried the last spot where I finally had a bite.

First catch was a small (maybe 18" Northern Pike), then a Largemouth Bass. A short move to get away from the wind brought me to an area of dried cattails and clumps of vegetation. It was also a hot spot for Sunfish and Crappie most bigger than 8".

I was fishing nightcrawlers on a 1/32 oz orange jighead about 12" below a weighted orange bobber. Seems I had a bite in each direction I cast my line.

The water levels are high right now from winter runoff so the area I was in may not be accessible in the summer when water levels are low. I know the area is filled with tree stumps that are easily seen from shore in the summer.

Backus Creek Spring 2012

I plan to try kayak fishing this year to reach several areas around Houghton Lake that are not accessible by boat in the summer. Fish are pretty much undisturbed in these areas so I expect the fishing to be very good to excellent.

One area is near a Backus Creek dam. It was a busy area last summer with many people fishing from the shore. The water level was low last year and some people were walking out on what is normally water covered vegetation. In the evenings fish can be seen breaking the surface just outside of casting range. If the fish won't come to me, I'll go to them.

I have already had a great deal of success catching Northerns, Largemouths, Sunfish, Bluegill, Crappie and Dogfish (Bowfin). I believe this to be a great year of fishing. If you haven't been fishing in awhile this could be a good year to take it up again. Dust off the old fishing rod and grab some friends and get out to the water, drop a line in and relax. Introduce a youngster to fishing this year.

Backus Lake Update: Logging is still going on near Backus Lake and the heavy equipment is taking it's toll on the dirt roads. Though their adding dirt and grading there are still some areas you won't be able to get a camper past. Hopefully by May they'll be finished and have the road back to an accessible level for campers.

Come up and see us soon.

Ken S

Houghton Lake Fishing Report: February 8,2011

February Snowday in Houghton Lake
by
K. Stephenson

Houghton Lake fishing has slowed due to severe cold weather. Some Perch and Pike are still being caught in the East Bay off Harveys Marina and Korbinskis Marina, also off the north shore. Perch and Bluegill are still being reeled in near Lymans On The Lake and the west DNR boat launch. They're biting on minnows and wax worms when they're biting.

There's 8-12 inches of snow on the lake and higher drifts in some spots. Great for snowmobiles but anything less than a 4 wheel drive is not recommended. The temperature is supposed to reach the 30's this weekend and the warmer temperatures can cause ice to crack and shift. Caution is advised at all times on the lake but even more vigilance is required when the temperatures rise. A shift in the ice can cause an ice wall up to two feet high that you won't see until you are on top of it.

Winterfest in Higgins Lake and Roscommon is February 18 & 19.

 I've been away due to my health. I was hoping to have some pictures of TUT for you but I couldn't make it this year.

Until next time Stay safe, Stay warm and keep the tread side down.

Ken S.

Santa Comes to Houghton Lake Playhouse Sunday

Santa Claus is coming to town!!!

To the Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse to be exact. Houghton Lakes Merchant Association will be having it's annual Santas Workshop this sunday Nov 21 from 10am to 4 pm. Admission is free. Children can visit and get their picture taken with Santa. Also Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and friends and much more entertainment including crafts and face painting.

Also there will be donation drop boxes for Project Hope and Toys For Tots.