Houghton Lake Ice Fishing Report-Higgins Lake

Higgins Lake near W. DNR Boat Launch

by 

K. Stephenson 

Two unidentified anglers try to start their gas powered auger to make a whole about twenty yards out from the north-west side DNR boat launch. There was one other fisherman who had a couple of tip ups and was watching from his truck. None of them was using a shanty.

Here's a tip: If your going to use a gas-powered auger, start it up the day before to be sure it will start. Bring a can of starting fluid just in case it won't start. Also I am a fan of gas treatment like Sta-bil. All of my gas powered equipment starts on the first or second pull. At the beginning of the season I may have to use a shot of starting fluid, but after that it will usually start right up.

Higgins Lake near Gerrish Township Boat Launch

by

 K. Stephenson

The shanties at Higgins Lake are placed well apart at the Gerrish Township boat launch. A couple of miles north there is a large concentration of fishermen a couple of hundred yards out between Old Point Comfort and Treasure Island along the shelf. There are good concentrations of perch, pike and walleye being caught. 

Higgins Lake near Gerrish Township Boat Launch

by

 K. Stephenson

These guys are ready for a long day of ice fishing in what looks to be an extra large homemade shanty. I don't know how they pulled the trailer onto the ice, but a few days before this was taken two snowmobiles went through the ice near the DNR boat launch.

Houghton Lake: Perch have slowed but Northern Pike are being caught off the lighthouse by Korbinski's and Walleye are still biting by Harvys Marine. In the East Bay.

Bait of the Day: Minnows on jighead. Working at both Houghton and Higgins Lakes

Tip: Hook the minnow or chub through the lips. It is a more natural (if you use a standard horizontal jighead) presentation. Plus the minnows stay alive longer than hooking them through the back. Until next time.

Stay safe, stay warm and leave a few for me,

Ken