Houghton Lake Fishing Report: July 5,2012

Crappie while trolling at Reedsburg Dam

Fishing conditions have been less than optimal (to say the least) over the past few weeks. High winds have made the waters murky as well as making it difficult to stay in one spot even when using two anchors. The temperatures have been very high lately causing the fishing to be erratic especially during the day.

In these conditions I have one word "trolling". Trolling is simply moving your bait through the water behind a boat at a slow speed, using a specialized electric or small gas motor. This works two fold in that the fish tend to be agitated by the moving bait, much the same as casting and retrieving, and you can cover a large area increasing your chances of success.

Largemouth trolling at Reedsburg Dam

If you have never tried it or tried it unsuccessfully I would give it a try. I do not recommend using a   regular boat engine, at least not for an extended period of time. The engine uses a shaft driven water pump and at very slow speeds may not pump enough water to keep the engine cool and could cause engine damage. Possibly even seize the engine. Nothing can ruin a day on the lake like hoping for someone to give you a tow back to the boat launch or dock. I know this from personal experience.

Rock Bass at Backus lake

Best fishing: late evening (an hour before sunset) or, in the early morning after the water has had a chance to cool. If your set on fishing during the day try the deeper water off the south DNR boat launch (site of the Tip Up Town USA). The south weed bed runs along this area and usually produces walleye, perch, bluegill and northern pike.


Best bait: anything that works. I've caught bluegill, bass, crappie and perch on nightcrawlers and on plastics. I had a fellow next me on the Cut river catch a 16" largemouth using a chub (think very large minnow). Some swear by leeches for walleye especially trolling in the summer.


There's a new bait shop in town, Angelo's on old 27 (formerly Dead Stream Party Store). Actually they're a party store with bait. They have snacks and hope to have a beer license soon. Just a short ride from the Reedsburg Dam campground and boat launch. If you need some bait or some goodies  you don't have to drive into town.


That's all for now. Hope to see you on the lake.


Ken S

Houghton Lake Memorial Weekend 2012 Fishing Report

Sunfish at Reedsburg Dam

There's good news and bad news.

Good news first.

The Walleye and Bluegill are biting on Houghton and Higgins Lakes. I'm not positive but I've heard the Bluegill are biting on St Helen lake also.

In Houghton Lake: Best places are near the weed beds along the south shore, west shore and the middle weed bed. Also fishing should be good in the East Bay near Harveys Marine. The North Bay holds some nice sized Northern Pike and Walleye.

In Higgins Lake: Rock Bass, Perch and Bluegills are being reported along the west/south shoreline in 15-20 ft of water.

Nice size Crappie at Reedsburg Dam

In St Helen: Some of the best Bluegill fishing in the state is near the weed bed off Artesia beach (near the west end.

Bad news.

The fish were biting at the Cut River but have slowed considerably. Best times for fishing would be late morning/early evening.

Reedsburg Dam flooding side

Reedsburg Dam also had great fishing on the low side but the water level has dropped considerably in the past week. Fishing has dropped off BUT fishing on the flooding side of the dam has started to pick up for Bass and Bluegill. So Reedsburg is a toss up for this weekend.

Backus Lake no report due to high winds but Bluegills and Perch plus some Northern Pike and Bass are always possible. Try near weed beds along shore or in the middle.

Backus Dam off M-18 fishing has been poor due to high fast moving water but could improve over the weekend.

Rock Bass at Reedsburg Dam

Weather forecast is for plenty of sunshine and high temperatures in the 80's. Great for sunbathing not so much for fishing. Also wind predictions are between 10-15 mph. So mornings and evenings should be optimal with lower temps and less wind. Fishing should be good all day.

Best Bait I have been getting hits on both live bait and plastics. Check with your local bait shop for which is working best for what your after.

2012 Easter Egg Drop at Houghton Lake Bloggett Airport

The Easter Bunny arrived at Houghton Lake Bloggett Airport a little after 10am on Saturday in a Cessna 172. Marking the beginning of the Easter Egg Drop.

Soon after the plane made three separate passes over the 36/18 grass runway as plastic Easter eggs were dropped to the grass. After each pass children of different ages ran onto the grass strip carrying baskets and bags, and picked up as many Easter eggs as they could.

Several of the Easter eggs were special and were turned in for prizes. All participants received a bag of Easter goodies.

There was a very good turn out, no doubt, partially due to the beautiful, sunny day and warm temperatures. 

Easter Bunny

Handing out goodies

Smile for the camera

Waiting for the plane

Easter Eggs being dropped

Waiting in line to turn in their eggs for prizes

Houghton Lake Ice Out Underway

Dead Stream Flooding by Reedsburg Dam

Houghton Lake and surrounding area bodies of water and waterways could be ice free by the end of March if not sooner. Due to the warm temperatures all winter, especially in March (as much as 25 degrees above normal for this time of year), the ground never fully froze. And along with the abundance of sunny days areas such as Dead Stream Flooding by Reedsburg Dam are 90% open water. The melting snow and ice has caused high water levels and fast moving rivers and creeks.


In the photo above you just see a small amount of ice along the western shore. This was taken on March 15, 2012. Many Geese, Ducks and other water fowl have already returned to the area.

Reedsburg Dam March 2012

As seen in the photograph on the right, the water levels on the low side (riverside) of Reedsburg Dam are very high. The water is almost to the bottom of the west bank access stairs. The water is moving so swiftly it was near impossible to fish this side of the bridge. Reports are that there's no activity in this area.

Fishing will probably remain poor until the water temperatures rise and the water levels recede to normal after the spring runoff.

If the warm weather persists summer fishing will begin early this year. The downside is that the insect population could explode early with record numbers. But until then I'm just enjoying the warm days for as long as they last.

For those who fish or camp at Backus Lake off M-18, there is lumber being harvested in the area. That coupled with the early thaw is leaving deep muddy ruts along the road that are hard to get through even with four wheel drive. The dirt road is usually muddy and wet during the spring but with the trucks and heavy equipment rolling over them it's much worse. Hopefully they will be done soon and the road will be graded to fill the ruts. Many people enjoy camping by the lake during the spring and summer. Right now it would be impossible to get a camper back there.

Take Care,

Ken S

Houghton Lake HS: Legally Blonde the Musical

Coming  March 23-25, 2012 The Houghton Lake High School rendition of

Legally Blonde the Musical

At the high school auditorium. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7pm and a Sunday afternoon matinee at 2pm.

Tickets will be sold on March 8,13,15,20 and 22 at the ticket office in the high school lobby.

Tickets are $8.

So c'mon out and enjoy a great night at the theater while supporting the high school.

Hope to see ya there,

Ken S

Houghton Lake Gun and Knife Shows: Mar 2012

There are two gun and knife shows coming to Houghton Lake.

On:

March 17, 2012   Sat  9am-3pm
Houghton Lake Playhouse on M-55 Sat.
For more info call 989-798-8709

March 24 & 25, 2012   Sat 9-5 & Sun 9-3
Busy Bea Expo on M-55 (in the old Walmart building)
For more info and $1 off admission coupon CLICK HERE!

Houghton Lake Fishing: Snakehead Or Bowfin? Similar But Not The Same

Yesterday I was fishing with my nephew Dan and his son Ryan, from the shore at Marl Lake, where I hooked into a Bowfin (aka Dogfish). Dan immediately categorized it as a Snakehead, the other Asian transplant that's frustrating anglers fishing US waterways and lakes. Due to the similarity in shape many people mistake one for the other. But their markings are distinctly different. For more info on Snakeheads and Bowfins click here.

The truth is Bowfin are native to Michigan waters and can be released. Although I have never tried them, they can be eaten (see link below for recipes).


Snakeheads are an invasive species and are not to be returned to the water (if you catch a Snakehead you should call the nearest DNR to report it). I have never caught a Snakehead in any of the waters around Houghton Lake or Higgins lake. Nor have I ever heard of anyone catching one.

The Bowfin can reach 32 inches in length, the Snakehead reaches about 15 inches. Both put up quite a fight and both feed on small panfish.

Although they prefer panfish, I have caught Bowfin with a piece of Nightcrawler on a small (1/16 oz) jighead. This is my usual setup for catching Sunfish, Bluegills, Perch and sometimes Bass, when fishing from the shoreline or boat.  Look for them in shallow water areas of vegetation (reeds, Lilly pads, Cattails, etc). When one or more Bowfin show up, all other species of fish seems to disappear, so this could be a sign they're around.

For more information on fishing for Bowfin and some recipes check out Bowfins Angler Group.

Did you know you can purchase your fishing and hunting licenses ONLINE? I didn't until my nephews wife told me. Talk about teaching an old dog new tricks. For more info on Michigan E License click here.


Have a Happy 4th,


Ken S

Do Fish Follow The Sun?

Boat Launch at Backus Lake Early Spring

A few days ago decided to go fishing in the AM. Normally I take to the water in the PM, I seem to have more luck at my favorite spots after 6 o'clock in the evening. But I was up and had nothing pressing to do. So I'm sitting in one of my favorite spots on Backus Lake, just to the left of the boat launch near the Lilly Pads and Cattails. I bait up my favorite jighead, pitch it near the Lilly Pads and wait. And wait. And wait. Nothing.

So I go on a quest for the seemingly unpredictable Bluegill or Perch or Bass or Sunfish, Catfish, Northern Pike (you get the picture).

I resort to one of my tried and true methods for finding the fish (not a fish finder). I love my fish finder and use it regularly on Houghton Lake. But on Backus Lake (the water being 2-4 ft deep) instead of a fish finder, I troll around the lake waiting for a bite (I used this method to find a great spot for Perch). When a fish bites I note the position and backtrack to approximately the spot and give it a try.

So on this fine morning I find the fish in an area of reeds and Lilly Pads on the EAST side of the lake (a new fishing hot spot for me). My favorite hot spot is on the WEST side of the lake where I fish in the evening.

So do fish follow the sun?

Scientists believe there is direct evidence of fish feeding habits and the position of the moon. Basically fish feed more when the moon is directly overhead or positioned on the opposite side of the earth. Sooo, maybe fish follow the moon. Just one more thing to think about when looking for the wily and elusive trophy lunker.

True story: A group of young fishermen on their $40,000 fiberglass bass boat with the 250 hp engine, outfitted with the latest in fishing technology, head out one morning to catch a "mess 'o big ones". Using a chart of "hot" fishing spots and side scan sonar, baitcaster reels and the latest crank baits, soft baits and spinners. Jigs, top waters and harnesses. Leeches, Canadian crawlers, minnows and wax worms.

They found the best spot according to the chart. After cruising back and forth over the spot, the sonar indicated a large concentration of fish. The excited fisherman, with visions of wall mounts dancing in their heads, prepared for an all out assault on the record breaking fish.

While they were gearing up, an old angler came put-putting by in his 14 ft aluminum fishing boat with a 6 hp engine, a coffee can of worms and an old cane fishing pole with a cork bobber. He looked over, smiled and waved as he went past them. The young anglers laughed and made bets whether the "old guy" would catch anything with worms and a cane pole with a cork bobber. Didn't he know, technology is king? Even when fishing. So with a last chuckle they got down to serious fishing.

Four hours later, after a pitched battle of snags in over hanging trees, snags on underwater logs, tangled lines, backlashes, lost lures and not one fish to show for it, the haggard group saw the the old angler returning. Put-putting along in his old aluminum fishing boat with the cane fishing pole with the cork bobber and the coffee can of worms.He waved and asked them how they did to which they replied, "this lake is fished out".

The old angler just smiled, held up a stringer filled with choice fish and said, "They're down there fellas, you just have to bring them up."

Good fishing,

Ken S

Houghton Lake Fishing: How to cast a Baitcaster Reel

Fishing has been a little slow due to the hot weather and the hatching of the fish flies. Fish are gorging on the bugs and ignoring much of the other types of bait.

So with the extra time on my hands I decided to practice my casting. (It was that or due some housework)

Like many of you I have been plagued by the curse of the "baitcaster reel". Recently I came across a video that helped me by explaining how to properly set up the reel. So before you throw away your baitcaster reel, check this out you'll be glad you did:

Here's another helpful video. It's a neat trick for clearing backlashes:

I hope these instructional videos will help you as much as they've helped me.

Good Luck,

Ken S

Walleye Special Report: June 4, 2011

The scuttlebutt around the Houghton Lake area is that the Walleye are running along the west side of the lake. They're biting from around 10am to 3pm snacking on minnows. Perch are also feeding on minnows and 10-12 inch ones are not unusual. Best fishing seems to be in 9 ft of water.

Good luck,

Ken S

Houghton Lake Area Fishing Report: May 27, 2011

Backus Creek Flooding
by
Ken Stephenson

Weather this Memorial Day weekend is looking good with temps in the high 70's and occasional showers. The Walleye are biting at Houghton Lake, on leeches and nightcrawlers trolling in about 8-9 feet of water along the edge of the weed bed, south side. There's good fishing all day with peaks after sunrise and before sunset. Large Walleye are being taken during the night. Mostly due to their light sensitive eyes. When the weed beds grow up you can find them there.

Reedsburg Dam Spring 2011
by
K. Stephenson

The water levels are still high at Reedsburg causing the Muskegon River to run fast south of the dam. Also the fishing area is still flooded and inaccessible. This makes fishing by the dam poor. But many anglers are dropping boats and fishing not far off the boat launch. With underwater tree stumps and debris, it's a great area for Bass fishing. There are also Northern Pike, Bluegill and Perch. I haven't heard how the fishing has been but there are plenty of people dropping their boats in and wetting a line. Worth a try.  I have been told the cove south off the boat launch is a great place for Crappie. You can't go wrong with crawlers or leeches.

Backus Lake Spring 2011
by
K Stephenson

Bass Raider at Backus Lake
by
K. Stephenson

The Bluegills are biting at Backus Lake. The key is small hooks and worms or small pieces of nightcrawler. A couple of weeks ago I was catching Big and small Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Perch. All within 2 hours before sunset. Never had a night like that before or since. If you have never caught Bluegill before, you will be surprised so much fight can come in such a small package. And when they jump you'll swear you have a Bass on the hook. Great eating, too.

The last I heard the Bluegill fishing was good on Lake St Helen, with the best being off Artesia beach. Check in at Malcomb's Tackle Box on your way into town. They'll let you know what you'll need for a fun day of Bluegill fishing.

This saturday is the beginning of Largemouth and Smallmouth season (saturday before Memorial Day).

If your going out remember to bring mosquito repellent because the fish aren't the only thing biting right now.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend and remember those who died for this great nation, so that we might enjoy the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

Ken S

Camping at Backus Lake

Boat Launch at Backus Lake
by
K Stephenson

For anyone who follows my blog you know I enjoy fishing at Backus Lake. This is due to the tranquility and the good fishing (most days). What I have not previously mentioned is that being this is state land there are campsites by the lake. These sites are purely rustic with NO facilities. And the cost is zero dollars. You just need to fill out a permit at a local DNR station and post it next to your site.

I went out to Backus Lake to do some fishing like I do most every evening. And I was surprised (albeit mildly) that all of the sites by the lake were taken. Not too surprising since next weekend is Memorial Day weekend. What really surprised me was the number of campers on each site. There were no less than two campers per site and some had three.

I have mixed feelings about this since I like to drop my Bass Raider in the water there for some Bluegill and Perch fishing. One it takes away the tranquility since my favorite two spots are just off two camp sites (lots of vegetation and cattails). On the other hand the economic crunch has affected area businesses and several long standing ones have closed recently.

I'm no fan of high gas prices. But the silver lining to this black crowd is more people vacationing closer to home. For Houghton and other area lakes this equates to more exposure a place to go this summer. And maybe for summers to come. Not due to high gas prices but because of great experiences and fond memories of time spent with family and friends in a tranquil setting. Like many of the current residents here I am a transplant from the Detroit suburbs so I know first hand the hectic lifestyle of city living. And I know the relaxing benefits of camping.

There are many excellent state and privately owned campgrounds in the Houghton-Higgins lakes area. Sites at most state campgrounds can be reserved online at the DNR website (click here). Other state area sites include: Reedsburg, North Houghton Lake, North and South Higgins Lake. These are NOT free sites. They have varying fees starting at $16 per night for rustic tent camping. Check DNR website for fees.

As always enjoy what nature has to offer and show her respect by leaving the area better than you found it. Help out by picking up any trash someone may have left behind. I carry a trash bag with me when ever I go out.

Have a great summer filled with memories you'll be talking about for years to come.

Ken S

Houghton Lake Fishing Report-Backus Lake-Fish On-May 2011

It was Friday afternoon and the weather was sunny then overcast then sunny again. I had been out two track riding with my brother, checking on a new fishing spot I had heard of on the Denton Creek Flooding. It didn't pan out but I will have another look. Always looking for another secluded spot to catch a few fish.

I was sitting at home again and trying to decide if the wind was too high to keep a bobber in place long enough to attract some fish. I decided to at least go out so I didn't watch anymore TV. It turned out to be one of my best fishing experiences.

Since the ice-out this spring, I haven't had much luck in any of my favorite fishing holes. The high waterline have kept the fish in the deeper water unreachable from the shore. The DNR put the docks in at the boat launches last weekend, but the high winds prevented most anglers from attempting a day on the lake.

So far I've been on both Backus Lake and the Dead Stream Flooding in my Bass Tracker (no dock required). I didn't even get a bite. It was those times when I would rather have them steal my bait just so I know they are there. The water is receding toward normal and over the past few days the fish have started biting. Finally.

I just returned home from Backus Lake. Of course I didn't bring my camera but my catch was; 1 Northern Pike, 2 Largemouth Bass, 1 Perch, and 9 Bluegill, in about 2 hours of fishing. Thursday I caught 12+ Bluegills in about 1 hour fishing from the shore. All were released. Primarily I used pieces of nightcrawler and a couple were caught on Gulp 3"minnows. I'm still not sold on the Gulp and I only thought to try them when I ran out of crawlers.

I only use a piece of a nightcrawler because I expect to catch Bluegills and they have small mouths and probably won't attempt to swallow a whole crawler. But the two Largemouth Bass (both were legal size) were also caught with a small piece of worm on a 1/16th oz orange/yellow jighead. Again a small hook for Bluegill. And the Northern Pike was on the Gulp minnow on the 1/8th oz black jighead. I switched to the larger hook because of the Bass. Also, I was using an orange, round weighted bobber for extra distance on my cast with the light weight jighead.

All in all a very enjoyable evening of fishing.

Best fishing times are 1/2 hour after sunrise to midmorning and after 6pm in the evening until sundown.

Until next time,

Ken S

DNR Boat Lauches Are Open: Docks in water for 2011 Season

DNR Boat Launch Westside
bt
K Stephenson

Oh Happy Day! The DNR has put the boat launch docks back in the water for the 2011 season. Over the weekend the docks were placed back in the water. A few boaters braved the high winds and waves seldom seen on Houghton Lake to either attempt fishing (Walleye season opened Saturday) or to launch their pontoon boats for docking at a marina.

The canals were busy, not with boats though. The canals were lined with fisherman either just getting out in the summer like temperatures (72 degrees) or in anticipation of the spring Crappie run that normally occurs around mid May. I can tell you that a of Sunday the 1st of May the run had not yet begun as many a frustrated fisherman grumbled on the way back to their vehicles. I had tried my luck behind Whiteheads but in the 2 hours I was there I saw one small fish caught (not by me). The angler next to me was fortunate enough to recapture his cap after the winds blew it into the canal. Possibly the "catch of the day".

So the docks are in and the Crappie should be running in a couple of weeks and I'll have to take a number to get a spot along a canal.

With the high gas prices again this summer, vacation trips to state campgrounds are predicted to be higher than usual so reserve your favorite spot online at the Michigan DNR website. And don't forget to get your Michigan Parks & Recreation Areas Passport when you renew your vehicle license tabs. It's only $10 for annual access to state parks and rec areas. Lets keep our parks and rec areas open and in good condition for generations to come.

Houghton Lake Ice-Out is Underway

A Pair of Ducks at Dead Stream Flooding
photo by
K. Stephenson

Although winter hit us with one last shot in the form of 8 inches of snow about a week and a half ago. Warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine since then have the ice on the run. Houghton Lake and surrounding area lakes and waterways have all begun to at least show water, with some moving waterways almost completely ice free. Ice out on Houghton Lake could occur as soon as the third week in April. The DNR puts the docks in around the beginning of May.

Dead Stream Flooding Next to Reedsburg Dam
photo by
K. Stephenson

The above photo was taken the last day of March and the ice has receded even further since then.

Backus Lake is still mostly covered with ice but is showing signs of melting such as a 3 inch wide crack near the boat launch. The road back to Backus Lake is heavily rutted from the winter ice fishermen. And with the frost coming out of the ground the road is very muddy and slick. Use caution or just wait until May before venturing out to Backus Lake.

Now that we're in the transition period between ice fishing and open water fishing, this is a great time to think about cleaning and oiling your favorite reel. Maybe replacing the frayed or stretched line with some new line. One maybe two seasons can cause the line to lose it's strength. There's nothing like getting the big one on the hook only to have the line break when you get him next to the boat.

Speaking of hooks you should sharpen or replace any dull hooks. Heck, why not just empty the tackle box and get rid of the junk. You know the pieces of fishing line, the bent jigheads, broken bobbers, lures that are missing hooks. How about the wrappers from the crappie rigs, the sinkers, the beef jerky and sandwiches? You know what I'm talking about. Put the boat battery on the charger. Nothing can ruin the day like a dead battery. You don't even get away from the dock. Not to mention it's embarrassing (believe me I know).

Get organized before the season starts and your fishing adventure will be much more fun and relaxing.

Think safety and have a great summer of fishing.

Ken S.

.

Fishing the Cut River

Cut River by Lansing Rd
by
K. Stephenson

The Cut River which runs from Higgins Lake through Marl Lake and down to Houghton Lake. It's a great place to canoe or kayak. It's also a great place for fishing. Most of the Cut is inaccessible thus leaving plenty of fish. One spot that can be accessed is by Lansing Rd about 1 1/2 miles east of Cty  Rd 100. Fishing is prohibited from March 23-April 23 for spawning.

The ice is slowly receding from the middle and should be clear in time for the spawn. I haven't fished the Cut River yet, but it is on my list of new places to try this summer.

For anyone who doesn't know yet. Beginning in October 2010, then Gov Granholm and the DNR initiated a new annual pass system for entering parks and/or state boat launch sites.

Photo by K. Stephenson

Using what is now known as a Passport which is purchased from the Secretary of State when renewing your license plates. If you wish to get the Passport, check the box on your plate renewal. It costs $10 as opposed to the $26 formerly charged for the annual park pass or boat launch pass (they were separate). Thats a savings of $42 a year if you bought both for one vehicle.

The license sticker will have a "P" on it if you have paid the extra $10 for the annual Passport and it will read Passport on your new registration. I have the Passport for both of my vehicles and at $10 each I'm still saving $32. The state needs 18% participation to equal funds under the previous system. Participation is currently running at 20% and the DNR is hoping for 25%.

The per day pass is still $6. So if you use a park and/or boat launch twice the Passport is paid for. Ten dollars is a small price to pay to keep our parks and boat launches in pristine condition for generations to come.

For more info click here DNR Passports.

We picked up a couple more inches of snow today but the high temps are suppose to be in the mid 30's for the next few days.

Until next time stay safe, stay warm and have fun,

Ken S.

Houghton Lake Ice Fishing on Christmas, Why Not

MERRY CHRISTMAS

As I rode around Houghton Lake today (today being Christmas day) I noticed some angers on the ice. Possibly trying out some new ice fishing equipment. The lake hasn't become dotted with fishing shanties yet, but that's not far off. As word of the ice being at least as much as 6 inches thick in some areas, more and more of the small wooden shacks will be showing up on the lake.

Korbinski's Marine and Lymans On The Lake both have shanties for rent already placed on the lake. Give them a call and check for availability.

Well I'm on my way to a friends place for dinner.

Stay warm, stay safe and stay jolly,

Ken S.

Santa Has Arrived at the Houghton Lake Playhouse

It's a cold fall day here so the jolly old elf and his entourage should feel right at home. The parking lot at the Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse was over flowing with cars, trucks and suv's as children and parents came to welcome Santa and Mrs Claus. The big guy promised yours truly a new "lucky" fishing hat and a warm pair of hunting socks. Often being mistaken for the man himself, I vow once again to start my diet and lose weight (after the New Year or possibly the Superbowl).

Santa encourages everyone to give a donation to Toys for Tots and Project Hope to help the less fortunate this holiday season.

And so...with a ho ho ho...I must go...peace.

Ken