Bud Bash 2012: Here It Comes

Love it or hate it Bud Bash in Houghton Lake, Michigan is on it's way.

Bud Bash is a summer time legend in Michigan, surrounding states and parts of Canada. When sun worshipers and boaters of all ages converge on our little town (on the shores of the biggest inland lake in Michigan) for a weekend of unrivaled fun on the water. OK the Jobbie Nooner could be a close second. Both involve boats and sunbathers and lakes. Both are Pure Michigan (tongue in cheek).

The Jobbie Nooner is held on an island in Lake St Clair, in the late springtime and during the week. Bud Bash is held at the Limberlost Bar & Grill on the south shore of Houghton Lake, the first Saturday of August. Jobbie Nooner is often cool and rainy. Bud Bash is hot, hot,HOT!

Sponsored by Budweiser, there is plenty of refreshments,freshly prepared food, and my favorite,  live music. Limberlost has a spacious deck with a beautiful view of Houghton Lake and a dock for those that wish to arrive by boat. Many boaters just tie off to each other and enjoy the sun and fun from their boats.


The actual Bud Bash is on Saturday but many revelers begin on Friday and continue on through Sunday. Especially when the weather is nice. 


This has been a booming summer for Houghton Lake so far. Whether due to gas prices dropping in time for summer or just word getting around about what a great place Houghton Lake is to vacation it's a welcome sight for local merchants. There are plenty of other festivals and activities in and around Houghton Lake for non Bashers.


Plan early if you'll need a motel room for the night. We have campgrounds near town, several state campgrounds and parks.

Tips for a good time:

• Drink plenty of water
• Drink responsibly. Alcohol dehydrates (each year someone goes to the hospital for dehydration)
• Monitor your time in the sun and use sunscreen or sunblock 
• Please be responsible and respect other peoples property (the biggest single complaint is property damage to homes near the Limberlost) 

We want you to have good time but drink responsibly  

 So come early and stay late.


Hope to see you there,


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