What Higgins Lake offers anglers

Higgins Lake is a 9,600-acre glacial lake in Roscommon County with exceptionally clear water—visibility often reaches 20 feet or more—and a reputation for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The lake sits in the heart of Michigan's Au Sable River country, about 20 miles south of Grayling, and draws anglers who want to sight-fish or work structure in water clean enough to see what's below. The bottom is mostly sand and gravel with scattered weed beds and deeper holes that hold fish year-round.

The lake's clarity is both its signature and its challenge. Walleye here are more light-sensitive than in stained-water lakes, so dawn, dusk, and overcast days produce better than midday sun. Pike grow fat on the abundant forage and can reach 40 inches. Smallmouth bass thrive in the rocky shallows and deeper structure. Spring and fall are peak seasons, though winter ice fishing for walleye draws a steady crowd.

Key Takeaways

  • Higgins Lake's clear water means walleye bite best at dawn, dusk, and on cloudy days; midday sun pushes fish deep or into weed cover.
  • Northern pike and smallmouth bass are abundant and aggressive, making Higgins a solid choice if walleye are not cooperating.
  • The lake has public boat launches at Higgins Lake State Park and at Roscommon County parks; no permit is required to fish.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye is popular and productive, with safe ice typically forming by mid-December.
  • Weed beds along the eastern and northern shores hold fish in summer; deeper structure and drop-offs are key in fall and winter.

Public access and boat launches

Higgins Lake State Park, on the south end of the lake, operates a public boat launch and day-use area. The launch is well-maintained and has ample parking; there is a small day-use fee. The park also has a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a campground if you want to stay overnight. Arrive early on weekends, especially in summer, because the lot fills by mid-morning.

Roscommon County maintains a second public launch on the north end of the lake, near the town of Higgins Lake village. This launch is smaller and often less crowded than the state park, making it a good alternative on busy days. Both launches are free to use if you have a valid Michigan fishing license.

Seasonal patterns and where to fish

Spring (April through May) is prime time for walleye. As the lake warms and weed growth begins, walleye move into 8 to 15 feet of water along the eastern and northern shorelines. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well. Pike are also aggressive in spring and will chase larger baits and crankbaits.

Summer brings weed growth that can be thick by July and August. Walleye retreat to deeper water—18 to 30 feet—or hold tight to weed edges where they can ambush prey in low light. Fish early and late in the day. Smallmouth bass move into rocky areas and deeper structure; they bite throughout the day but are most active in morning and evening. Pike hunt in the shallows at dawn and dusk.

Fall (September through October) is excellent for all three species. Cooling water pushes walleye back into shallower structure, and they feed aggressively before winter. Pike are fat and hungry. Smallmouth bite well from mid-morning through afternoon. This is when many anglers catch their largest fish of the year.

Winter ice fishing (December through February) focuses on walleye. Safe ice typically forms by mid-December. Anglers fish 20 to 35 feet of water using tip-ups with live minnows or jigging with small spoons and live bait. The state park and county launch areas have parking for ice anglers, though you will need to walk to the ice from the parking area.

Tackle and techniques that work

For walleye, jigs in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce range are the standard. Pair them with live minnows (shiners or chubs) or soft plastics in natural colors—white, chartreuse, or brown. Cast along weed edges and drop-offs, and work the jig slowly along the bottom. Crankbaits that reach 10 to 15 feet are also effective, especially at dawn and dusk.

Pike respond to larger offerings: 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, spoons, and crankbaits. Casting along weed beds and around structure is productive. Northern pike are not subtle; they hit hard and run fast, so use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon to avoid bite-offs.

Smallmouth bass bite on 2- to 3-inch soft plastics, small crankbaits, and live crayfish. Fish rocky areas and deeper structure. Topwater lures work at dawn and dusk, especially in summer.

What to bring and what to know

Bring a Michigan fishing license—required for anyone 17 and older—and check the current regulations for walleye, pike, and bass before you go. Regulations change, and daily bag limits and size restrictions vary by species. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources website has the current rules.

The lake can be windy, especially in spring and fall. Bring a life jacket and check the weather forecast. Water temperature varies from the mid-40s in spring to the low 70s in summer, so dress in layers. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are essential; the clear water and sand bottom reflect light intensely, and polarized lenses help you spot fish and structure.

Higgins Lake has a 5 mph speed limit in certain areas near the state park and launch areas, so check posted signs. The rest of the lake allows faster speeds, but the clear water and shallow areas mean you need to watch for submerged logs and rocks.

Nearby resources and lodging

The town of Roscommon, about 10 miles south, has gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store. Higgins Lake State Park has a campground with electric and non-electric sites; reservations are recommended in summer. Several private resorts and cabins ring the lake and cater to anglers; many offer boat rentals if you did not bring your own.

The Au Sable River, famous for its own walleye and trout fishery, is less than 20 miles away. If Higgins Lake is not producing, you can explore the river system or nearby lakes like Houghton Lake and Markey Lake, all within an hour's drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Higgins Lake?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are peak seasons for walleye and pike. Summer is good for smallmouth bass and pike in early morning and evening. Winter ice fishing for walleye is also popular and productive from mid-December through February.

Do I need a boat to fish Higgins Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. The state park and county launches have shoreline access, and some anglers fish from shore along the southern and eastern banks. However, most productive fishing requires a boat to reach deeper structure and weed beds.

Is Higgins Lake good for beginners?

Yes, if you fish at dawn or dusk or on cloudy days. The clear water and abundant fish make it rewarding for new anglers, but the light sensitivity of walleye means midday fishing can be slow. Pike and smallmouth are more aggressive throughout the day and are forgiving of beginner mistakes.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with some reaching 22 inches or more. Pike average 18 to 28 inches, with fish over 35 inches caught regularly. Smallmouth bass run 12 to 16 inches, with larger fish possible in deeper structure.

Can I fish Higgins Lake in winter without ice fishing?

Open-water fishing ends when the lake freezes, usually by mid-December. Once ice forms and is safe, ice fishing is the only option. If you prefer open water, plan your trip for April through November.