Muskegon Lake, Channel to Lake Michigan, and Piers (Muskegon County)
Muskegon Lake has good fishing during summer and winter for largemouth and smallmouth bass, panfish, yellow perch, northern pike, walleye, channel catfish and freshwater drum. Seasonal fishing occurs for Chinook salmon during August and September in Muskegon Lake. The channel to Lake Michigan and piers have fall and spring fishing for salmon, steelhead, brown trout, whitefish, yellow perch, channel catfish, walleye, and freshwater drum. Smallmouth and largemouth bass can be caught along the channel wall. Muskegon Lake is stocked with walleye and Great Lakes muskellunge stocking began in 2013.
- Coordinates: 43.215244, -86.315407, Muskegon Lake SW.
- Directions: From the intersection of I-96 and US-31, take US-31 BR north 5.2 miles to Laketon Avenue, then travel west (left) 3.0 miles to the access site.
Lake Michigan Channel and Pier south side
- Coordinates: 43.226771, -86.3375392.
- Directions: From the intersection of I-96 and US-31, take BR US-31 north 5.2 miles to Laketon Avenue, then west (left) 4.5 miles to the Lake Michigan beach, pier and channel.
- Coordinates: 43.217178, -86.294576, Muskegon Lake SW.
- Description: There is a small wooden fishing pier at this site where panfish and bass can be caught.
- Directions: From the intersection of I-96 and US-31, take US-31 BR north 5.2 miles to Laketon Avenue, then travel west (left) 1.9 miles to the access site in Lakeside (at the intersection with McCracken Street).
- Coordinates: 43.231245, -86.269594, Muskegon Lake SE.
- Description: Shore fishing for panfish and bass is available adjacent the boat ramp and on the west peninsula.
- Directions: From the intersection of I-96 and US-31, take US-31 BR North 5.9 miles to W. Western Avenue, then travel west (left) 0.2 miles to Hartshorne Marina.
- Coordinates: 43.243842, -86.243081, Muskegon Lake SE.
- Description: Camping facilities are available.
- Directions: From the intersection of I-96 and US-31, take US-31 north 5.6 miles to US-31 BR South, then travel west (left) 2.2 miles to Marquette Avenue (stoplight), then turn right 1 block to Ottawa Street, then turn left and travel 0.4 miles to Giddings Street and turn right to the access site 1 block.
- Coordinates: 43.249300, - 86.330329, Muskegon Lake NW.
- Description: There is a small shore fishing pier at this site where panfish and bass can be caught.
- Directions: From the intersection of I-96 and US-31, take US-31 north 8 miles to M-120 (Holton Road), then travel west (left) 1.8 miles to the Giles Road (stoplight), then turn right and travel 5 miles to Petersen Road, then south (left)1 mile to Memorial Drive, then right 2 blocks to the Snug Harbor access site.
North Side of the Lake Michigan Channel in Muskegon State Park
- Coordinates: 43.231649, -86.333334, Muskegon County.
- Description: Fully accessible (barrier free) fishing platforms are located at various locations along the channel wall.
- Directions: From the intersection of I-96 and US-31, take US-31 north 8 miles to M-120 (Holton Road), then travel west (left) 1.8 miles to the Giles Road (stoplight), then turn right and travel 5 miles to Petersen Road, then south (left) 1 mile to Memorial Drive, then right 1 mile to Scenic Drive, then left 1 mile to the channel parking lots past the beach in the State Park.
Muskegon River, from Muskegon Lake upstream to Croton Dam
This section of the Muskegon River is located in Muskegon and Newaygo counties and has very good fishing for Chinook salmon during September and October. Lake Michigan brown trout can be captured in about the lower 10 miles (downstream of Felch Street) of stream during October and November. Excellent steelhead fishing occurs throughout this river section from late October through June. Some walleye fishing occurs from spring through mid-summer. Good smallmouth bass fishing occurs throughout this stream section. Northern pike fishing is moderate in the lower section near Muskegon Lake and marsh. Large numbers of rainbow trout and brown trout are stocked between Newaygo and Croton Dam. Fishing for the stocked trout is good throughout the year on any type of gear. Sucker fishing occurs throughout this segment during spring and redhorse are available all year. This river segment is stocked with steelhead, Chinook salmon, walleye, brown trout and rainbow trout.
The section of stream between Muskegon Lake and Newaygo is relatively deep and best for boat fishing. Caution is advised for motor boats because of submerged wood. The section between the City of Newaygo and Croton Dam is shallower, with a mixture of sand, cobble and boulder substrate. This segment provides good shore/wading fishing. This is a big river with swift currents that requires some caution and wading generally occurs only along the edges of the river. Propeller driven boats can have difficulty in this section of river. Drift boats and boats with jet motors are generally used.
- Coordinates: 43.260393, -86.1837306, Muskegon County.
- Description: There is a gravel road entrance and parking lot. The distance downstream to Muskegon Lake is approximately 5 river miles. Directions: From the intersection of US-31 and M-46 (Apple Avenue) in Muskegon, on M-46 travel east 1 mile to Sheridan Road, then north 1.8 miles to the access site at the river.
Mill Iron Road end
- Coordinates: 43.268893, -86.1504711, Muskegon County.
- Description: There is a gravel ramp and parking for about 8 cars and trailers along the road. The distance to the next downstream boat access at Sheridan Road is 2 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-31 and M-46 (Apple Avenue) in Muskegon, on M-46 travel east 2.5 miles to Mill Iron Road, then north 2.5 miles to the access site at the river.
Holton-Duck Lake Road, DNR Muskegon State Game Area boat and shore access
- Coordinates: 43.2979916, - 86.0789742, Muskegon County.
- Description: This site has a dirt road entrance and parking lot. The distance to the next downstream boat access at Mill Iron Road is 4.6 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-31 and M-46 (Apple Avenue) in Muskegon, on M-46 travel east 7 miles to Maple Island Road (B31), then north 6.8 miles (crossing over the river) to Sweeter Road, then west 2.1miles to Holton-Duck Lake Road, then south 1.7 miles to the access site at the end of the road.
- Coordinates: 43.318397, -86.033468, Newaygo County.
- Description: The distance to the next downstream boat access at Holton-Duck Lake Road is 2.9 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-31 and M-46 (Apple Avenue) in Muskegon, on M-46 travel east 7 miles to Maple Island Road (B31), then north 6.7 miles (crossing over the river) to W. 128th Street, then east 0.25 miles to the boat access entrance.
Warner Road (Bridgeton Township) boat access
- Coordinates: 43.346871, -85.9397569, Newaygo County.
- Description: This site has a dirt road entrance and parking lot. The distance to the next downstream boat access at Maple Island Road is 6.4 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 on the north side of Newaygo, on M-82 travel 7.2 miles west to Warner Road, then 5.5 miles south to the bridge crossing and boat access.
- Coordinates: 43.388805, -85.828582, Newaygo County.
- Description: This site has a dirt parking lot and concrete ramp. There is a steep grade on Felch Street leading to the access site. The distance to the next downstream boat access at Warner Road is 10.3 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 on the south side of Newaygo, on M-37 travel south 3.9 miles to 112th Street, then west 0.5 miles to Gordon Avenue, then north 1mile to 104th Street, then west 0.5 miles to Felch Street, then north 1.8 miles to the boat access site.
- Coordinates: 43.415229, -85.811405.
- Description: This site has a dirt parking lot and a concrete ramp. There is a small area available for shore fishing at the access site. The distance to the next downstream boat access site at Felch Street is 3.7 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 on the south side of Newaygo, on M-37 travel north 1 mile to Bridge Street, then west 0.2 miles (crossing over the river) to Sarell Street, then left one block to the access site.
Newaygo Riverfront Park shore access (City of Newaygo)
- Coordinates: 43.417953, -85.806805.
- Description: This park is located on Bridge Street, across the river from the DNR Bridge Street Access. There is a walkway along the entire river from Bridge Street to the M-37 Bridge that provides shore fishing.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 on the south side of Newaygo, on M-37 travel north 1 mile to Bridge Street, then Left (west) two blocks to the City Park.
- Coordinates: 43.418988, -85.789999.
- Description: This site has a paved parking lot and boat ramp. There is good shore fishing access upstream and downstream of the boat ramp. The distance to the next downstream boat access at Bridge Street is 1.5 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 (Croton Drive) on the north side of Newaygo, on Croton Drive travel east 0.4 miles to Henning Park.
DNR Croton Drive shore fishing access
Coordinates: 43.42587, -85.7723869, Newaygo County. There is about a 100 foot drop down a couple of hills along the trail to the river. The public land access is downstream of the mouth of Bigelow Creek. Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 (Croton Drive) on the north side of Newaygo, on Croton Drive travel east 1.4 miles to the intersection of Basswood Drive from the north, then turn right into the dirt parking lot, then follow the dirt walking path south 0.5 miles to the river.
- Coordinates: 43.414845, -85.719017, Newaygo County.
- Description: There is about 0.25 miles of shore fishing access downstream of the boat ramp. The distance to the next downstream boat ramp at Henning Park is 6.4 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 (Croton Drive) on the south side of Newaygo, on M82 travel east 4.5 miles to the intersection of Thornapple Street, then turn left (north) and travel 0.9 miles to Timberview Drive, then turn left and travel 0.5 miles to the access site.
DNR Thornapple Street shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 43.428114, -85.7024378, Newaygo County.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 (Croton Drive) on the south side of Newaygo, on M82 travel east 4.5 miles to the intersection of Thornapple Street, then turn left (north) and travel 1.6 miles to E. 70th Street, then turn right and travel 0.5 miles to the road end and dirt parking lot. The last 0.25 miles of two-track is rough and can be impassable in wet weather. There is a 0.25 mile walk to the river from the dirt parking area.
- Coordinates: 43.423439, -85.675479, Newaygo County.
- Description: There is a small area that can be fished from shore by wading. The distance to the next downstream boat access at Thornapple Street is 6.7 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 (Croton Drive) on the north side of Newaygo, on Croton Drive travel east 5 miles to the intersection of Pine Street from the south, then turn right and travel 1.1 miles to the access site entrance.
DNR 72nd Street shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 43.422816, -85.6950964, Newaygo County.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 (Croton Drive) on the north side of Newaygo, on Croton Drive travel east 5 miles to the intersection of Pine Street from the south, then turn right and travel 1 mile to 72nd Avenue, then west (right) 0.5 miles until the road ends, then take the two-track south 0.25 miles to the end of the road. Take the path about 0.25 miles to the river. There is parking for about 5 vehicles at the end of the two-track. The two-track is very rough and sometimes impassable during wet weather.
Charles Besemer Muskegon River Park boat access and shore fishing at Croton Dam (Consumers energy and Croton Township)
- Coordinates: 43.435561, -85.66678, Newaygo County.
- Description: On the west side of Croton Drive there is a steep, paved boat launch, with trailer parking on both the west and east sides of the road. There is shore fishing on both sides of the road with a good walkway under the road bridge. The North Country trail provides shore fishing access to about ¾ mile of public land downstream of the boat ramp. In the parking area west of Croton Drive, there is a barrier free path down the hill to the river just below Croton Dam, and a barrier free fishing platform. There is also a fishing pier just below the dam on the south side of the river that can be accessed by traveling a short distance on Croton Drive south of the bridge. The distance to the next downstream boat access at Pine Street is 1.3 river miles.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 (Croton Drive) on the north side of Newaygo, on Croton Drive travel east 6 miles to the bridge over the river just downstream of Croton Dam. There is an access road downstream of the bridge on the northwest side of the bridge, and access upstream of the bridge from Swan Road on the northeast side of the bridge.
Croton Impoundment
Croton Impoundment is 1,380 surface acres in size. Fishing is good for yellow perch, panfish, and bass. Fisheries for walleye and northern pike are moderate. Fishing occurs during summer and winter periods.
Al duChemin Jr. Park-Croton Dam boat access
Coordinates: 43.449N, - 85.666W, Newaygo County.
Directions: From the intersection of M-37 and M-82 (Croton Drive) on the north side of Newaygo, on Croton Drive travel east 6 miles to Swan Road, then left 0.5 miles to the access (the turn is before the bridge over the Muskegon River).
Hardy Impoundment
Hardy Impoundment is 3,971 acres in size and is located in Newaygo and Mecosta Counties. Fishing occurs during summer and winter and is good for bass, panfish, yellow perch, and moderate for walleye and northern pike.
Hardy Dam Marina (Newaygo County Parks)
- Coordinates: 43.49108N, -85.63681N.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-46 and US-131, on US-131travel north 5 miles to the Jefferson Road (Morley) exit, then left (west) 7.4 miles (turns into E. 36th Street then jogs onto Croton-Hardy Drive) to E. 36th Street, then right for 0.6 miles and over Hardy Dam to the Hardy Dam Marina access on the right.
- Coordinates: 43.50028N, -85.63151W.
- Directions: From the intersection of M-46 and US-131, on US-131 travel north 5 miles to the Jefferson Road (Morley) exit, then left (west) 7.4 miles (turns into E. 36th Street then jogs onto Croton-Hardy Drive) to E. 36th Street, then right for 1.1 miles and over Hardy Dam to Elm Avenue, then right 0.8 miles to E 30th Street, then right 0.7 miles to park.
Coordinates: 43.504221N, -85.586417W.
Directions: From the intersection of M-46 and US-131, on US-131travel north 5 miles to the Jefferson Road (Morley) exit, then left (west) 5.2 miles (turns into E. 36th Street) to Beech street, then right 1 mile to the park.
Brower Park boat access (Mecosta County Parks)
- Coordinates: 43.559630, -85.549003.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and M-20 west (south of Big Rapids), on M-20 travel west 0.6 miles to Old Road, then left 2 miles to Polk Road, the right 1.5 miles to the park.
Davis Bridge (8-Mile Road) boat access (Mecosta County Parks)
Coordinates: 43.5840, -85.5267.
Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and M-20 west (south of Big Rapids), on M-20 travel west 2 miles to park entrance on the right just before the bridge.
Coordinates: 43.608643, -85.493531, Mecosta County.
Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and M-20 west (8 mile Road, south of Big Rapids), on 8 Mile Road travel east 1.1 miles to Northland Drive, then left 2.8 miles to Hayes Road in Rogers Heights, then left 0.5 miles to 205th Avenue, then left 0.9 miles to the access site.
Rogers Impoundment
Rogers Impoundment is 610 acres in size and fishing occurs during summer and winter. Fishing is good for panfish and bass, with occasional catches of walleye.
Rogers Dam shore access (Consumers Energy)
- Coordinates: 43.6139, -85.4775, Mecosta County.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and M-20 west (8 mile Road, south of Big Rapids), on 8 Mile Road travel east 1.1 miles to Northland Drive, then left 1.9 miles to Lincoln Road, then right 1 mile to 190th Avenue, then left 0.5 miles to 10 Mile Road, then left 0.75 miles to the access site.
- Coordinates: 43.623090, -85.473129, Mecosta County.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and M-20 (8 mile Road, south of Big Rapids), on 8 Mile Road travel east 1.1 miles to Northland Drive, then left 3 miles to Park Road in Rogers Heights, then right 0.5 miles to the access site.
Muskegon River, from 12 Mile Road (River Bend Bluff) to M-66
This river segment is 46 miles in length, and is suitable for navigation primarily by canoes and small boats. The river is relatively shallow with substantial stone, cobble and boulder substrate. Fishing is good for smallmouth bass, and moderate for walleye and northern pike. This river segment is stocked with walleye. Recent catches of juvenile Great Lakes Muskellunge have occurred in this river section that resulted from stocking in upstream locations. Trout are occasionally caught that have migrated to the river from tributaries.
- Coordinates: 43.642058N, -85.442817W, Mecosta County.
- Description: The river is very shallow and sandy at this location.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and M-20 (8 mile Road, south of Big Rapids), on 8 Mile Road travel east 1.1 miles to Northland Drive, then left 4.4 miles to 12 Mile Road, then right 1 mile to 190th Avenue, then left 0.5 miles to Garfield Road, then right 0.75 miles to the dead end at 183rd Avenue, then right 0.5 miles to the canoe access site.
Big Rapids Parks, shore fishing and canoe access
- Coordinates: South Park – 43.7019N, -85.4805W, North Park – 43.7238N, -85.4904W, Mecosta County.
- Directions (South Park): From the intersection of US-131 and M-20 east (Big Rapids exit), on M-20 (BR US-131) travel east 1.7 miles to State Street, then left 0.75 miles to Maple Street (M-20 east), then right 0.2 miles to Warren Street, then left 0.25 miles to the Park at Mitchell Creek. Directions (North Park): From the intersection of US-131 and M-20 east (Big Rapids exit), on M-20 (BR US-131) travel east 1.7 miles to State Street, then left 1.5 miles to Baldwin Street, then right 0.25 miles to 4th Street, then left 0.6 miles to the Park. There is also a parking area at the Baldwin Street Bridge and connecting trails along this entire section of river.
Paris Park, shore fishing and canoe access (Mecosta County Parks)
- Coordinates: 43.787455N, -85.499554W.
- Description: Camping is also available.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and 19 Mile Road (BR US-131) north of Big Rapids, on 19 Mile Road travel east 1.2 miles to Northland Drive, then left 3.1 miles to Paris Park.
Hersey canoe and shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 43.8476N, -85.4329W, Osceola County.
- Description: Camping is also available at the Village of Hersey park adjacent the river.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and US-10, on US-10 travel east 4.3 miles to 180th Avenue, then right 1.75 miles to East 4th Street (Hersey Road), then left 0.5 miles to the canoe access at the bridge.
Evart Park boat and shore fishing access (City of Evart)
- Coordinates: 43.895675, -85.257482, Osceola County.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and US-10, on US-10 travel east 12 miles to Main Street in the City of Evart, then right 0.2 miles to 9 th Street, then left one block to the park and small boat access.
- Coordinates: 43.946851, -85.149897, Osceola County.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-131 and US-10, on US-10 travel east 18 miles to M-66, then left (north) 3.2 miles to Park Drive on the left before the bridge.
Muskegon River, from M-66 upstream to Reedsburg Dam
This river segment is 87 miles long and is accessible by canoe. The river has low gradient, with predominantly sand bottom, and abundant trees that have fallen into the river. Access sites are mostly road crossings and sites that require a short walk to the river. The predominant species of fish in this river segment are suckers and redhorse, with some northern pike. Great Lakes Muskellunge stocking began in 2012 at M-55 and Leota. Between Reedsburg Dam and M-55, fishing for panfish is moderate (these are fish that migrate from Reedsburg Impoundment into the river).
M115 canoe and shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 43.9861N, -85.0902W, Osceola County.
- Description: A canoe livery is located upstream of the bridge and public land downstream of the bridge.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-127 and US-10 at Clare, on US-10 travel west 7 miles to M-115, then on M-115 north 13 miles to the bridge over the river.
Temple State Forest Campground canoe and shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 44.023063, - 85.038700, Clare County.
- Directions: From the intersection of US-127 and M-61 north of Clare, on M-61 travel west 14 miles to Cook Avenue in Temple, then left (south) 0.4 miles to Ashley Street, then right 2 blocks to S. Dewey Street, then left 0.5 miles to the access site (Dewey Street turns into Main Street then Thornapple Trail).
Leota Park canoe and shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 44.1385N, -84.8983W, Clare County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 4 miles to S. Jeffs Road, then south 13.8 miles to the intersection with E. South County Line Road, than jog southeast for 1.5 miles to Muskegon Road, then west 2.4 miles to the bridge in Leota.
Jonesville Road shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 44.1539N, -84.8604W, Clare County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 4 miles to S. Jeffs Road, then south 13.8 miles to the intersection with E. South County Line Road, then jog southeast for 0.8 miles to the bridge.
Wolf Creek Road shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 44.2188N, -84.8589W, Roscommon County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 4 miles to S. Jeffs Road, then south 9.8 miles to the Wolf Creek Road, then east 1.0 miles to the river. Ben Jeffs Road jogs and continues onto Dolph Road before it intersects with Wolf Creek Road.
Dolph Road shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 44.2252N, -84.8752W, Missaukee County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 4 miles to S. Jeffs Road, then south 8.2 miles to the bridge. Ben Jeffs Road jogs and continues onto Dolph Road.
Cadillac Road shore fishing access
Coordinates: 44.2486N, -84.8965W, Missaukee County.
Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 4 miles to S. Jeffs Road, then south 6.2 miles to Cadillac Road, then west 0.2 miles to the bridge.
Kelly Road shore fishing access
- Coordinates: 44.2916N, -84.8933W, Missaukee County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 4 miles to S. Jeffs Road, then south 3.1 miles to Kelly Road, then west 0.2 miles to the bridge.
Ben Jeffs Park on M-55 small boat and shore fishing access (Missaukee County Parks)
- Coordinates: 44.3351N, - 84.8898W.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 4.1 miles to Ben Jeffs Park at the river crossing.
Reedsburg Impoundment
Reedsburg Impoundment is 572 acres in size. Water depths are mostly shallow with the deepest area near the dam. Fishing is moderate for panfish, bass and northern pike. There is a boat ramp suitable for launching small boats.
- Coordinates: 44.350306, - 84.859187.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 2.5 miles to County Road 300, then north 1.7 miles to the State Forest campground entrance.
- Coordinates: 44.378620, - 84.843188, Roscommon County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel west 2.5 miles to County Road 300, then north 3.3 miles to Michelson Road, then left 0.75 miles to the access.
Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake is 20,075 acres in size and provides excellent summer and winter fishing. The lake is relatively shallow with abundant aquatic vegetation growing throughout the lake. Fishing is very good for panfish, yellow perch, bass, walleye and northern pike. There are five, large boat access sites on this lake.
- Coordinates: 43.338938, -84.663554.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel east 8.7 miles to the Junction with M-18, then follow M-18 north 1.5 miles to East Houghton Lake Drive, then left 3 miles to the access site.
Denton Township Park boat access
- Coordinates: 44.300086, -84.652866.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel east 8.7 miles to the Junction with M-18, then left 0.1 miles on Gladwin Street to the access site.
- Coordinates: 44.300935, -84.731444.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel east 4.7 miles to Town Line Road, then left 0.1 miles to the access site.
- Coordinates: 44.342806, -84.792279.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel east 0.6 miles to Harrison Road, then left 0.5 miles to the access site.
DNR North Shore boat access and State Forest Campground
- Coordinates: 44.400278, - 84.772219.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and M-55 near Houghton Lake, on M-55 travel east 0.6 miles to Harrison Road, then left 5 miles to Bradford Drive, then right 0.4 miles to E. Houghton Lake Drive, then left 0.5 miles to the State Forest Campground.
Higgins Lake
Higgins Lake is 10,186 acres in size and provides excellent summer and winter fishing. Higgins Lake is very deep (120 feet) and is fished primarily by boat during summer. Fishing is very good for lake trout, rock bass, yellow perch and rainbow smelt. The abundance of yellow perch and rainbow smelt are cyclic and usually alternate in this lake (when one is high the other is low). Northern pike abundance is moderate but large fish are present. Rainbow trout fishing and lake whitefish fishing is moderate. Ciscoes (lake herring) are also captured occasionally. The lake is annually stocked with lake trout and rainbow trout. There are three large boat access sites on this lake. South Higgins Lake State Park also has a fishing pier on Marl Lake that provides shore fishing access for panfish.
- Coordinates: 44.426559, -84.680300, Roscommon County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and CR104 (West Higgins Lake Road) north of Houghton Lake, on CR104 travel east 6 miles to the State Park.
DNR South Higgins Lake State Park fishing pier on Marl Lake
- Coordinates: 44.423776, - 84.674797, Roscommon County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and CR104 (West Higgins Lake Road) north of Houghton Lake, on CR104 travel east 6 miles to the State Park.
- Coordinates: 44.511240, -84.760852, Roscommon County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and North Higgins Lake Road north of Houghton Lake, on North Higgins Lake Road travel east 0.6 miles to the State Park.
- Coordinates: 44.479648, -84.778399, Roscommon County.
- Directions: From the intersection of U.S. 127 and North Higgins Lake Road north of Houghton Lake, on North Higgins Lake Road travel east 0.2 miles to Old US-27, then south 2.5 miles to the access site
