Area lakes offer good fishing for bass, bluegill, walleye and pike. Higgins Lake along Crawford County’s southern border, is widely recognized as one of the finest inland fisheries in the state. Local landmark shops sell fishing supplies, trout flies, fly-fishing equipment, riverboat and wading guide services, live bait, spin and baitcast equipment. They will gladly help out with information about current hot spots, fly hatches, directions, and advice. Ice shanties are a common sight during winter months as the use of tip-ups yield a variety of fish.
Cool Water Angling – Large lakes including Higgins and Lake Margrethe are all-around recreational facilities. Higgins is a deep lake that not only contains cool water fish such as Northern Pike and Perch but also Lake and Brown Trout. Lake Margrethe is shallow and contains Bass, Bluegills, Bullheads, Walleye and some Muskellunge.
KP Lake and Jones Lake are also fairly large lakes with a variety of cool water fish. Smaller Lakes include Frog and Kyle Lakes. Shupac Lake in the Northern part of the county contains trout as well as cool water species.
Bright and Glory Lakes located on the Hartwick Pines State Park property contain Trout as well as Bluegills. In addition to a fishing license and trout stamp you must have a Michigan Recreation Passport.
Wakeley Lake is a federal property and is “walk in” only. Only artificial baits are permitted and fish caught must be released. This site is one of US Forest Service’s fee demonstration areas. A parking pass is required. Pass can be obtained at the parking area on site or at the District Ranger Office at Mio.
Click Here for a brochure with a table of lakes and fishing opportunities in the Grayling area.
