Skip to main content

Higgins Lake

Boat Ramps
3
Access Points
3
Species
18

Higgins Lake is a pristine 10,186-acre natural lake located in the central Lower Peninsula of Michigan, primarily in Roscommon County with a small portion extending into Crawford County. Known for its exceptional water clarity and striking turquoise color, this deep, oligotrophic lake of glacial origin features a maximum depth of 135 feet and an average depth of 30.4 feet. With approximately 22.2 miles of shoreline and sand and marl substrates, Higgins Lake provides an ideal habitat for a variety of fish species. It serves as the headwaters of the Muskegon River watershed, with an outlet stream flowing into Marl Lake. The lake's cold, clear waters and diverse underwater features create a premier fishing destination for both experienced anglers and newcomers alike.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Brown Trout6,790 fish · 7.4 inApr 16, 2026
  • Brown Trout6,789 fish · 7.4 inApr 16, 2026
  • Brown Trout9,921 fish · 7.2 inApr 15, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout2,559 fish · 7.7 inApr 15, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout11,620 fish · 7.7 inApr 15, 2026

Source

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page, opens in new tab

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Higgins Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Higgins Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Michigan licenses and regulations

Michigan Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Michigan Fishing License

You must purchase a fishing license if you are 17 years of age or older to fish. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. Any adult actively assisting a minor who does not have a license must have a fishing license. Please note, a license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Michigan Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Michigan Stream Access Laws

The public has a right to use a waterway for pleasure, travel, or commercial navigation. The right extends to wading on the streambed or traveling on ice. While constant movement is not required, neither can a vessel be permanently moored or use the waterway as a parking spot. The riparian owner (the owner of the land along the water) owns the streambed, but that right is subordinate to the right of navigation. On non-navigable waters the riparian owner has the right to fish and can exclude the public from fishing on such waters. But on navigable waters, the rights of the private owners are inferior to the public trust right to fish the waters.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Higgins Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Higgins Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Higgins Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Higgins Lake and check the forecast before you go.

HIGGINS LAKE NEAR ROSCOMMON, MI

Loading flow chart…
Latest
10 yr average

Explore Michigan waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.