HIGGINS LAKE is a large 9,900 acre lake offering plenty of recreation and fishing.  Higgins Lake is known for it's deep, clear water and magnificent colors. Being the 10th largest in Michigan with a shoreline of 21 miles, and a maximum width of 4 miles and a length of 7 miles, a maximum depth of 135 feet.  The average depth of Higgins Lake is 44 feet, with a nice sandy bottom, receiving it's waters from submerged springs, incoming streams and direct rainfall and runoff.  The twin lobed lake drains into Marl Lake by the Cut River located at the South end of the lake, flowing on into Houghton Lake and eventually Lake Michigan.  Looking to drop a fishing line? You will find an abundance of trout, smelt, perch, and pike during both summer and winter.

Higgins Lake is situated on the boundary between Gerrish Township and Lyon Township.  There are two State Park facilities, one located at the North end and one at the South. Along with the DNR public access site, these facilities offer boat launches. The State parks offer camping, hiking trails and summer activities.

HOUGHTON LAKE is known to be the largest inland lake in the State of Michigan and one of the largest natural inland lakes in the USA.  The lake consists of the communities of Prudenville, Houghton Lake, and Houghton Lake Heights.  Houghton Lake is approximately 7.5 miles north to south, and about 4.5 miles at the widest point.  Houghton Lake has 30 miles of shoreline covering over 20,000 acres of water.  This popular fishing and resort area is renown for Tip-Up-Town USA, a large ice fishing and winter sports event, featuring many events in it's icy frozen water.

Houghton Lake receives it's water from Higgins Lake through the Cut River flowing on into the Muskegon River.  Houghton Lake partially consumes Markey, Denton, Roscommon, and Lake Townships.  Houghton Lake is considered to be a warm water lake due to the average depth of 7.5 feet.  You will find plenty  of crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, northern pike, and largemouth bass.