Open water crappie lakes in Mich

[NickD]

What are some lakes in Michigan that have good open water crappie? We're looking somewhere closer than a 9hr drive to do some crappie fishing and make a few YouTube videos fishing with planer boards. I'm just starting to explore crappie this year, and know there are a lot of great lakes down south, but I'm sure there has to be a few good lakes in Michigan. Thanks!

[royboy78]

What part of the state are you in

[NickD]

I'm in the thumb area

[slabsrus]

Though it is a couple hour drive from the thumb area, Houghton Lake is an excellent crappie lake. At 22,000 acres there is a lot of water to cover and plenty of room for everyone. Best bets are early in the summer, before the weeds get too thick.

[NickD]

Thanks, a couple hours is fine, I'm just trying to avoid a lot of 10 hour drives. I can't wait to get after them! If you see a yellow Ranger on the water, pull up and say hi.

[g6463]

holloway res. in lapeer county has some big crappie in it

[slabsrus]

If you decide to make a trip up to Houghton Lake, feel free to give me a shout and maybe we can meet up and I can point you in the right direction. I work in Houghton Lake, right next to the water. Actually look out on the lake 5 days a week. I was raised in the area and have spent many, many, years crappie fishing on Houghton lake. Good luck and feel free to give me a shout.

[XXXXX]

hey slabsrus, any clue as to why there are not many crappies in the canals these last few springs after ice-out?

[NickD]

If you decide to make a trip up to Houghton Lake, feel free to give me a shout and maybe we can meet up and I can point you in the right direction. I work in Houghton Lake, right next to the water. Actually look out on the lake 5 days a week. I was raised in the area and have spent many, many, years crappie fishing on Houghton lake. Good luck and feel free to give me a shout.

Sounds good, thanks. When do you think it would be a good time to give it a try?

[XXXXX]

hey slabsrus, any feedback?