During the summer, look for North Lake Leelanau walleyes to suspend over open water a lot. These fish will usually be relating to large schools of rainbow smelt and can be located with the use of electronics. Often, it's actually faster to target the smelt when looking. Spot the baitfish, and the walleyes won't be far away!

To catch these suspended walleyes, try trolling deep-diving crankbaits behind planer boards. Another good bet is Michigan Stinger Spoons pulled to the correct depth with one of the various diving discs. Best colors may vary from day to day, so it's best to have a number of spoons on hand.

A paved ramp is just east of the Bluebird Tavern and Restaurant in Leland at the lake's north end. Another launch is located on the west side just south of M-204. For information on lodging, contact the Leelanau County Chamber of Commerce at (231) 256-9895.

HOUGHTON LAKE
Houghton Lake in Roscommon County may be Michigan's largest and most heavily fished lake, but don't let its size and fishing pressure keep you away. All those anglers know something about this lake that you should know as well: it's a real fish producer! This 20,000-acre lake is teaming with game fish and offers plenty of fun for the folks who come here.

Pike, bass, panfish and walleyes are in abundance here in part because of the lake's natural ability to hold, breed and feed them all. The average depth of the lake is only 8 to 10 feet, which contributes to acres of fish-holding weeds. The 20-foot holes that dot the lake offer cooler water during summer months as well as security.

Untold thousands of walleyes call Houghton Lake home. The shallow water, weedbeds and deep holes are simply everyday hangouts for the typical walleye angler who is quite at home fishing for his or her favorite fish in these type of locations.

"Catching walleyes is commonplace on this lake," said Mike Balcome of Houghton Lake. "The trick here is to leave the heavy Great Lakes-style gear at home and come prepared to do a little finesse fishing."

According to Balcome, simple is better.

"If all you brought was a bobber, single hook and a long light-action rod, you'd do well," said Balcome. "Tip the hook with a leech and pitch the offering into the pockets within the weeds. If you don't have a pickup within a minute or two, drift to another opening and try it again. Don't be afraid to go back to the same spots that were unsuccessful the first time you were there. The walleyes will travel from one weedbed to another. One may be void of fish at first and then be loaded awhile later."

To locate walleyes a bit faster, consider trolling spinner rigs off in-line planer boards.

"I'll only do that when I'm in a hurry to locate my fish," Balcome continued. "Place a split shot a few feet ahead of the spinner to keep it just below the surface. This way, you can run the spinners above most weeds and still attract walleyes."

Access to Houghton Lake can be obtained just north of M-55 on old U.S. Highway 27, from the North Bay at the state park or in Prudenville and the East Bay. Bait and tackle can be purchased from the Last Resort & Bait Shop in Houghton Lake, (989) 422-3224. Information on hotels, campgrounds and restaurants can be obtained by calling the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce at (989) 366-5644.