How deep is Houghton Lake?

Houghton Lake reaches a maximum depth of 21 feet, according to the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 16 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.

Where is the deepest part of Houghton Lake?

The deepest surveyed water on Houghton Lake sits toward the southern end of the lake, inside the 21 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.

How accurate is this Houghton Lake depth map?

The contours come from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation.

Michigan lake depth maps

Houghton Lake depth map

Houghton Lake in Roscommon County, Michigan reaches a depth of 21 feet. The official Michigan survey maps 16 depth bands across 72 contour lines. This free map of Houghton Lake shows every surveyed contour as an interactive depth chart you can use to plan a session before you travel.

Houghton Lake depth chart: 16 depth bands to 21 ft

Data: Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours (public record), retrieved August 2026 · depths change over time · not for navigation

Houghton Lake depth chart data
Depth contour	Share of mapped area inside it
4 ft	about 100%
8 ft	about 86%
12 ft	about 54%
16 ft	about 27%
20 ft	about 5%
21 ft	under 1%

Share of the surveyed surface area enclosed by each depth contour, computed from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours data.

How to fish Houghton Lake: shallow, weed-oriented water

Topping out around 21 feet, this is a shallow fishery where weed growth, not depth, structures the water. The contours still matter: the deepest hole concentrates fish in high summer and under ice, and subtle one-band depressions are the spots most anglers row straight past. In winter, shallow lakes like this are often first to make safe ice, and the deepest mapped hole is the classic starting point.

Ice fishing on Houghton Lake

Shallow lakes like Houghton Lake are usually among the first to make safe, fishable ice. The deepest mapped hole is the classic starting point because it concentrates fish once weed beds die back, and the subtle depressions on the map above are the spots most anglers walk straight past. Always verify ice thickness locally before walking out.

Houghton Lake depth map FAQs

How deep is Houghton Lake?: Houghton Lake reaches a maximum depth of 21 feet, according to the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 16 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.
Where is the deepest part of Houghton Lake?: The deepest surveyed water on Houghton Lake sits toward the southern end of the lake, inside the 21 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.
How accurate is this Houghton Lake depth map?: The contours come from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation.

Depth maps for lakes near Houghton Lake

Higgins Lake depth map · 130+ ft max · 8 mi away
Long Lake depth map · 76 ft max · 18 mi away
Arnold Lake depth map · 80+ ft max · 19 mi away
Lake Margrethe depth map · 65 ft max · 21 mi away
Elk Lake depth map · 47 ft max · 22 mi away

Mapped fishing venues near Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake in the venue directory covers access and fishing details for this water.

Higgins Lake · 8 mi away
West Higgins Lake Drive Road End Access · 8 mi away
Long Lake · 18 mi away

Fishing in Michigan needs a state license: Michigan fishing license guide · all Michigan venues