Have any of the Michiganders been to Higgins yet this year? If so please fill me in. Still as beautiful as ever? Swimmers itch still around this year? Planning a trip real soon to this wonderful lake.

Have not been the past couple years so no clue on if it has changed. Never had a problem with swimmers itch!
We will be going right by next Saturday.

I tried to find a website provided location information for Duck Itch in Michigan Lakes. I only found this:

It is widely scattered throughout Michigan, but uncommon in the thumb region. Major outbreaks occur on the larger recreational lakes in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula. Nearly every lake in Michigan has the potential to support the snails and birds that host the schistosomes that cause swimmer's itch.



The DNR used to post warnings on public accesses for the lakes that were infected. So the best advice is to check locally when you arrive.

"Duck Itch" is what my boys and nephew used to call it.

We've only had a problem with the "itch" at the south end campground. My wife, one daughter and I got it. My daughter and I were not bothered by it by had the red spots on our legs. It about drove my wife crazy (the year we met Boatsrule). We camp at the north end all but 2 times times and have not had a problem there.

There are signs posted at the state parks with information on trying to avoid it. You can also check with the state parks to see if they've had problems recently. We have not been there this year.

Have fun it's a great lake. There's a large weed bed near the gas marina on the north end that you can catch a lot of pan fish.

Thanks for the info guys. I used to camp there when I was a kid in the 60's. This will be our 3rd year back at Higgins and everyone always has a great time. Me, my wife, our neighbors, their kids and our grandkids.

The only downside is the 400 mile drive each way.

I used to go there a lot in the 60's also. I still remember walking to a little store for candy and, once I could read, comic books. My dad was lucky enough to live there in the summer when he was a kid (30's). He said it never took more than an hour to cath all the perch you needed for dinner.

datkins: Why passing on the lakes in N. Wisconsin?

Went to Eagle River last week and had a good time. Hard to beat the sandy bottom and water clarity of Higgins. Heyboer, What Lakes do u like in Wi?

Used to go to Lake 17 in Minnaqua and S. Bass Lake in ER.
Saturday were off to Glen lake in Michigan.

Spent some time on Glen earlier this month. Great lake, very clear, lotsa nice sand.. The lake association powerwashed the boat and trailer and had me fire up the engine on the muffs before putting in. They're attempting to keep invasive species out.