Whether you are looking for feisty panfish, explosive bass, or powerful catfish and stripers, we have a trip for you. And don’t forget our many saltwater species.

You might not be willing to take all of the trips profiled here, but maybe you can explore a few new fishing destinations to build strong positive memories on the water.

JANUARY
Crappie
Weiss Lake
One of Bama’s best crappie waters, Weiss Lake has hot fishing even in the depths of winter.

The warm-water discharge pipe on the Chattooga River near State Route 68 and the spring in Spring Creek provide anglers unique opportunities to catch a limit of crappie quickly on cold winter days. When the weather turns frigid, fish congregate in huge numbers in these warmer waters and are much easier to catch.

At the discharge pipe, fish two 1/6-ounce deer-hair jigs under a FB3 pear-shaped float with an 8-foot Float-N-Fly rod. To fish Spring Creek, troll 1/32-ounce jigs on long poles in shallow water at less than a mile per hour.

To book a day of guided crappie fishing, call Jason Tucker at (256) 997-7263 or visit his Web site at www.guntersvillebassfishing.com.

Other Hotspots
This is also the month to catch giant blue catfish on Wheeler Lake as anglers catch 50-pounders in winter. Bait 7/0 circle hooks with fresh skipjack herring and prepare for a fight.

On Millers Ferry, largemouth bass begin to stage at major creek mouths.

FEBRUARY
Spotted Bass
Jones Bluff Lake
While the weather remains cold, Alabama spotted bass continue to feed voraciously on Jones Bluff. It’s the best time to target these cold-water brawlers, as the trophy-size 6-pounders disappear once temperatures moderate.

As the first reservoir on the Alabama River, Jones Bluff’s riverine banks and current create excellent habitat for growing large spots.

These football shaped fighters feed on humps and gravel bars at depths of 6 to 15 feet in the current. Current is important, as it causes the spots to feed. The best section of the lake to fish is from Swift Creek to the dam.

For fishing updates, visit Big Bass Bait and Tackle in Prattville on State Route 14 west, or call (334) 365-0600.

Other Hotspots
Bass fishermen on the Mobile Delta are catching more fish than in recent history. The bass don’t grow big there, but they offer excellent fishing in February.

Sauger spawn this month on the Tennessee River and concentrate in the tailraces.

MARCH
Sheepshead
Mobile Bay
Sheepshead is great fish for families to target in March. They are plentiful in Mobile Bay, hard fighting and often easy to find. Sheepshead are also a challenge to catch as they are exceptional bait-stealers.

The fish range in size between 3 and 9 pounds and are delicious.

Captain DeJuan Tedder of Fort Morgan reported the best fishing occurs during an incoming tide as water visibility is high, and fish can see the bait. If the water is not muddy, fishing is also good on an outgoing tide. Since sheepshead hug structure, Tedder recommends fishing any of the gas rigs in the bay.

For a guided sheepshead trip, telephone Captain Tedder at (251) 978-9711 or visit his Web site at www.gulfadventures.net.

Other Hotspots
In March on Aliceville crappie spawn in small open pockets in the aquatic vegetation along the shoreline. Probe the pockets with jigs set 18 inches below a bobber.

Also this month, the best place to catch stripers is in Lake Martin’s feeder creeks.

APRIL
Shellcrackers
Yates Lake
Jon Hornsby, a retired Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources fisheries biologist who fishes Yates frequently, reported that the small impoundment is an exceptionally good shellcracker fishery.

“In fact,” he said, “Yates is one of, if not, the best bream fishing lakes in Alabama. Roughly one out of every 19 redear sunfish weighs a pound or more.”

Cold water discharged from the Lake Martin Dam prolongs the spawning period for bream, so anglers can catch bedding shellcrackers from April through early July.

“Shellcrackers spawn in the coves and small cuts off the main lake, as well as Channahatchee, Coon and Sougahatchee creeks,” Hornsby reported.

Yates covers 1,980 acres, is near Tallassee and is below Lake Martin on the Tallapoosa River. The largest boat ramp is at Yates Dam Park off CR 44.

Other Hotspots
Pickwick Lake offers amazing largemouth fishing throughout spring, and April is no exception. Anglers report fast action with fish weighing up to 4 pounds.

The cobia migration off our Orange Beach is an opportunity to sight fish for the hard-fighting brown bombers

Check out page two for the best bets for Alabama fishing for May, June, July and August

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Regardless of the time of year, the fish are always biting somewhere. Try your hand for monster catfish in the broad bottomland rivers of the Delta or fly-fish for trout in the clear streams of the Ozarks. Fish the Coastal Plain lakes for crappie and bream or try for white bass and hybrids on a Ouachita Mountains reservoir. The opportunities are almost endless.

That said, here’s a road map to guide you to some of the state’s best fishing destinations this year.

JANUARY
Mississippi River Blue Cats
Most folks are backed up to the fireplace this month, but not serious catfishermen. These guys know January is the time to bundle up and chase blue cats, and no place offers better action than the Mississippi River, home of the former 116-pound, 12-ounce world record caught at West Memphis just downstream from the Interstate 55 bridge.

Use sonar to pinpoint deep wintering holes anywhere on the river from Blytheville to Chicot County. Then drop a chunk of fresh skipjack or shad to the bottom and hold on. Thirty- to 50-pounders are common, with 100-pounders always possible.

One important thing to remember about these big whiskerfish this season is that where you catch one, you probably can find others. Blue cats often gather in huge concentrations in relatively small deepwater areas in January. From one wintering hole in the Mississippi River, you might catch a dozen or 100, including several trophy-class specimens.

Today’s catfish fans usually keep smaller cats (to 5 or 10 pounds) if they want some to eat and release older heavyweights. Remember the motto, “Today’s releases are tomorrow’s trophies.”

FEBRUARY
Old Town Lake Crappie
Old Town Lake, southwest of West Helena, warms up earlier than many other Arkansas lakes. Crappie usually move into the shallows to prepare for spawning around the middle of February. That oxbow is separated from the Mississippi River by a levee and drains into Big Creek in the White River drainage. It creates better fishing conditions for anglers who like fishing oxbow lakes, as water levels are generally quite stable with no fast rises or falls as are often seen on other Mississippi River oxbows in the area. The lake is at the town of Lakeview on Arkansas Highway 44 in Phillips County.

As the water in Old Town Lake warms this month, anglers start catching crappie around the dense stands of cypress trees in shoreline shallows. It’s not uncommon to take a 30-fish limit of crappie that weighs 40 pounds or more when working jigs or minnows around good cover. The lake is extremely shallow, averaging less than 6 feet throughout, but on February’s warm bluebird days, most crappie will be in 2 feet of water or less.

MARCH
Beaver Lake White Bass
On this huge northwest Arkansas U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake near Rogers, anglers can enjoy some hot action for fat white bass this month. These temperate bass are gorging on schools of shad, and near dawn and dusk, they run the baitfish to the surface. Watch for surface disturbances as the predators herd the shad, and then move in quietly and start casting to the schools.

Any shad-like lure will catch the whites, but it’s hard to beat a silver jigging spoon worked vertically beneath the boat. Free-line one to the bottom, then rip it upward a few feet at a time. Most anglers fish for white bass using light or ultralight fishing combos, but there on Beaver Lake, it’s best to use a sturdy baitcasting outfit, as hybrids up to 3 pounds and more are common and will make a shambles out of smaller fishing gear. Dress warm; weather can turn frigid quickly at this time of year.

APRIL
Lake Dardanelle Crappie
This honeyhole on the Arkansas River spreads westward from Dardanelle Lock & Dam at Russellville to cover 35,000 acres in five counties. When the dogwoods start blooming in April, crappie begin spawning in shallow, timbered coves and backwaters.

Just a few years ago, shad populations in Dardanelle fell dramatically due to a winter die-off, and crappie, which feed heavily on shad, became less abundant as well. Enough time has now passed that crappie fishing should have greatly improved, making this a must-fish honeyhole for any Arkansas angler who loves targeting these good-eating panfish.

You won’t go wrong fishing live minnows or shad-like jigs around any woody cover you see there: stumps, brushpiles, standing snags, and so on. Dardanelle has lots of fast-breaking rocky structure that attracts crappie as well. Dozens of fish can be caught on spawning beds around gravel-covered points and shallow flats with very little cover at all.

Two excellent crappie-fishing areas are the Spadra Creek and Little Spadra Creek arms south of I-40 at Clarksville. In those areas, you’ll find 5- to 10-foot depths that jump up to 2- and 3-foot flats. Woody cover on those flats attracts crappie that sometimes weigh 2 pounds or more. The Shoal Bay area near New Blaine on Highway 22 provides similar conditions, with loads of crappie-attracting stump flats.

Check out page two for the top spots for Arkansas fishing for May, June, July and August

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Since I’m a native of the Golden State, I might be biased, but I firmly believe there is no better state for an angler to call home base than California. Do you like trout fishing? How about river salmon and steelhead? Maybe trophy-size largemouths and smallmouths are your bag? Perhaps you fantasize about panfish, catfish, halibut, striped bass or ocean-run kings?

If the answer to any or, in my case, all of these questions is yes, you find yourself residing in the right place, because California boasts outstanding fishing for all the species mentioned and more.

With a square mile of water for every 20 square miles of land, California has a plethora of freshwater fishing destinations. And with a coastline 840 miles long, saltwater fishing opportunities are diverse and plentiful.

To my knowledge there isn’t another state in the union where you can target mackinaw at a high-elevation mountain lake one day, drive to the ocean and troll for salmon the next and wrap up your three-day adventure at a lake or river with trophy-class largemouth bass in your sights. In California, not only is such an adventure possible, it would be pretty easy to plan.

It doesn’t matter what species you plan on targeting in 2012, you’re going to enjoy some excellent fishing. Our lakes are healthy after two wet years, trout planting is going strong and the ocean salmon population is rebounding nicely. Here is a month-to-month primer for the top spots for California fishing to make your dreams come true.

JANUARY
Steelhead
Smith River
California plays host to a list of steelhead rivers, but none of them are as good as the Smith when it comes to the shear volume of fish and the 20-plus-pound size they attain.

The best stretch lies below the forks. This piece of river offers very good bank access for anglers plunking with roe, but for the absolute best results side drifting pieces of roe from a drift boat is the way to go.

If you like really big game, forget the Smith and head for San Pablo Bay where monster white sturgeon will be cruising the mudflats. To hook up, soak mud shrimp in shallow water during strong outgoing tides.

For south state trout enthusiasts, Lake Irvine is the place to cast out dough baits and inflated worms for big rainbows and plenty of them.

FEBRUARY
Trout
Lake Chabot
The Bay Area is home to more than 7 million people, yet for a country feel and a stringer of big rainbows all you need to do is cruise over the East Bay hills to 315-acre Lake Chabot.

Bank access is outstanding and fishing piers are centrally located around the lake. Most bank anglers rely on dough baits, salmon eggs and worms. Rental boats are available and trolling small Rapalas from one of them is a great approach.

For a day of winter steelhead action the Feather River is a good February option. They average 4- to 6-pounds and will nail roe, spoons, egg imitating flies and nymphs.

Lake Tahoe is not only California’s largest lake, but it also produced the 37.6-pound state-record mackinaw. To catch macks, troll structure with large plugs or rigged minnows.

MARCH
Sturgeon
Suisun Bay
Freshwater runoff ignites topnotch sturgeon action in Suisun Bay toward the end of winter.

The Mothball Fleet is a well-known hotspot. Shrimp baits are a favorite offering of many anglers, but lamprey eel fillets and uncured salmon roe work great, too.

The keys to success are still-fishing these baits on the edges of channels during periods of strong tidal movement. Bites can be subtle, so watch your rod closely and if it pumps down, set the hook hard.

Southern California and big bass go together like peanut butter and bananas. Lake Perris is a good spot to toss rainbow pattern swimbaits for something over the 10-pound mark.

While steelhead fishing is winding down at many destinations by March, the bite on the Russian River will still be going strong for anglers pulling plugs and drifting roe.

APRIL
Largemouth Bass
Lake Dixon
A huge 21.11-pound largemouth came out of Dixon in 2003 and many believe the next world record swims these waters.

The lake is heavily stocked with trout, so rainbow swimbaits are a key offering, but jigs and plastic worms pay dividends, too.

During April, bed fishing for large spawners is a proven approach, but you’ll have plenty of company from other trophy hunters if you choose to take this approach. Small baits work best for tempting highly pressured bed fish.

If your travels take you to the northern end of the Sacramento Valley, Lake Shasta is a great place to hook energetic rainbows while trolling shad-imitating spoons.

For big numbers of bass, Lake Oroville is hard to beat. All it takes to hook up is a 3-inch naturally-colored grub rigged on a darter head.

Check out page two for top California fishing options for May, June, July and August

JANUARY
Largemouths
Rodman Reservoir
There are a number of bass lakes in Florida that are hot right now. But, if a 10-pounder is your goal this month, Rodman is the hottest.

Bass begin spawning this month on the Orange Springs flats. Early in the month you find them staging on the main river and creek channel edges adjacent to the flats. As the month progresses, look for them to move to the flats.

Weedless soft plastic jerks baits, or subtle topwater plugs are good bets early in the day. When the sun comes up, sight fish bedding bass with weedless soft plastic worms or craws. If the beds are there but the sows aren’t, flip any surface matted cover in the area with a weedless craw.

Alternatives
Speckled perch are fired up in Santa Fe Lake. Start your search in 21 to 23 feet of water, and stagger baits at different depths until you find the how deep the specs are feeding.

Tarpon are feeding in Government Cut in the Biscayne Bay at Miami. Large live shrimp are the top baits.

FEBRUARY
Largemouths
Lake Tohopekaliga
This is normally the peak of the bass spawn on Toho, and as recent major tournaments have revealed, there are plenty of big bass available.

Start your search along the inside edge of the major hydrilla beds in 2 to 4 feet of water. A quick moving weedless bait, like the Zoom Horny Toad, is excellent for covering water in a hurry to find fish. Another option is the inside edge of major maidencane beds, especially those that have arrowhead plants nearby. Bass love to bed next to this plant.

Once a concentration is found, shift to weedless soft plastics and probe any hole in the hydrilla, or arrowhead clusters.

Alternatives
Sheepshead are flocking into Tampa Bay. Look for them around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, or any other man-made structure on which barnacles are growing.

There still are sailfish roaming the 120-foot depth line off of Miami, but many are following baitfish schools into depths as shallow as 50 feet. Let the birds tell you where the sails are.

MARCH
Largemouths
Lake George
Bass are spawning heavily in the massive eelgrass beds ringing Lake George. Key areas to check are Salt Cove, the Jetties, Hogg and Drayton islands, and the east shore from Pine Island to the north.

A tip off that bass are spawning in any of these areas is freshly chopped, bright green eelgrass, floating on the surface. Bass uproot this when they fan a bed, and many of the fish bed toward the inside edge of the grass bed.

When the sun is up, sight fishing bedding bass is effective. Early in the day, or under heavy overcast, a 1/4-ounce tandem blade spinnerbait, Horny Toad, or swimming weedless worm worked through the grass can score limits.

Alternatives
Striped bass approaching 20-pounds concentrate in the area of the Lake Talquin dam. Casting a 4-inch white curly-tail grub on a 1/4-ounce jighead is the preferred tactic.

The inside edge of the hydrilla beds produce a lot of bass on Orange Lake this month for anglers casting spinnerbaits, surface-running toad lures, and countdown crankbaits.

APRIL
Seatrout
Jacksonville
Some of the biggest spotted seatrout in Florida are caught this month in the St. Johns River within five miles of the Mayport Inlet.

Savvy anglers look for the top end of the incoming tide in areas where a shallow shoreline shelf of Spartina grass ends in an abrupt drop to seven or more feet of water. When combined with moving current and the presence of baitfish, it’s a gator trout buffet. But, don’t ignore docks on a sharp drop, especially along the Fort Caroline shoreline.

Topwater lures are effective early and late, but hard plastic jerkbaits and 5-inch curly-tails on a lead head jig are often the most effective working over drops.

Alternates
The Pine Island flats near Port Charlotte see big trout venturing onto them with the incoming tide. Work the white sand holes with soft plastics.

Largemouths in Lake Lochloosa are finishing the spawn and stacked up between the cypress shorelines and the first patches of lily pads or maidencane out from the shoreline.

Take a look at the top spots for Florida Fishing for May, June, July and August on page two

Georgia’s climate runs the gamut as well, but it is never too hot or too cold to go fishing in the Peach State. Anglers in every corner of the state can find good angling options no matter the time of year. Following is a sampling of what each month has to offer.

JANUARY
Striped Bass
Lake Lanier
Winter is the best time to catch the big stripers. Finding the bait is key for finding wintertime fish. Start looking in the back of creeks and coves. Watch for surface activity, especially during early morning when the water is calm. Look for baitfish and stripers breaking the surface as they feed. Birds diving and working the surface is another sure indicator that baitfish are in the area and likely stripers.

Live bait such as shad or blueback herring hooked through the lip or nose with a 1/0 hook, allowing it to swim freely, is the typical offering. If fishing over submerged brush, a balloon tied to the line keeps the bait at the desired depth without affecting its movement.

A white bucktail jig is a reliable artificial option. Try a 1/2-ounce or in extremely cold conditions a lighter 1/4-ounce sinks slower to better imitating a sluggish baitfish.

For pursuing these big fish on lightweight tackle or fly rods, Guide Henry Cowen is the expert. His flies of choice are Cowen’s Coyote and the Something Else.

For fishing tips or to book a guided trip, visit his Web site at www.henrycowenflyfishing.com.

Other Options:
Beaverdam Creek in Lake Sinclair holds warmer water from the Harlee Branch Power Plant. Look for schooled up crappie following the shad into the warmer water.

The rainbow trout in the Toccoa River’s Delayed Harvest section have had a few months to feed and grow since being stocked. Single hooks on artificial lures only are allowed.

FEBRUARY
Walleyes
Carters Lake
Carters Lake is one of few lakes in the state that harbors a respectable walleye population, and the lake’s reputation is only getting better. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that we Southerners are beginning to get the hang of fishing for these toothy critters. Also, most will agree that there isn’t a tastier fish to serve at the dinner table.

For catching walleyes, fishing at night works best. Drop live bait, such as shad, worms and leeches to the bottom in 20 to 35 feet of water. Jigs worked slowly will draw strikes too. Concentrate around rocky points on the main lake. Walleyes bite gently so be ready to set the hook at any resistance.

Contact Bart’s Bait and Tackle for more information at (706) 253-2248.

Other Options:
In Lake Seminole in the southernmost portion of the state, largemouths begin their move to shallow water this time of year.

It is no secret to those who live on the coast that wintertime can offer some great action for redfish. The water tends to be clearer so this is a great time to sight-fish for reds on the oyster bars.

Call Captain Greg Hildreth at (912) 261-1763 for guided coastal fishing trips.

MARCH
White Bass
Coosa River
March is prime time to catch white bass as they make their annual spawning run up the Coosa River. There are several boat ramps available and good bank access at Mayo’s Bar Lock and Dam downstream from Rome.

Small crankbaits, curly-tailed grubs and white, chartreuse or shad-patterned 1/4-ounce jigs work well. Anglers using live bait have success with small shad or other minnows.

Other Options:
In Lake Oconee crappie are feeding and moving to the shallows for the spawn. Troll live minnows and jigs along ledges in the Oconee River above the Interstate 20 bridge.

The bass fishing in Lake Blackshear is heating up now. There are lots of shallow coves and cypress islands to target with spinnerbaits or plastic worms and lizards.

APRIL
Crappie
Lake Blackshear
Lake Blackshear is crappie heaven. Anglers have cypress islands galore and a multitude of docks to cast around for white and black crappie. Average fish size is 9 to 11 inches, but 3-pounders are here as well.

Target shallow areas using minnows and small jigs. Later in the month try deeper flats along creek channels and around bridge pilings.

Another popular technique for papermouths is shooting or pitching jigs under docks. This time of year and into summer, try this around docks found in water ranging from 8 to 20 feet deep.

Other Options:
Bluegill fishing is in full swing at the many lakes of Paradise Public Fishing Area in the southern portion of the state, just east of Tifton.

The best chance for a smallmouth bass right now is on Blue Ridge Lake. This mountain reservoir holds some big ones too! Target points, creek channels, docks and rock ledges.

Check out the top spots for Georgia fishing for May, June, July and August on page two

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“There are always fish to catch,” says Nebraska Game and Parks Biologist Daryl Bauer. And I fully agree. Read on to see proof.

JANUARY
Valentine NWR, NE
“Cut holes, and lots of them,” said Bauer. “If you’re not catching fish, move.” At the refuge it is no different. Start your day with a Swedish pimple tipped with a waxworm for the chance at big panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Pelican, Dewey and Hackberry lakes will be strong again, but I would never pass on Clear Lake, either.

For a second option, look at Swan Lake in South Dakota. Schools of yellow perch can be found by using minnows and jigs.

Lastly, stay close to the Omaha metro at Summit Lake, where big bluegills are available on the multitude of both shallow and deep underwater structure throughout the lake.

FEBRUARY
Glen Elder, KS
“There are some big crappies at Glen Elder,” said perennial ice-angler Monte Mares. “Last year, we were trying to jig our waxworms in 10 feet of water, but rarely did our jig make it to that depth before we got a bite.” Also, Mares added, “fish were schooled under snow piles trying to stay out of the sun, and there were a lot of them.” However, if ice isn’t on Glen Elder, fish the shallow coves using the same lures under bobbers for crappies trying to spawn.

Second, look at Bittern Lake in South Dakota, where you’ll be fishing for quality, not quantity. Look for trophy walleye, northern pike and yellow perch under the ice at this destination that was mostly snow-covered in 2011.

For a third choice, fish Kansas’ best reservoir largemouth fishery, La Cygne, in open water while the rest of the world is still frozen.

MARCH
Devils Lake, ND
“Devils is a walleye factory,” North Dakota Game and Fish Biologist Scott Gangl said. “We’re seeing a ton of fish in the 14- to 20-inch range,” said Gangl, “and they grow very fast on a diet of plankton and freshwater shrimp.”

“Fish mid-lake humps and submerged roadbeds,” said guide Jason Feldner. “Put out tip-ups with fatheads while also hole-bouncing using spoons until you find the spot on the spot.”

February can mean great ice-fishing for crappies at Glen Elder Reservoir in Kansas. Big slabs can be takien on waxworm-tipped jigs. ■ Photo courtesy of Monte Mares.

For a second option, look south at the I-80 lake system in Nebraska. Bluegills are popular fish both through the ice and on soft water, and can be caught on the dozens of lakes within a stone’s throw of the interstate.

Lastly, while all of South Dakota has seen tremendous reproduction of its northern pike population, said Gangl, Lake Sakakawea is a great place to start. “Right before ice-out, these fish are drawn into the shallow areas and creeks and can be very active.”

APRIL
Mid-Sized Lakes, KS
In 2011, there were 39 lakes and ponds throughout the state that had higher density ratings than Kansas’ most popular largemouth destination, La Cygne. Translation: go small for both big numbers and a chance for big bass in Kansas, especially this month, by viewing these fish surveys, and mapping your next bass fishing trip. And even though there are still some cool days this time of year, don’t slow your presentation down until the fish convince you it’s necessary.

For another option, look at Nebraska’s Lake Ogallala rainbow trout fishery. I’m nearly tired of seeing the umpteen photos of nice trout caught with light spinning tackle or on the fly at this lake.

Third, travel south to 144-acre Kingman Lake in south central Kansas for some early-season pike action.

A look at the top spots for Great Plains fishing for May, June, July and August can be found on page two

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Somewhere along the 402-mile length of Illinois there is some outstanding fishing in progress. It may be happening close to your home, or it may require a “road trip,” but year-round there are fishing opportunities in the Land of Lincoln. The following “Fishing Calendar” details some — but surely not all — of the optimal times and places to pursue the various piscatorial species.

JANUARY
If you plan to fish now be prepared to deal with ice — from Lake Catherine, on the Wisconsin state line, all the way down to sprawling Rend Lake, in Franklin County. Despite climate change, the possibility of a freeze-up is a very real one. While the metabolism of all fish is slowed by cold water, the humble bluegill is probably the most dependable target in winter. Tackle is basic, consisting of a short rod, 2-pound test line on an ultralight spinning reel, a metal ice fly, and a container of wax worms. You will also need an auger or chisel to punch a hole in the ice, and at least 4 inches of ice for safety’s sake. You will find the ’gills in 4 to 10 feet of water over old weedbeds.

FEBRUARY
This is another frigid month, but there are rewards for those hardy souls who brave the wintry gusts. After Chicago’s many Lake Michigan harbors freeze solidly, schools of yellow perch move in and out on a regular basis. Patience is the key to success, and when the perch come in, 15-fish limits can be reached quickly. Roaming rainbow and brown trout are frequently bonus fish for perch anglers. Shiner minnows or wax worms fished a foot off the bottom on an ice jig are the best baits for perch or trout. Any lake containing walleyes is worth a try using live minnows on a tip-up, or vertically fished jig/minnow combination. Low and slow near a drop-off area is the secret to success.

MARCH
This is probably the most difficult month to forecast, since the weather can be balmy or sub-arctic on a day-to-day basis. Spring coho arrive all along the Lake Michigan shore, giving shore fishermen the opportunity to enjoy this world-class fishery. Beginning in the southern counties, and working north as spring arrives, crappies will begin moving into shallow bays along the northern shores of lakes. It won’t take much of a cold front to send them back into the depths again, but they will return as soon as moderate weather returns and water clears. Bass will still be in their cold-water retreats, but a few can be caught on slowly worked plastic lures. Walleyes are becoming more active, especially in rivers and around lake current areas.

APRIL
Illinois DNR’s “Catchable Trout Program” kicks off on the first Saturday of the month, two weeks after 60,000 rainbow trout have been released in 43 locations statewide. A special Inland Waters Trout Stamp is required along with a valid 2012 fishing license. Persons under the age of 16, the disabled and Illinois residents currently serving in the military are exempt from licensing. Salmon and trout will still be within range of shore fishermen through most of April. Crappie will become very active throughout the state. Look for good bluegill action late in the month.

For the top Illinois fishing spots for May, June, July and August, please visit page two

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Want to catch a limit of walleyes to eat, or maybe an 8-pounder to brag about? Hoping to tangle with a world-class muskie or smallmouth bass? Maybe you’re more interested in “volume” than “size,” and looking for a livewell full of fat crappies. Iowa’s waters offer all those angling opportunities, and more. The secret is to know when, where and how to capitalize on the myriad fishing opportunities the Hawkeye State offers. Here’s a rundown of how to be in the right places at the right times to catch fish in Iowa in 2012.

JANUARY
Yellow Perch
Big Spirit Lake
Yellow perch populations at Big Spirit Lake in northwest Iowa, are still at record highs. Awestruck ice-anglers report “clouds” of perch on their Vexilars. For unknown reasons, the perch bite starts at the north end of the big lake and works toward the south during the winter. For numbers, fish where everybody else is drilling holes. For size, fish on the edges of large groups of ice anglers. Larger perch seem to frequent the edges of feeding areas.

Yellow bass populations at Clear Lake, in north central Iowa have been strong since the 1990s, with no indication of decrease in the near future. Look for them through the ice around the dredge cuts in the “Little Lake” portion of Clear Lake. In eastern Iowa along the Mississippi River, anglers who fish Brown’s Lake and other dredged backwaters that create wintering holes for panfish — including dredged boat harbors — enjoy strong bluegill fishing through the ice.

FEBRUARY
Trout
Put-and-Take Ponds
The Iowa DNR continues to expand its winter put-and-take trout-stocking program that provides anglers a chance to catch trout in parts of the state where trout normally aren’t found. Anglers can fish for trout through the ice at Blue Pit near Mason City, Heritage Pond near Dubuque, Lake Sauganash and Big Lake near Council Bluffs, North Prairie Lake near Cedar Falls, Lake of the Hills near Davenport, Bacon Creek Lake near Sioux City, Banner Lake (at Summerset Park) near Des Moines and Ada Hayden Lake at Ames.

The spillways below Saylorville, Red Rock and Coralville lakes never freeze, and a few arguably insane anglers pursue walleyes from those open waters throughout the winter. Rumors of 5- to 8-pound pigs caught on white twistertails suggest they have good reason to brave nasty windchills. At Clear Lake, in north central Iowa, yellow bass school beneath the ice along the edges of dredge cuts in the Little Lake area until ice-out.

MARCH
Channel Catfish
Black Hawk Lake
Ice-out in many lakes in Iowa triggers a one- to two-week feeding binge by channel catfish. Lanny Miller, retired DNR fisheries biologist, said he’s had catfish-on-every-cast success fishing with soured shad, from the windward shore of Blackhawk Lake when, “shards of ice were still tinkling against the shore.” Similar channel catfishing successes have been reported at Lake Rathbun, Coralville Lake and any other lake where gizzard shad and other baitfish suffer winter-kills.

Northern pike spawn soon after ice-out in our northern natural lakes, in backwaters of the Mississippi River, and in shallow areas of artificial lakes in southern Iowa. Anglers who soak a big chub or shiner under a bobber near inlets to marshes in natural lakes or river backwaters, or near weedbeds in shallow bays on artificial lakes, are often rewarded with 2- to 10-pound northerns. In southern Iowa after ice-out, big bass in farm ponds lounge in shallow, south-facing, mud-bottomed bays on sunny afternoons. Target them with a slow-moving rubber worm or jig-and-pig.

APRIL
Bullheads
Twelve Mile Lake
Twelve Mile Lake in south central Iowa has a significant population of huge, 1- to 2-pound bullheads. “Serious” anglers may turn up their noses at bullheads, but for sheer fun few species fill the bill better. Look for Twelve Mile’s bullheads near the silt dike in the upper end. Bullhead hunters in northern Iowa know April is also traditionally when bullheads turn on along the “North Grade” at Big Spirit Lake and in the spillway between Big Spirit and East Lake Okoboji.

DNR Fisheries Biologist Bryan Hayes says Lake Anita, in southwest Iowa has become his primary focus for crappie fishing in recent years He said crappies move into the lake’s shallower east arm in early April. He expects this year a huge year-class of 9-inchers, with a healthy older year-class in the 10- to 11-inch range. At Storm Lake, in northwest Iowa, walleyes traditionally go on a bite when water temperatures reach the upper 40s in April. Anglers in recent years have set records for filling their three-fish/day limits with 15- to 16-inch walleyes from that lake.

Check out page two for the best bets for Iowa fishing for May, June, July and August

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Last year, lucky anglers from all around Indiana made some exceptional catches, from salmon and trout to catfish and bass. This year should be no different; fishing in the Hoosier state is expected to be great once again in 2012. Our lakes, reservoirs, rivers, creeks and ponds are all set to offer up some fabulous fishing. You job is to take advantage of it.

Whether you love fishing for springtime bluegills or fall chinook salmon, Indiana features some of the best fishing around. If you would rather chase muskies or smallmouth bass, we have that covered, too. Crappies? No problem. Catfish? We have unbeatable fishing for channels, flatheads and blue cats.

If you are a little confused about where to start, we can help. Indiana Game & Fish magazine has compiled a list of the top Indiana fishing spots for some of our most popular species throughout the calendar year. Use this list to plan your next fishing trip or an upcoming vacation. You’ll be glad you did.

JANUARY
J.C. Murphey Lake
Bluegills
Fishermen seeking large numbers of hand-sized bluegills have been doing very well at J.C. Murphey Lake in Newton County, in recent years. For anglers, this 1,200-acre impoundment is the centerpiece of the Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA), and although it is extremely shallow (3 feet average depth) it produces amazing numbers of big bluegills.

There was concern over a possible winter kill last season when the lake froze-up early and was then covered with thick snow, but the bluegills survived and fishermen had a great year in 2011. Bragging-sized bluegills of 9-inches or more, along with some monster redear sunfish, will be available again this winter.

Fishermen must remember that J.C. Murphey Lake has special regulations for panfish. Anglers may keep only 25 panfish per day (in any combination). Ice-fishermen should also note there are numerous areas with natural springs, muskrat lodges and small willow bushes that can hide areas of thin ice. Fish with a friend and be sure the ice is safe.

FEBRUARY
St. Joseph River
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead fishing on the St. Joseph River during the dead of winter can be tough at times, but if this winter is warmer than usual, look out! The fishing areas around Mishawaka come alive with hard-fighting steelhead during warming trends. Anglers who are around when the ice disappears can score excellent catches.

Skamania-strain steelhead and Michigan-strain fish are both present at this time of year, and they’ll put your tackle to the test. Skamanias can be huge, anywhere from 10-16 pounds, although most are in the 6- to 9-pound range. They are long and slender, and jump like crazy. Michigan-strain steelhead are football-shaped and average 5-7 pounds.

One popular place for shore fishermen is the section of river just below the Twin Branch Dam. The public access there allows plenty of room for fishermen to target active fish. Rattling plugs and inline spinners are excellent lure choices, and some of the best colors include orange, red and silver. For current fishing reports, call Parker’s Central Park Bait shop at (574) 255-7703.

MARCH
Lake Michigan
Coho Salmon
As soon as the ice leaves the harbors on Lake Michigan, scores of hardy anglers will be heading for the boat ramps to get in on some of the hottest fishing action of the year. The weather in March will determine the actual timing, but once we have open water the trollers will be out in force.

Large numbers of coho salmon are drawn to the southern shores of Lake Michigan in March because that’s where the warmest water in the lake is located. Warm water attracts baitfish, and the hungry salmon are never far behind. Warm-water discharge sites at industrial plants along the lakeshore are real hotspots.

Coho salmon at this time of year average 2-4 pounds, and they frequently hit lures very aggressively. Trollers who find a concentration of fish can often circle around and troll through the same area multiple times, catching fish on each pass. When the cohos move in close to shore, limit catches (5 per person) are common.

APRIL
Monroe Reservoir
Crappies
Monroe Reservoir, near Bloomington, offers nearly endless opportunities for fishermen. It’s the largest lake in Indiana, covering more than 10,000 acres. Located in Brown and Monroe counties, this expansive reservoir is especially well-suited for crappies. As a matter of fact, there are not many other lakes around where anglers have a good chance of catching a 2-pound crappie whenever they hit the water.

In April, most crappie anglers fish close to shore. Bob Raymer, a crappie tournament angler from Greenfield, often targets big crappies in shallow water in April. “I like to fish the Pine Grove area, Middlefork and in back of Ramp Creek,” said Raymer. “I caught some real dandies there in 2011; my largest was probably 2 pounds, 4 ounces.”

Good springtime structure includes shoreline brush, stumps along the creek channels and flooded timber. Although many anglers use live minnows for bait, Raymer prefers to use soft plastic tube jigs. Curly-tailed grubs and jig/minnow combinations are also productive.

Check out page two for top Indiana fishing spots for May, June, July and August

So let’s get started, and see what some of the top locations and opportunities are available, and get you primed for 2012.

JANUARY
Striped Bass
Lake Cumberland
Striped bass are a cool-water species that thrive in large open waterways. They are nomadic in nature, which means they need a good bit of room to roam.

Lake Cumberland fills the bill in size and habitat, and mid-winter is an excellent bet for finding active fish in quite cold water.

Stripers can be taken on Cumberland a variety of ways, but two of the best are drifting shad on downriggers, or using planer boards along creek channels. Mark any bait or bigger fish with your electronics, and adjust your fishing depth accordingly.

Another good technique is simply casting big topwater lures off points to attract tremendous surface strikes from these powerful fish.

An alternative choice for this month is sauger fishing below McAlpin Dam on the Ohio River, where good numbers of the fish congregate.

Also you can take a crack at crappie on Barren River where the population is doing well. Drawn-down water levels make finding fish along main-lake channels easier.

FEBRUARY
Largemouths
Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake supports a world-class fishery for smallmouth bass, but also has an excellent population of largemouths. February is a great time to give those largemouths a try.

Fishing deeper structure with slow presentations is a tried and true tactic for big winter bass. Locating even a slightly warmer water temperature pays off.

Banks that warm in the afternoon sun produce better. At times monster largemouths slip into shallower water around fallen trees or shoreline debris where baitfish hold.

Another choice to consider is the prespawn walleyes moving up the Cumberland Lake to the headwaters of the reservoir.

Or try some trolling along the banks of Wood Creek Lake in Laurel County for rainbow trout.

MARCH
White Bass
Dix River
Late this month several waterways come alive with white bass, providing excellent action.  One of the best is the Dix River that feeds Herrington Lake in Central Kentucky. White bass begin to run as water temperatures creep up, and the action continues into April.

Anglers have the best chance of the year to get on this species in good numbers and size during this spawning run.

Minnow-imitating lures, inline spinners, and spoons are the top lures. Begin watching for surface activity as you near the headwaters. Continue upstream until you locate the feeding schools.

Heading east to Cave Run Lake to take advantage of a little early season crappie fishing is another plan.

A tad farther east, Buckhorn Lake holds spawning muskellunge. Break out your big tackle and target woody cover in creeks and coves.

APRIL
Largemouths
Kincaid Lake
Kincaid Lake is a superb choice for largemouth bass this month. According to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources biologists the lake has traditionally given up big bass. Those largemouths become more active as the water warms in April.

On Kincaid don’t overlook fishing some slightly deeper water for better fish. Bass feeding times will lengthen all month with the changing spring weather.

Kincaid has a variety of habitat and depths to work. Fishing to submerged brush at medium depths or along contour changes is always worth a try this month.

Nolin River Lake walleyes should be ramping up activity this month in the upper reaches of the lake or tributaries.

Brown trout are feeding below Wolf Creek Dam on the Cumberland River. Try the stretches known as Rainbow Run and near the Rockhouse for success.

Check out the hot spots for Kentucky fishing for May, June, July and August on page two