Being blessed with such a variety of fishing opportunities can actually be a little troublesome for Michigan anglers. How do you decide where to go with all the choices?

Well, it’s a lot easier if you have a plan. Here’s a fishing calendar that will help you formulate an angling agenda for the next 12 months.

JANUARY

Houghton Lake Panfish

Treatments to eradicate weeds a few years ago left nowhere for predator fish to hide, and anglers put a hurtin’ on Houghton Lake’s predator population. Now that the weeds are coming back, the panfish population on Houghton Lake has bounced back big-time.

“The south end of the lake can be very good for panfish,” said John Michalik of John’s Frozen Charters. “You can usually find the panfish in 4 to 10 feet of water. The key is to find broadleaf cabbage.” Michalik said to keep moving and punch a lot of holes. Work the water column from top to bottom. Concentrate your efforts near the ice surface early and late in the day for crappies.

For more information, contact the Houghton Lake Area Tourist & Convention Bureau at 1-800-676-5330 or www.roscommoncounty.com.

Lake Mitchell Crappies

“The crappie fishing just continues to get better and better on Lake Mitchell,” claimed Steve Knaisel of Pilgrim’s Village and Resort. “We’ve seen crappies up to 17 inches.” The key is to find green cabbage weeds. Try off the mouth of Big Cove and Little Cove, and in 6 to 8 feet of water off Blind Island. For more information, contact (231) 775-5412 or www.michiweb.com/cadillac.

Little Bay De Noc Walleyes

January finds some consistent ice conditions on Little Bay de Noc. Key to locating walleyes is to locate reefs and dropoffs off the river mouths that enter the north end of the bay. Start on top at first light and work deeper as the day wears on. Jigging with Swedish Pimples is the preferred method. Do Jiggers and Jigging Rapalas also work. For more info, contact the Delta County Chamber of Commerce at www.delta-mi.org.

FEBRUARY

Saginaw Bay Walleyes

Once safe ice forms, anglers concentrate on Saginaw’s 12- to 20-foot depths. Two popular access points are off the DNR public access at Linwood and off Bay City State Park. It’s about a three-mile run then to prime walleye waters.

Some of the best action is at first light. Key is to stay away from groups of anglers and activity, and gradually move deeper during the day. Jigging with a 2  1/2-inch Swedish Pimple with green prism tape is a killer on the bay’s walleyes.

For information on ice conditions, fishing reports and live bait, contact Frank’s Great Outdoors at (989) 697-5341 or online at www. franksgreatoutdoors.com.

Higgins Lake Lake Trout

“First ice can be really good for lake trout,” said John Michalik. Start in the 100-foot depths with smelt, or blue or gray shiners on bottom. Trout will suspend, too, so try other rods with slip-bobbers. Once you find the trout it’s usually easy to ice a limit. To book an ice-fishing charter on Higgins Lake, contact John Michalik at (989) 422-6745.

St. Joseph River Steelhead

“If we get a thaw and the river opens up, fishing can be very good in February,” said Russ Clark. Clark said to work the slower, deeper runs below Berrien Springs with plugs or back-bounce with spawn. Key is to work your baits slowly and methodically in the cold water. Toward the end of the month, concentrate near the gravel areas the rainbows will be spawning on. To book a charter on the St. Joe River, contact Russ Clark at (269) 429-6110.

MARCH

Lake Independence Perch

“Lake Independence has some of the best genetics of any perch lake in Michigan,” claimed Dan Webb of the Gander Mountain store in Marquette. “The average-sized perch is going to be 10 to 14 inches, and you’ll catch a lot more bigger than 14 inches.” Schools of perch roam the 20- to 30-foot flats in the middle of the 1,860-acre lake.

Slip-bobbers suspending minnows is a proven tactic. Attaching a 2- to 6-inch dropper below a Swedish Pimple baited with a wax worm or wiggler can be deadly.

For details on ice conditions and more, call (906) 226-8300.

Saginaw River Walleyes

An early spring will have the river free of ice in March, and anglers in boats can catch big walleyes just before the season closes March 15. Vertical jigging with a leadhead jig tipped with a minnow is the chosen method. More anglers are slow-trolling with deep-diving crankbaits, too. Try downstream of the Zilwaukee Bridge, off Vets Park and near the mouth of the Tittabawassee River. For more information, contact the Saginaw County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-444-9979.