If you are an avid angler, there probably is no better place in which you could reside than Michigan. Our state has its waters within the Great Lakes, plus thousands of inland lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and reservoirs. If variety is the angling spice of life, then you'd think you've died and gone to heaven in Michigan.

With so many choices, it can be difficult trying to decide when and where to go. This monthly calendar will help you make those tough decisions in your fishing life.

JANUARY
Little Bay de Noc Walleyes
January usually finds plenty of safe ice on Little Bay de Noc, which means the winter walleye bite will be in full swing right now.

"Most of the winter walleye fishing is centered on the reefs in 15 to 25 feet of water," said Little Bay de Noc regular Ron Hanna. "The fish generally start shallow early in the morning and then move deeper as the day goes on."

Anglers head out from Escanaba, Gladstone, Kipling and Rapid River. Access can be gained off U.S. Highway 2 near Bay Shore Resort, at Rapid River, at Gladstone, at Escanaba and at Hunter's Point National Forest.

Swedish Pimples and Do Jiggers are the lures of choice for winter walleyes on Little Bay. Tip the lures with a minnow head. Most anglers use a ripping motion to attract attention, and then allow the lure to flutter downward. Walleyes inhale the lure on the fall. Expect to catch plenty of walleyes in the 4- to 6-pound range. However, special regulations on Little Bay de Noc allow keeping only one walleye over 23 inches per day.

For more information on lodging, bait and guides, contact Bay Shore Resort, Bait & Tackle at (906) 428-9687, or online at www.bay-shore-resort.com.

Cisco Lakes Chain Potpourri
The Cisco Chain of Lakes in the Upper Peninsula's Gogebic County offers ice-fishing variety. Walleyes will average 2 pounds. Look in 6 to 8 feet of water on first ice. The 'eyes like minnows on tip-ups, and Swedish Pimples. Perch up to 13 inches are common near the center of the lake in midwinter. Cisco Lakes has some good-sized sunfish, bluegills and crappies, too.

Rice Lake Northern Pike
You won't catch too many trophy pike on Houghton County's Rice Lake, but you'll find plenty of action. The lake has no size limit on northerns. There is an abundance of hammerhandles, but 28- to 36-inch pike are becoming increasingly common.

FEBRUARY
Muskegon Lake Pike
Muskegon Lake is a great place to catch some eatin'-sized northerns, but you also stand a good chance of catching a monster. Pike in the 27- to 30-inch range are very common, and 15- to 20-pounders are caught every winter.

Regular-sized suckers and golden shiners will take the average-sized pike, but for the 'gators, try jumbo herring. Slammer tip-ups are the tools of choice.

Prime locations are off the South Branch of the Muskegon River, off Fisherman's Landing, Heritage Landing, Second Street and Hartshorn Marina.

For information on area bait shops and accommodations, contact the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (231) 722-3751, or online at Muskegon.org.

Burt Lake Perch
Burt Lake has a reputation for producing good catches of winter walleyes, but the perch may be more impressive. Perch up to 15 inches are common, and the average yellowbelly is over 10 inches. Walleyes are an added bonus and will generally run from 15 to 19 inches. Large shiner minnows are good medicine for both. Try off Maple Bay, Resort Road and Burt Lake State Park. For more on Burt Lake fishing, see the article starting on page 28 of this issue. For area information, contact the Onaway Chamber of Commerce at (989) 733-2874.

Manistee Lake Crappies
Kalkaska County's Manistee Lake harbors dandy crappies and perch. Try north of the public access on the east side. A dropoff there from 10 to 16 feet attracts big specks right before dark. Use a lively minnow or jig for crappies up to 14 inches.

MARCH
Lake Missaukee Panfish
Panfish populations are booming on Lake Missaukee. Tons of trash fish were removed from the lake, and the panfish have responded.

Missaukee is shallow, but there are plenty of 15- to 20-foot-deep flats near the center of the lake that concentrate winter perch. Use wigglers, minnows and wax worms for perch that will average 8 to 10 inches.

Sunfish and 'gills can be found off Green Road in 5 to 15 feet of water. Use a flasher to locate fish. Keep moving and drill plenty of holes. Limits of hand-sized panfish are common.

For information on Lake Missaukee, contact Lake City Sport Shop at (231) 839-4875.

Lake Independence Perch
Want jumbo perch? Try Lake Independence near Marquette. Perch from 10 to 12 inches are common, and 14- or 15-inchers aren't unheard of. The jumbos are taken on tip-ups or slip-bobbers suspending walleye-sized minnows. Swedish Pimples and Jigging Rapalas also work well.

Thornapple Lake Crappies
Thornapple Lake has ideal crappie habitat in the form of stumps, laydowns and structure. Predators keep small crappies in check. Look for shallow south-facing bays that warm quickly in spring. Try jigs and minnows for specks that will average 10 inches.