APRIL
Detroit River Walleyes
Thousands of walleyes move into the Detroit River to spawn in April. Early April is prime time for the big spawners, with walleyes over 10 pounds being common. Two- to 5-pound males are abundant later in the month.

Most anglers use 3/8- to 3/4-ounce leadhead jigs baited with a minnow while using a trolling motor to slip the current. Plastics work if the fish are aggressive.

Launch at Elizabeth Park or Erie Metropark near Trenton. The fishing, though, can be good all the way to Wyandotte.

For more information, go online to www.trentonmichigan.com, or call 1-800-DETROIT.

Little Manistee River Steelhead
It's a tradition among many steelheaders to open the season on this famous Michigan stream. Anglers descend on the "Little River" on the April 1 opener. On April Fool's Day, you can expect snow, sunshine, high water or monsoons. The only constant is plenty of big rainbows. Anglers camp on favorite holes until the bewitching hour. Spinners, spawn and flies take the majority of the fish. Try near Six-Mile, Nine-Mile, Fox and Dewitt bridges.

Paw Paw River Steelhead
The Paw Paw River is a sleeper for steelhead. The better steelhead action takes place from 5950th Street all the way to Watervliet. Anglers take fish on spawn and hardware. The Paw Paw River benefits from plants in the St. Joe River. Hot fishing continues from mid-March through April.

MAY
St. Joseph River Chinooks
Spring kings are drawn in by St. Joseph River water, and they concentrate off the pierheads at St. Joe during May. That's when the chinook fishing can be really good.

Trollers use spoons and crankbaits off downriggers, divers and lead-core line to fool salmon. Be sure to cover the entire water column. A trick is to troll the color line where the river dumps into the lake, because the salmon patrol the dirty water.

The salmon average 6 to 12 pounds, but 15- to 18-pound brutes are common. Cohos, brown trout and steelhead add to the smorgasbord.

For area information, contact the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council at (269) 925-6301, or online at SwMichigan.com.

Saginaw Bay Walleyes
Post-spawn walleyes fan out in the shallows of the Saginaw Bay to recuperate. A night bite takes place in 4 to 10 feet of water. Anglers pull stick baits behind lighted in-line planer boards. Expect 'eyes in the 4- to 6-pound class. Contact Frank's Great Outdoors at (989) 697-5341, or online at FranksGreatOutdoors.com.

Deer Lake Crappies
Slab crappies in Charlevoix County's Deer Lake go on a feeding binge in May. Look around the weedline and all the stumps. Crappies up to 14 inches are common.

JUNE
Lake Erie
Last season was a banner year on Lake Erie, and 2007 promises to be even better.

Walleyes disperse into the 12- to 15-foot depths in June. Spoons trailed behind mini-divers are hot. Try Michigan Stingers and Fishlanders in gaudy colors. Crankbaits still produce, too. Try lures like Hot-N-Tots, Wiggle Warts and Wiggle O's.

Most walleyes are 16 to 18 inches, but there are many fish expected to be 2- to 4-pounders this year. Access is available at Luna Pier, La Plaisance Bay, Brest Bay, Monroe and Sterling State Park.

Contact the Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-252-3011.

Smoky Lake Smallmouths
Iron County's Smoky Lake produces great smallmouth action. Finesse fishing with light line, tubes and crankbaits is good for bass up to 4 pounds. Try the eastside point, and the depressions and humps in the middle of the lake. For information, contact the Iron County Tourism Council at (906) 265-3822.

Yellow Dog River Trout
June is a great time to sample the Yellow Dog River's trout potpourri. The river traverses the Escanaba River State Forest and CFA lands near Marquette. Eatin'-sized brookies are plentiful. Expect more browns and rainbows near the confluence with Lake Independence.