INDIAN LAKE
Indian Lake State Park and Palms Book State Park are popular destinations for vacationing fishing families because they are located on Indian Lake and both are within easy driving distance of some of the Upper Peninsula's premier attractions.

The state parks are a stone's throw from Kitch-iti-Kipi Spring, Tahquamenon Falls, the Soo Locks, the historic town of Fayette, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Mackinaw Island, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, miles of pristine northern Lake Michigan beaches and more.

To get a U.P. Travel Planner, contact the Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association at 1-800-562-7134, or online at www.uptravel.com.

For being such a big lake at 8,659 acres, Schoolcraft County's Indian Lake is shallow. The deepest spot is 15 feet and most of the lake averages 10 feet. But Indian Lake has plenty of structure, and inflowing and outflowing creeks and rivers to keep the water circulating. Rocks and boulders are prime structure. It's no wonder that smallmouths, walleyes and perch thrive here. A big rockpile that comes to within 5 feet of the surface in the middle of the lake is a good starting point. Cast a jig adorned with a twistertail among the rocks and hop it back to the boat. The combination is good for anything from 5-pound smallies to jumbo perch. Walleyes, bass and perch also frequent the rockpiles along the west shore and southwest corner. Weeds in Indian are most predominant in the northwest and western portions of the lake, and that is where you're most likely to find some of the jumbo crappies and perch.

For bait, tackle and fishing information on Indian Lake, contact Campers Market at (906) 341-5614.

HIAWATHA NATIONAL FOREST
One of our most memorable family fishing vacations was one we took to the U.P.'s Hiawatha National Forest. We rented a cottage on a little spot of a lake. In fact, the lake was named Spot Lake. We didn't even have the truck unpacked before the kids were down on the dock hauling in big bluegills, crappies and sunfish. It wasn't long before I was right down there next to them. It didn't take us very long to fill a bucket for an evening fish fry.

Unlike many lakes in the U.P., Schoolcraft County lakes are very fertile. Most of them are not very large, but they have excellent water quality and plenty of vegetation -- a great combination for producing big panfish. Many of them are known for their excellent crappie fishing. Try Island, Thunder, Ironjaw, Colwell and Crooked lakes for big papermouths. Most of these lakes have some good bluegills and sunfish in them, too, as well as bass, pike and walleyes. Most are perfect for a cartopper boat, and the fishing is uncomplicated. It's perfect for young anglers.

For more information on Schoolcraft County lakes, contact the USFS Ranger District Office at (906) 341-5666. For information on campgrounds, resorts and amenities in the area, contact the Manistique Area Tourist Council at (906) 341-6954, or online at www.visitmanistique.com.

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There are dozens of great family destinations in Michigan, and it's not too late yet to plan a fishin' mission for this summer. Get out there and enjoy!

(Editor's Note: Ludington-based charter captain, guide, author and photographer Mike Gnatkowski turned his attention to one of his other loves -- wild-game cooking -- to compile a cookbook of easy, delicious recipes that anyone can prepare. Wild Game Simple features over 100 straightforward recipes on preparing everything from fish to venison to waterfowl. The book also includes over a dozen easy crock-pot recipes. The recipes are a compilation of the captain's secret blends, customer's offerings and old-time favorites. Signed copies are available for $24.95 plus $4.95 shipping and handling. Michigan residents need to add 6 percent sales tax. The book is available online at www.gnatoutdoors.com, or by mail at P.O. Box 727, Ludington, MI 49431.)