Sterling State Park is the only state park on Lake Erie. It makes a good place to set up base camp. The park offers 1,300 acres of recreational opportunities, including wildlife viewing, hiking, a mile-long beach, metal detecting and lakefront camping. Numerous historical landmarks stand in the city of Monroe for side-trip fun and education.

For more information about spending your family fishing vacation on Lake Erie, contact Sterling State Park in Monroe, phone: (734) 289-2715.

SEVEN LAKES STATE PARK
Seven Lakes State Park is located in the northwest corner of Oakland County. The lake is actually an impoundment of the Shiawassee River, which formed one large lake from seven small lakes -- hence, the name.

Seven Lakes State Park is located west of the town of Holly. The park takes in 1,343 acres. Big Seven Lake, as it's known, covers 230 acres and is characterized by numerous humps and an island. It holds water more than 50 feet deep, but the lake's average depth runs about 15 feet.

Big Seven Lake holds a reputation of being a pretty good largemouth bass lake. It fishes best early in the season before the weeds get too thick. It's loaded with a variety of panfish, which tend to run on the small side, but when has that ever been a concern for kids?

The lake also holds northern pike, and it's been planted with walleyes and catfish in the past. Look for the bigger predators to hang out near holes on the north and south ends of the lake and along the east shoreline where the dropoff tapers from 15 to 40 feet. A boat launch is located on the west side of the lake.

The lands that make up the park are diverse, and the topography and ecosystems vary greatly. Several scenic hiking trails lace the park and there's biking and swimming available. The modern campground offers 70 campsites. For a close-by angling getaway, contact Seven Lake State Park, phone: (248) 634-7271.

YANKEE SPRINGS STATE RECREATION AREA
Yankee Springs State Recreation Area is located almost entirely in Barry County. A small portion of the park drifts into Allegan County. The jewel of the recreation area is Gun Lake, one of Michigan's best fishing lakes, but eight other lakes lie in the recreation area, offering angling families plenty of options.

Gun Lake covers more than 2,600 acres and offers a variety of habitat and game fish species. The lake is known as a top producer of largemouth bass. Look for bucketmouths near docks and other structure. Boating traffic can be extreme, so plan on fishing early or late.

Gun Lake is also one of the better walleye lakes in southern Michigan. Try the humps and dropoffs between Murphy's Point and Hastings Point. Vertical jig or use slip-bobbers rigged to fish deep. Crappies, perch and bluegills will keep the kids busy. Some of those panfish reach very respectable sizes, too. Use worms or larva with ice-fishing teardrops, minnows or small jigs.

Yankee Springs State Recreation Area features several campgrounds, hiking trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, Devil's Soup Bowl, Grave's Hill Overlook and other points of interest. For more information, contact the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area, phone: (269) 795-9081. For information on other amenities in the area, contact the Barry County Chamber of Commerce, phone: (800) 510-2922, or online at www.barrychamber.com.