The problem with ice-fishing here in Michigan in recent years is you never know exactly what kind of winter we're going to get.

The winter of 2005-2006 started off cold and blustery. Anglers were excited and hit the ice earlier than any time in recent memory. And then January hit. It was mild, almost spring-like, and with little snow. Some anglers in southern Michigan never even got on the ice the entire winter. In the Upper Peninsula, deep snow on the ice typically brings ice-fishing to a halt in most places by early January. Fortunately for ice-angling diehards, northern Michigan lakes can usually be counted on to provide safe ice and consistent success in all but the most unusual winters.

Following is a sampling of northern Michigan lakes where you'll be able to try out that new ice auger and shanty this winter.

HAMLIN LAKE
Mason County's Hamlin Lake has had a reputation for producing big bluegills and other panfish for ice-anglers, and the last few winters have been fantastic.

"The guys were on the ice by mid-December, and if you couldn't catch a limit of bluegills, there was something wrong," said Hamlin Lake regular Tom "Tuna" Copenhaver. "Usually, the fishing is really good on first ice and then tapers off, but last year the fishing remained good all winter."

Hamlin Lake, at 5,000 acres, hosts a variety of species, from pike to walleyes to panfish.

The best panfish area is on the upper lake off Wilson Park. Weekends find 100 vehicles at the parking area and hundreds of anglers on the ice. Everyone catches fish on first ice, but as winter deepens, fishing gets tougher. That's when anglers equipped with flashers, light line and delicate spring bobbers continue to do well. The biggest bluegills need to be enticed and teased into biting then, and a flasher allows anglers to monitor their attitude. Limits of 7 1/2- to 9-inch 'gills were common for anglers in the know throughout the winter on Hamlin.

Recent no-size limit regulations for pike in Hamlin Lake seemed to be paying big dividends last winter.

"There were a lot of pike in the 28- to 36-inch range taken last winter," Copenhaver said.

Most anglers would drill a hole to fish panfish out of, and then spot a tip-up a short distance away. They were often rewarded with a mixed bag. Walleyes were common during the early portion of the season.

For bait, tackle and fishing reports, contact Hamlin Grocery at (231) 843-2058. For lodging and accommodations in the Ludington area, contact the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-542-4600 or online at www.ludingtoncvb.com.

LAKE MISSAUKEE
Lake Missaukee has made a big comeback in recent years.

"It's got a really good population of nice bluegills and sunfish in it, the walleye fishing is getting better and better, and the lake has some pretty decent perch in it if you can find them," said Department of Natural Resources Cadillac District fisheries biologist Mark Tonello.

Located in west-central Missaukee County, Lake Missaukee covers some 1,985 acres, but it's relatively shallow, with few spots over 25 feet. Locating subtle contours, weed edges and changes in depth is key to finding fish. A good starting point is off the public access of Green Road on the south side. Ice-anglers do well on crappies, bluegills and sunfish off humps and dropoffs in the area between 5 and 20 feet. The usual teardrops and larva produce.