Half the fun of a fishing vacation is the planning. If it's a new destination, you'll have to get maps, brochures, recommendations on lures and equipment and suggestions on the best time to go. If it's a place you've been to before, you begin reminiscing about the big ones you caught or that got away and the people you met along the way. Either way, the anticipation builds long before you actually take the trip.

The following is a list of destinations old and new that you'll want to consider for this year.

JANUARY
Muskegon River Steelhead
Steelhead enter the Muskegon River throughout the fall, and it's often January before the rainbows make it to Croton Dam. Anglers downstream near Bridgeton and Maple Island start catching fish in late October and their numbers build throughout the winter. Fishing can be great during the winter months near Old Woman's Bend, Felch Avenue, around Henning Park and High Rollaways.

The steelheads take up residence in deep pools to bide their time until spring. Warmer, sunny days often cause them to move into the runs and shallower water to soak up the sun. January thaws often send fresh-run fish shooting upstream to join the holdovers.

For more information, contact Parsley's Sport Shop at (231) 652-6986.

Lake Independence Pike
Lake Independence is one of the state's premier locations for giant pike. This Marquette County destination regularly gives up northerns topping 20 pounds. Hotspots are near the mouth of the Yellow Dog River and Alder Bay on the south side of the lake. Big suckers suspended below tip-ups take some monsters in January.

For information, contact the Gander Mountain store in Marquette at (906) 226-8300.

Lake Mitchell Crappies
Crappie numbers have exploded on Lake Mitchell. Fish up to 17 inches are not unheard of. Locate green cabbage weeds that provide food and oxygen. Try off Big and Little Coves in 6 to 10 feet of water. Minnows are the preferred bait.

For more information, contact Pilgrim's Village & Resort at (231) 775-5412.

FEBRUARY
Saginaw Bay Walleyes
By February, the ice is safe enough to reach the 17- to 24-foot depths of Saginaw Bay where winter walleyes reside. Use caution, as ice conditions can change quickly. Most anglers use jigging spoons sweetened with a minnow. Prime fishing times are early and late in the day. Because of several strong year-classes, most walleyes average 1 1/2 to 3 pounds, but fish topping double digits are common.

For more information, contact Frank's Great Outdoors at (989) 697-5341.

Little Bay de Noc Walleyes
February is a hot month for walleyes on Little Bay de Noc. Anglers will find good ice and walleyes relating to reefs in the central part of the bay. Start on top of the reefs at first light and work deeper as the day wears on. Reverse the pattern in the afternoon. Jigging lures are hot. You can tip them with a minnow or not depending on how aggressive the walleyes are. Ten-pound trophies are common.

For more information, contact the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.

Higgins Lake Potpourri
Often it's February before anglers can safely access Higgins Lake's ice. When they do, they catch a potpourri of lake trout, perch, whitefish and brown and rainbow trout. Look for lakers to be in 100 feet of water and use smelt, gray or blue shiners. Chumming with eggs will attract whitefish averaging 2 to 5 pounds. Perch frequent the 25- to 50-foot depths and can be caught on wigglers, minnows or wax worms.

For more information, contact John's Frozen Charters at (989) 422-6745.