Fishing in our great state seems to be better than ever. It doesn't matter whether you like to fish small ponds, wide rivers, giant reservoirs or clear, natural lakes, there is something for everyone in Indiana. Our state's fish populations are thriving as well. We have largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegills, crappies, walleyes, salmon, trout and catfish -- just to name some of the more popular species.

There are nearly endless opportunities for wetting a line, whether you prefer to catch a few fish for the table or whether you are on a quest to land the trophy of a lifetime. You can also indulge your appetite for fishing 12 months a year, since Indiana has a year-round fishing season. Something is always biting! But one of the biggest questions is: Where do I start?

To help narrow the field of choices, Indiana Game & Fish magazine has put together a list of excellent places to pursue some of our most popular fish species throughout the calendar year. Plan your upcoming vacations or even weekend fishing trips month by month. Here are our top choices!

JANUARY
Adams Lake: Bluegills
The ice-fishing action at Adams Lake has been great in recent years, and this year should be no exception. Adams is a deep (93 feet), natural lake located near Wolcottville in LaGrange County. It covers a total of 308 acres, and it features a variety of structure, depths and excellent fishing spots.

One good spot, especially for ice-anglers during the productive "first ice" period, is in the narrow channels on the east side of the lake. The water in the channels is only 5 or 6 feet deep, and the protected water allows safe ice to form quickly. Large bull bluegills congregate here and provide excellent fishing for those who pursue them.

Another good area is along the edges of a large, shallow flat near the north-central part of the lake. There are some sharp dropoffs along the flat, and big bluegills can be found feeding at the edges. Tiny ice jigs tipped with a wax worm or mousie work great.

FEBRUARY
Lake Michigan: Brown Trout
Hardy anglers who don't mind cold weather can find some spectacular open-water action on Lake Michigan this month. Brown trout are the main quarry, and the fishing can be hot and heavy at various industrial warmwater discharge sites along the lakefront. These fish can be big, too. Lake Michigan browns average 3 to 4 pounds, but fish in the teens (or bigger) are always possible.

At this time of year, the lake's nearshore water is typically only a few degrees above freezing. Because of that, the resident brown trout flock to the harbors and warmwater discharges where the warmer water attracts baitfish and other small prey. Fishermen will target the browns with a combination of natural bait (live minnows, salmon eggs, night crawlers) and minnow-imitating crankbaits and small plugs.