This exceptional depth is also terrific habitat for lake trout, especially over deeper portions of the lake that are typically the last to freeze. Even during milder winters, this lake is a productive hardwater destination. In an average winter when most state waters are settling into the midwinter slowdown, ice is just forming out there in laker country, and those fat green footballs go on a rip about the same time we bid farewell to another NFL season.

On another front, the relatively shallow waters around the marina and back in Norwegian Bay freeze quickly, thus providing exceptional action for whopping big bluegills and truly respectable perch.

Contact: Mike Norton, (262) 295-3617.

CHEQUAMEGON BAY
Winter is about the only time you can expect to see this southern wing of Lake Superior as "flat." Not necessarily calm, but flat. A snowmobile and GPS are just as important as a Vexilar flasher, jigging rod and tip-ups when it comes to putting fish on the ice here.

Although there is some decent action fairly close to shore off both Bayfield and Ashland, "close to shore" is a relative term. This is huge water where everything from pike to walleyes to salmonids hover near subtle offshore structures that are clearly marked with GPS coordinates on the map put out by Fishing HotSpots (1-800-500-MAPS). Pike and salmonids often bite all day long, with walleyes active near the humps during periods of low light. There is real potential for tangling with your "best ever" fish here -- even if you've been a bucketeer for decades.

Safety must be your most important concern on the Great Lakes. The first waypoint to plug into the GPS is where you got on the ice when you started. Don't forget a cell phone. Catching a trophy is only worthwhile if you get home to tell about it. Hiring a guide is a great idea. One of the best is Craig Putchat at (715) 373-0551, or visit OutdoorAllure.com

MILLER DAM FLOWAGE
Because it's located just far enough off two interstate highways, most anglers drive on by this shallow Taylor County flowage that offers exceptional action for crappies and feisty pike, with a serious shot at icing a 40-inch "toother" northern.

Check out any remaining green weeds at first ice, especially when they are found in close proximity to both natural and manmade woody cover. A month from now when the global-warming bandwagon is noticeably silent, lower oxygen levels tend to congregate the fishy biomass of this flowage into the old river channel. Consult a Fishing HotSpots map for GPS coordinates, and then point the unit toward your destination while entering waypoint numbers. See all those tents out there? That's your destination.