RED RIVER, TEXAS-OKLAHOMA
Blue Cats
Guide Steve Barnes is the best in the business at navigating this shallow river just below Lake Texoma via airboat and putting anglers onto big blue cats, lots of channel cats, and paddlefish. It's an adventure that lasts from December into March.
Contact: Steve Barnes, 866-776-4843, txfishingguide.com.

LAKE OF THE WOODS, MINNESOTA
Walleyes
The Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods remains the most popular destination in the world for first-ice walleyes. Near-shore fishing's often in swing by the first week of December. Expect jumbo perch in select areas, too.
Contact: lakeofthewoodsmn.com or call 800-382-3474.

APACHE RESERVOIR, ARIZONA
Smallmouths & Largemouths
This is the beginning of fall in Arizona, with cool mornings and 60F afternoons stimulating great fishing.
Contact: Guide Clifford Pirch, 928-468-5545 or 928-978-3518.

KENORA AREA, NORTHWEST ONTARIO
Walleyes
This portion of Lake of the Woods remains one of the top places in the world for first-ice walleyes. The hot bite often lasts throughout January. Check out lots of other lakes and species (lake trout, crappies, pike) options in the area at sunsetcountry.net.
Contact: Lakeside Inn (lodging), 807-468-4172; Guide John Montieth, 807-468-4766.

JOHN DAY POOL, COLUMBIA RIVER, WASHINGTON-OREGON
Walleyes
McNary Dam is the place to be in December for big walleyes. Lots of 4- to 6-pound fish with an excellent chance at something pushing past 10 pounds.
Contact: Guide Craig Turner, 509-735-7881, email: midcolumbia@aol.com.

PERCH LAKE, NEW YORK
Perch
This Jefferson County lake in northern New York is only open to angling from December 1 through March 1, for ice fishing. Lots of nice perch up to 12 inches or so, plus decent bluegills, crappies, and pike.
Contact: Thousand Island Bait Store, 315-482-9903.

ALLEGHENY RIVER, PENNSYLVANIA
Walleyes Plus
The middle section, from the Kinzua Dam outflow to the navigational pools north of Pittsburgh, supports a winter fishery for abundant walleye, pike, muskie, and catfish. Jet boats are required for fishing most areas unless the water's high.
Contact: Allegheny Adventures at 724-967-1248 (for guides). Maurer's Trading Post, 814-437-9570.

DEEP CREEK LAKE, MARYLAND
Perch and Bluegills
The 4000 acre reservoir offers excellent fishing for jumbo perch and chunky bluegills. Bonus walleyes and rainbow trout sweeten the pot.
Contact: Deep Creek Outfitters, 301-387-6977; Bill's Outdoor Center, 301-387-3474.