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Adventures -- Timely Hot Spots
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 NORTHWEST ONTARIO: KENORA
Walleyes--This bustling town is within modest driving distance of almost 3,000 lakes with walleyes, besides sitting on the north shore of Lake of the Woods, one of the finest walleye lakes in North America. Drive to lakes with rental shacks, or snowmachine into the spectacular backcountry. Contact: Ontario's Sunset Country Travel, 800-665-7567, for information on the area. Guide John Monteith, 807-468-4766; Best Western Lakeside Inn and Convention Centre, 800-465-1120.
WASHINGTON: LAKE ROOSEVELT, GRAND COULEE DAM
Walleyes--Winter open-water fishing for walleyes, with a good shot at fish in the 10-pound class. Anglers fish jigs along drop-offs and around humps in depths ranging from 20 to 90 feet. A tube tipped with a crawler is a local favorite. Contact: Greg Goodnight, Shorelunch Fishing Tours, 509-738-2630.
LOUISIANA
Redfish--A good lodge, top guides, and super fishing at Lafitte, a half hour from New Orleans. Contact: Guide Raymond Griffin at Griffin Fishing Charters, 800-741-1340.
Meanwhile, nearby at the mouth of the Mississippi lies Venice, home to superb action in the marshes and bays. Contact: Cajun Fishing Adventures, 985-785-9833.
Doug Stange & Steve Quinn
TEXAS
Redfish and Speckled Trout--Get away to winter action at Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge at Port Mansfield, with great lodging and easy access to the Laguna Madre. Contact: Guide Bruce Shuler, Get-A-Way Adventures, 956-944-4000; Guide Terry Neal, 956-944-2559.
FLORIDA: ISTOKPOGA
Crappies--Area Florida Wildlife Conservation biologist Beacham Furse (863-462-5190) says that this lake in Highlands County, between U.S. 27 and 98, just south of Sebring, is the top choice in Florida for crappie action all day long during winter.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Giant Largemouths--The start of the annual hunt for the next world-record largemouth begins in southern California's small impoundments as trout stocking begins. Top lakes include Murray, Casitas, Jennings, Dixon, Morena, Lower Otay, and Hodges. Contact: Weekly Fishing Report, 619-465-3474; Guide Troy Folkestad, 949-582-7588; Guide Shawn Rogers, 949-586-4308.
VIRGINIA: JAMES RIVER AND NEW RIVER
Smallmouths--Perhaps the top two rivers in the nation for consistent action from big smallmouths all winter long. Contact: Guide Cap'n Jack West, 423-926-3589, or email: capnjack@mounet.com. Lodging at the Natural Bridge Hotel, 800-533-1410.
NEW YORK: NIAGARA AREA
Lake Trout--We've called this one before and it continues as one of the world's greatest winter fisheries--the Niagara River Bar, Lake Ontario. Superb fishing for steelhead and browns, too. Contact: Guide Frank Campbell, 716-284-8546; Guide Bruce Blakelock, 716-754-4101; Guide John Oravec, 585-765-2855.
In-Fisherman and Brett Richardson
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