Michigan's climate and impressive number of freshwater lakes, streams and Great Lakes waters offer anglers four seasons of terrific recreational fishing. But back in the 1930s, there was significant opposition to winter fishing in Michigan, because the summer cottage owners, resort operators and others whose livelihood depended on the summer tourists, viewed fishing through the ice as harmful. They said it removed too many fish and that it "spoiled" summer fishing.

Between 1935 and 1942, Dr. Albert S. Hazzard and R.W. Eschmeyer investigated this problem for the Institute of Fisheries Research, based in Ann Arbor. The information they collected through creel censuses and population studies proved once and for all that winter fishing has no appreciable effect on summer fishing.

And that's been good news ever since for the thousands of anglers who take to the ice each winter seeking walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, lake trout and splake in Michigan's outdoors.

"Ice fishing offers an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to experience Michigan's exceptional natural resources in a new way," said Lynne Thoma, an education and outreach technician with the DNR Fisheries Division. "Come December, anglers usually can't wait to hit the ice to jig for panfish; set tip-ups for walleye, pike or lake trout or spear a northern pike or musky."

"But when it's February and there's no ice around at all in many parts of the state, anglers put their ice-fishing tackle away and concentrate their fishing activity from piers; from shore along rivers, streams and canals, at river mouths and from boats where there is plenty of open water.

"There's still plenty of fish out there," Thoma said, "but the bottom line, due to the exceptionally warm weather Michigan has seen recently, is that many species likely will not be found in their usual places this time of year."

According to Thoma, usually after ice out, which has happened early to a large portion of the inland lakes in the state this year, panfish such as bluegill, sunfish, rock bass and crappie are scattered and can be found anywhere from three feet of water up to 30 feet of water.

"For yellow perch it is anywhere from five to 50 feet of water," she said.

Thoma said fair to good numbers of steelhead can still be found in many of the major river systems.

"If water levels are low enough, anglers should be able to safely wade and fish. Some may prefer to fish from boats or off shore," she said.

"On the Great Lakes, boats could be trolling along the shoreline, weather permitting.

"Anglers will be fishing off the piers if they are ice free, and some will be surf-casting for steelhead, brown trout or northern pike," Thoma said.

To get more people, especially youngsters, involved in the fun of fishing, Michigan's annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend is coming up Feb. 18-19. For these two days, residents and nonresidents can fish without purchasing a fishing license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.

Winter Free Fishing Weekend also precedes the President's Day holiday, which enables many to enjoy three full days of fishing and outdoor fun. However, anglers 17 and older must possess a valid fishing license to fish Monday, Feb. 20.

"Free Fishing Weekend is an excellent opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce fishing to a friend, child or family member who has never cast a line," Thoma said, "but parents and other adults should be aware that kids 16 and under can always fish for free. No license is required."

For a list of fishing clinics and activities, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr. Click on "Fishing" and then go to "Free Fishing Weekend."

Where conditions in northern Michigan still allow fishing through the ice, the DNR reminds all anglers to dress warm, use the buddy system, always wear a life jacket and use caution when traveling across any ice.

In addition, the DNR offers the following tips and safety guidelines for walking or fishing on the ice this time of year:

• Before venturing out onto the ice, check with local sources for the most up-to-date information on ice conditions.
• Do not go out on any ice unless you test the thickness and quality with a spud first.
• Avoid areas where there are inlets or outlets due to moving water under the ice.
• Avoid areas where there are natural springs.
• Avoid the ice around structures, docks and pilings.
• Pay attention to wind direction especially when fishing on large bodies of waters. If the wind direction is just right, it can blow the ice out and away from shore leaving anglers stranded.

Even though colder temperatures are expected in the next few weeks, which could raise expectations that the ice is strong enough to support people, the DNR urges extreme caution.

"Just because a lake or stream is frozen doesn't mean the ice is safe," said Lt. Creig Grey, marine safety and education supervisor for the DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Ice fishing has its own set of safety rules that if not followed, can cause a day of fishing to end in tragedy."