Bright spots on local fishing scene

Area anglers are caught in what has often been described as a "twilight zone" as it pertains to warming trends and remaining ice conditions.

But there are bright spots locally that have given some fishermen a shot in the arm.

Fox Chain: Photo guru Mike Seeling, along with Spence Petros and guide Darrell Baker, had a field day on Channel Lake this week with massive catches of big bluegills and crappies. Baker reports overall angling is excellent and his phone -- (847) 337-5559 -- is ringing off the hook with anglers wanting him to do his magic on Channel and Lake Marie. Petite Lake still has a decent nighttime walleye bite, while Pistakee Lake is coming through for many with good white bass catches.

Lake Delavan, Wis.: The crappie activity is spotty this week, but the size of the fish is above average. Both crappie and bluegill are hanging in shallow water right off weed lines.

Lake Michigan: Coho catches have started in Indiana waters. Just over the line, the usual early "spring sizes" are showing up in force, as well as decent brown trout and a few steelehead. On the piers at Waukegan, a number of anglers have found pockets of perch. Some have move a few yards and been able to find brown trout and a few steelhead as well.

• Mike Jackson's radio program can be at 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.