Success is what happens when preparedness meets opportunity. Here's our annual look at some of Illinois' best fishin' holes with optimum times and some special techniques for angling success in the Land of Lincoln.

JANUARY
Smithland Pool Stripers
When anglers are hunkered down in the Windy City, stripers and hybrid striped bass are just getting warmed up on the Ohio River, seven climatic zones and 400 miles to the south.

These extremely powerful fish are nomads with no concept of crossing borders of the three states that meet here. Buying a non-resident license multiplies potential for success. Folks at Golconda Marina can help you plan a memorable trip to kick off the new year. They can be reached at (618) 683-5875.

Rend Lake Bluegills
Our second-largest inland lake boasts some whopping big 'gills. Larger specimens suspend in flooded timber up in the Casey Fork and Big Muddy arms of the lake. Don't overlook the wood around Nason Point. Ice-fishing techniques work well in the open water here.

Pool 13 Panfish
Profound siltation is minimizing the number of places wintering fish in the Upper Mississippi River backwaters can hide. Miller's Lake, Potter's Marsh and the opening in Spring Lake dike remain ice-fishing hotspots.

FEBRUARY
Illinois River Saugers
Our namesake river is one of the first places you can launch a boat in northern Illinois in 2009. Deep holes near Spring Valley, Peru and just downstream from Starved Rock State Park under the Abraham Lincoln Bridge hold the potential for both fish dinners and a new state record in this walleye cousin with the desert camo color scheme.

Some of the best fishing occurs in cold water before spring runoff becomes a factor. When thoughts turn to open-water fishing, the Illinois is probably on the rise. Conditions can change overnight. Buster Culjan has this water dialed in. Call him at Cajun Sports, (815) 667-4222, before you hook up the trailer and head out.

Wolf Lake Pike
You'll have plenty of company when fishing from shore on this metro Chicago lake. But soaking two big chubs -- one under a float the other "dead-sticked" on the bottom -- can result in combat with a scrappy northern pike and offer reassurance that winter can't last forever.

Lake Michigan Brown Trout
Lake Michigan's harbors hold brown trout all winter long. Weather conditions dictate whether open-water tactics or ice-fishing with "tip-downs" will be more productive. Pay close attention to weather forecasts, especially regarding changes in wind direction.

MARCH
Mississippi River Tailwater
Walleyes
Fishing below dams at Bellevue and Dubuque is permitted beginning March 15. You'll need an Iowa or Wisconsin license to fish directly below the Dubuque dam.

Tailwaters below dams downstream are open year 'round. Action below the dam at Fulton is marginal. Tailwaters farther south around the Quad Cities are open year 'round, with the pool No. 16 dam producing sauger action that may soon rival the Illinois River. Contact R&R Sports for a fishing report at (563) 243-4696.

Crab Orchard Largemouths
This sprawling, shallow southern Illinois lake is one of the first to warm up in the spring. Target woody cover, especially at the back of coves and around points on the north side of the lake.

Busse Lake Largemouths
The riprap and fishing walls of this urban Cook County lake have bucketmouths up to 5 pounds cruising close to shore this month. Plenty of shoreline access and walking trails provide the opportunity to stretch both your legs and the string on the new baitcast outfit you got for Christmas.