Genz attributes the area's recent boom to the implementation of special regulations. Northern pike in lakes like Big and Little Detroit, Melissa and Sallie are now helped by protected slots. Pike fishing has improved. And as a spin-off, there are more big predators around to thin out smaller panfish, freeing up space and forage for adult panfish.

Lake Lida, at 5,500 acres, is another micromanaged fishery, but not its pike. On Lida, to keep a crappie, it must be at least 11 inches long. All those 9- and 10-inchers have to go back in the water. Genz has witnessed the effects. The average crappie is getting progressively larger. True "pounders," he says, are frequent.

The bluegills aren't faring poorly, either. Anglers are hooking plenty of 1/2-pound bluegills.

According to Ice Team czar Genz, the heaviest action emerges on the north end of North Ida. The bay nearest neighboring lakes Lizzie and Crystal is the place to be. Flourishing foliage is rampant, and where the weeds end, pronounced bars dip toward bountiful basins.

By day, Genz sets up shop in and on the edges of the densest vegetation, which lands him in 12 to 15 feet of water. Lida's bluegills will be there throughout the day, with morning and evening spikes. Crappies come and go, too, but their finest hours surround dusk, at which time Genz homes in on the outside weedline and flats beyond the bars. Here, crappies suspend and scavenge for aquatic critters.

Genz gets after sunshine biters with a maggot-covered chartreuse/orange Lindy Fat Boy. He says the color combo is chosen for its proficiency in clear water. Later, as the sun wanes, he switches to a Lindy Fat Boy in techni-glo red.

Alexandria Hotel & Hospitality is the group to contact for area information and lodging. Tap them at www.alexandriamn.org or 1-800-245-ALEX (2539).

Genz's next mark is Becker County's Tamarack Lake, a 1,400-acre puddle situated within the Tamarack National Wildlife Refuge. The largely shallow lake is subject to winterkill, and according to Genz, experienced a partial hit a few years back. The upside of such an episode is that remaining fish - 10-inch bluegills - grow at a fast rate. And, because of Tamarack's fertility, bluegills hatched since the winterkill - numerous 1/2-pounders - have developed at a remarkable clip.

Because of its National Wildlife Refuge status, the surfaces of Tamarack cannot be traversed by motorized vehicle, although gas-powered augers are permissible. Genz says the restriction isn't very restrictive, though. The best spots are within walking distance of the two public landings.

Genz suggests cutting strings of exploratory holes between the northwest landing and the opposing shoreline point, thus bisecting Tamarack's deepest spot, a 16-foot hole. By winter, the bulk of Tamarack's bluegills rally around the crater. During first ice and last ice, Genz says that weedbeds near the islands harbor fish as well, but you'll have to trudge awhile to get there.

The Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce can help you with area lodging and activities. Contact them at 1-800-542-3992 or www.visitdetroitlakes.com.

Crappies - ranging from 1/4 to 2 pounds - loiter off the west bank for several weeks. Once the feeding fades, however, Genz reorganizes and mobilizes to the east side of Bungalow Island. Here, hordes of crappies suspend in 30 to 40 feet of water. You'll eyeball community spots, says Genz, but it's more vigilant to search for schools of larger, unpressured crappies.

The eastern lobe of Clearwater holds fish, too, but in Genz's estimation, the west side is a finer all-around choice.

The city of St. Cloud is just a snowball's throw from Clearwater. Call (320) 251-2940 for information or go to www.stcloudchamber.com.

Upper Red's 108,000 acres of publicly fishable waters are loaded with pike. Brosdahl calls it "the best pike lake in the contiguous 48 states."

Numerous features unite to make Upper Red what it is. Brosdahl says every square inch is fertile and that there are more pike per acre than anywhere in our state. Moreover, Upper Red is full of forage. Pike feast upon whitefish, crappies, shiners and juvenile sheepshead. And one can't discount the plethora of breeding habitat - rivers, creeks and ditches - and impeccable surroundings, namely the expansive flats and quality weeds, including cabbage and bulrushes.

Early winter finds Upper Red's pike clinging to the first shoreline break in 6 to 8 feet of water, perhaps slightly deeper. Brosdahl recommends exploring wide swaths near the Tamarac River mouth, Shotley Brook, Roger's RV Park and Hudec's Resort.

From about January thereafter, the beefier fish cruise deeper - 10 to 12 feet - and maraud amongst the terrified crappies in the planted fish cribs. Brosdahl proposes jigging for Upper Red's legendary crappies with one line and utilizing the other for toothy critters. Brosdahl's setline is composed of a Clam Corp Arctic Warrior - a tip-up hybrid - paired with a No. 6/0 circle hook and nose-hooked sucker minnow.

The Upper Red Lake Area Association can satisfy your pike, crappie and lodging questions. Call 1-866-866-1866 to request an area brochure, or go to www.upperredlakeassn.com.

This winter, like last, my money is on the big water.