Here are 36 of the best fishing locations in the state, but keep in mind there are dozens more just like them.

JANUARY
Striped Bass: Lake Juliette
Even with the water temperature solidly in the 40s, the stripers still are biting at this diminutive Monroe County reservoir, located just an hour outside of Atlanta and closer to Macon. Thanks to yearly stockings by Georgia's Wildlife Resources Division there are plenty of stripers, many of which are in the 10- to 15-pound range.

For consistent success, look for schools of bait near main-lake points or creek channel ledges and then drop live or cut bait down to the fish. If that doesn't yield any takers, idle slowly through creeks on the lake's upper end, drifting live bait on free lines and planer boards. Also, keep a soft-plastic jerkbait or 3/8-ounce tail-spinner lure tied on for fish breaking at the surface.

Alternatives: The 20 ponds on Fort Stewart Army Base offer anglers their best opportunity to catch a largemouth in excess of 10 pounds during the winter months. Fish Texas-rigged worms along brushpiles in 6 to 12 feet of water for the best chance of catching a lunker.

Large crappie can be taken in abundance this month on Lake Weiss. Look for fish along standing timber, in brushpiles or near docks in water 12 to 25 feet in depth. Target the crappie here with small jigs or minnow suspended below a bobber.

FEBRUARY
Spotted Bass: Carters Lake
Anglers can't do much better for catching spotted bass than heading to this northwest Georgia lake, which is home to numerous chunky 4-pound spots. A deep, clear impoundment, Carters is prime territory for large bass, with anglers catching fish over 5 pounds with regularity.

In February, the spotted bass can be found suspending along bluff banks, rocky points or brushpiles. Try a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce black-and-blue jig-and-pig combination for bottom-hugging spots. A small white jerkbait or 1/4-ounce jigging spoon should also be at the ready for those spotted bass situated higher in the water column.

Alternatives: Lake Russell provides anglers with a very good opportunity to catch 3- to 5-pound largemouths this month. Look for the fish along standing timber adjacent to the main-river channel, where the fish are easy prey for a well-placed Texas-rigged worm. Also, a small spinnerbait cast along the shore in pockets protected from the wind provides an excellent chance for an 8-plus-pound largemouth.

The crappie should be staging along the timber-laden river channels this month on West Point. Target the fish in 8 to 20 feet of water using small jigging spoons, 1/32-ounce jigs or live minnows.