What's more exciting than starting the new year off with a 12-pick list of fishing options for the coming year? For the die-hard angler, not much! From the chilly temperatures of winter, through the warm months, and back 'round again, the Mountain State has a lengthy inventory of fishing options, enough to satisfy even the most addicted anglers among us. From trout to muskies, and every species in between, here's a look at this year's Mountain State fishing.

JANUARY
Ohio River Walleyes
If you love catching river walleyes as much as I do, then you won't be surprised at the suggestion of hitting the Ohio River for some cold-weather action. Because when the weather is cold, the river walleye action can be downright hot!

Frigid water temperatures concentrate walleyes in defined areas. Fish run up the river in the late fall, so expect to find plenty of fish below the lock and dam systems. Other places that tend to collect walleyes are the mouths of feeder streams, where rock bars and scour holes create quiet pockets for the fish to lie in wait for an easy meal.

The uppermost dams on West Virginia's portion of the Ohio tend to hold the most walleyes. More specifically, this is the New Cumberland, Pike Island and Hannibal lock and dam systems. As one ventures farther downriver, the habitat becomes more conducive to catching saugers rather than walleyes.

The Hannibal Lock and Dam, found near New Martinsville, offers good fishing, as well as excellent access. Shore-anglers will find parking and fishing piers below the dam on the West Virginia side. A reciprocal agreement between Ohio and West Virginia allows licensed anglers from either state the option of fishing either shore.

Boat-anglers must keep out of the tailrace area but should find fish in and around the many feeder creeks. There is a good boat access in New Martinsville, up Fishing Creek just off the main river.

FEBRUARY
Cranberry River Trout
West Virginia has one of the most aggressive trout-stocking programs in the country, releasing literally tons of trout in state streams and lakes on an annual basis. Topnotch streams like the Cranberry River -- which flows through Nicholas, Webster and Pocahontas counties -- receive trout on a frequent basis, beginning in January. Weather permitting, the Cranberry River is stocked once in January, twice in February, and once a week in March, April and May. It also gets two fall plantings in mid-October.

The Cranberry River contains areas that are more easily accessed, as well as remote sections, such as the portion that flows through the Cranberry Wilderness Area. Liming stations located in the watershed have made the entire river hospitable to trout. Currently, a 16.5-mile section beginning at the Woodbine Recreation Area and extending to the mouth of Dogway Fork is stocked with trout. A catch-and-release section stretches 4.3 miles from the mouth of Dogway Fork upstream to the confluence of the North and South branches of the Cranberry. Anglers should also explore the trout-fishing options of the many feeder brooks that enter the Cranberry.

The Cranberry's location within the Monongahela National Forest ensures angling in a beautiful setting.

MARCH
Stonewall Jackson Lake Crappie
The first signs of spring usher in the desire to pursue crappie. There's nothing like having a few slabs in the livewell to celebrate the season. And Stonewall Jackson Lake is a great place to do it.