The warm spring weather has been a pleasant surprise for West Michigan anglers. However, the action for area fisherman has been even better.

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The near-shore trolling action on the Big Lake is picking up, abundant panfish catches are being taken from inland waters and reports of Lake Michigan "white-bellies" have been made off Grand Haven.

In addition, steelhead trout remain plentiful on the upper rivers and post-spawn walleyes are starting to show up around the breakwater arms.

Here's a breakdown of local hotspots:

* The 6-12 foot depths of White Lake, Wolf Lake and many of the smaller waters in the greater Twin Lake area are very good for pre-spawn bluegills and some large sunfish, but some of the better catches this week were being taken from Muskegon Lake.

Try fishing along the north side between Johnson's point and Second Street, west of the Bank Point Light (black buoy) or in Snug Harbor.

* Fair-to-good catches of "white-belly" perch are being taken south of the Grand Haven Channel in 60-65 feet of water. Thus far, the schools haven't been as large as they were last fall, but some of the better anglers have managed to take home limit catches.

Spikes on spinner-blades have been effective, but wigglers, mousies and eyes are also good at times. Try moving around until you locate one of the better schools of perch.

* Some nice catches of "yellow belly" perch are being taken out of Muskegon Lake, too. Try fishing off Second Street, a couple hundred yards west of the black buoy, off Strawberry Island or near the Bear Lake Channel mouth. Red worms, wigglers and minnows have been good.

* The trolling action out on the Big Lake had been very good off Grand Haven -- many taken in the warmer water near the mud line -- and a growing number were starting to be taken off Muskegon and White Lake as well.

But, the steady diet of east winds has cooled the near-shore waters, which could push the baitfish into deeper water.

* Although the river remains high and the fishing pressure heavy, the upper Muskegon River continues to hold good numbers of spawning steelhead. The same holds true for the White River, North Branch of the White River, Pentwater, Pere Marquette and the tributaries off from the Grand River.

* The best action is yet to come, but a fair number of walleye have been taken near the Muskegon breakwater arms and from the channel walls at Grand Haven and White Lake.

The best action is often found after dark by those trolling body baits, but an east wind could make for more difficult fishing conditions.

Those casting from the channel walls often catch as many walleyes than those fighting the boat traffic. Casting Countdown Rapalas from the White Lake Channel walls can be effective, but Hopkins (Lees) spoons seem to work better around the Muskegon Channel and breakwater arms. The early morning hours are often productive.

* Good catches of channel cats, along with an occasional flathead, are being taken out of the Grand River.

Cut bait taken from a sucker or alewife works well.