The Delta can be tough at certain times of the year, but pro Nick Welton finds it to his liking in spring. Photo by Brian Sak

Can't make it to your favorite stream, lake, port or beach to fish this month? No problem! You happen to live in the Golden State, where something is biting someplace all the time. Go ahead and take care of family and business now. When you decide it's time to go, a great day on the water will be waiting.

Whether you're looking for fast action or for that one big bite, here's a month-by-month assortment of quality destinations for 2006.

JANUARY
Steelhead
Smith River
The Smith is a long drive for most of us, but it's one of those rivers that you'll fish over and over because of its quality fish. Adequate rainfall here is critical. Too little and officials close it. Too much and the Smith gets blown out. But the great thing about this river is its ability to clear quickly after a storm.

Steelhead average 10 to 15 pounds here, and are reachable by bank-bound anglers as well as boaters. And with several productive areas along the 15-mile reach below the Forks, it's important to call ahead to find out where that action is. Two great spots are Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Peacock Bar, where drifting roe/Puff Ball combinations is the technique of choice.

For information, call John Klar's Salmon & Steelhead Sportfishing, (707) 442-1867.

Other Choices
You'll enjoy Lake Shasta's outstanding spotted bass fishing when others are home by the fire. Hit the water between storms, targeting the shallows only if the lake is rising.

The difference between success and failure for anglers drifting roe on Mendocino County's steelhead streams is simply a matter of rainfall. Call for the conditions before you go.

FEBRUARY
Mackinaw
Lake Tahoe
Tahoe's macks are big, typically averaging 5 to 7 pounds, but so is the lake -- this huge body of water covers 191 square miles with depths averaging 1,000 feet. Hire a guide if you don't know where to fish. For do-it-yourselfers, look for mackinaw along shelves and drop-offs in Meeks Bay or off Rubicon Point.

Spool your reels with light monofilament and use downriggers or fill your heaviest reels with wire line and bring release clips and lots of lead. Begin by trolling live minnows or flashy spoons in 150 to 200 feet of water, working your way down to 300 feet until you find fish.

For information, call The Sportsman, (530) 542-3474.

Other Choices
American River steelhead are pressured, making this a river for experienced anglers. Back-troll plugs or drift roe/Puff Ball combos between Nimbus and the Sacramento River.

Spooning off rocky points and along submerged ledges can be productive for Castaic Lake's largemouth bass. For bigger fish try soaking live crawdads.

MARCH
Smallmouth Bass
Lake Tulloch
Sierra foothill reservoirs are not normally thought of as smallmouth destinations, but with a steady supply of cold water from New Melones, Tulloch is one of the state's best. Expect bass averaging about two pounds, with an occasional fish twice that size. Smallies bite throughout the day, but late afternoons, after the sun has warmed the water, are ideal.

The Green Springs arm is the best for smallmouths. The river produces its share of fish too. Spinnerbaits are a good way to to cover water until you locate bass. Ripbaits work well when you encounter schools of baitfish near the surface. When you head to the deeper waters of the river, try small jigs and drop-shot rigs.