Comedian George Carlin's "Seven dirty words you won't hear on TV" is a classic standup routine. But there are another seven words that anglers never want to hear before, during or after their fishing trip: You should have been here last month!

The good news for Golden State anglers is that there's always something biting someplace, regardless of season or region. The tough part is -- to quote an overused adage -- being on the right water at the right time.

To help you plan this year's adventures, here's a month-by-month assortment of quality 2007 destinations.

JANUARY
Steelhead, Mendocino County
On the North Coast, it's all about the rain -- too little, and the rivers and creeks remain closed to fishing. Too much rain turns them into unfishable torrents that take days to clear.

However, with just the right amount, the Albion, Big, Garcia, Gualala, Navarro, Noyo and Ten Mile rivers provide some of the best steelhead action in the state.

Drifting roe is the technique of choice on these coastal streams, although a variety of hardware, including local favorites like the X-4 Flatfish and the silver No. 3 Mepps, also take their share of steelhead.

Always call ahead to check on closures and the prevailing conditions. And be sure to familiarize yourself with California Department of Fish and Game regulations for the area.

For information, call Outdoor Pro Shop at (707) 588-8033.

Other Choices for January
San Diego County's Cuyamaca Lake is relatively small, but in terms of trout fishing, its reputation is huge. For rainbows averaging a pound, cast spinners with gold blades or soak scented dough baits. World-record-sized fish might also be lurking here.

January rains, and the associated high-water flows, should have big sturgeon moving out of the bays and into the Delta. Mud shrimp is the bait of choice here.

FEBRUARY
Cuttbow Trout, Lake Amador
For those who are less than enthusiastic about chasing hatchery fish in a reservoir, Lake Amador cuttbows offer an exciting alternative. These feisty fish -- a Swedish crossbreed of steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout -- are raised in Amador's own hatchery. And with their color, shine and condition, they are more akin to wild trout than hatchery fish. You'll be hooked after catching just one.

With weekly plants that typically range from between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds, only bad weather can dampen the fishing here. Anglers fishing from shore do well soaking bright dough baits or night crawlers near the spillway and boat ramp. Boaters find success trolling flashy spoons and small plugs around the main body just off the dam.

For information, call Lake Amador Resort at (209) 274-4739.

Other Choices for February
Smallmouths aren't the first species you think of when someone mentions the Sierra foothills, but they'll be at the top of many anglers' lists when Pardee Reservoir opens this month. Try small ripbaits upriver for starters.

The lower Smith River recovers quickly from drenching winter storms, making it an ideal coastal steelhead fishery. But it's still wise to check on conditions before you go.

MARCH
Largemouth Bass, Clear Lake
The Golden State's largest natural freshwater lake is still the place to go for that creel of a lifetime. Though five-fish limits tipping the scales at 50 pounds are not unheard of at this time of year, those kinds of results do take effort. But expect to catch lots of largemouths in the 3-pound class, with a legitimate chance of at least one fish pushing 10 pounds.

Begin your search for big largemouths at the north end of the lake, where flooded tules concentrate fish. Avoid spooking bass by staying off the bank, targeting the outside edges with spinnerbaits, ripbaits and swimbaits. After working the outer areas, move in and pitch jigs to holes, cuts and isolated clumps of sparse tules.

For information, call Tackle It at (707) 262-1233.

Other Choices for March
San Francisco Bay Area anglers don't have to travel far for quality rainbow trout fishing. There are plenty of fish to go around when you soak bait or cast hardware at San Pablo, Lafayette and Shadow Cliffs reservoirs. The year's largest brown trout are also on tap at Lake Almanor in March. The key to success is getting out between storms and covering lots of water with mini-tube baits.