Brian Sak.

Freshwater and saltwater fishing were excellent in the Golden State during 2007. But some anglers remain uncertain about the effects of the lack of water on fishing in 2008.

Biologists, however, predict that there’s nothing to worry about. One dry year doesn’t constitute drought conditions, they said.

A second consecutive year with little rain and snow may hurt launch conditions at some lakes and reservoir, and the timing of the best bites.

But there should be more than enough quality fishing opportunities.

Whether you’re looking for limits of fish or trophies in 2008, here’s a month-by-month assortment of adventures to put you in the right places at the right times.

~JANUARY~
Spotted Bass
Lake Shasta
On a cold winter morning, the reflection of snow-covered mountains on glassy Lake Shasta offers a surreal setting for a great day of fishing.

Add the exhilarating feel of a scrappy spotted bass pulling at your line, and you’ll feel like you’ve gone to heaven.

You’ll need to bundle up and fish around storms, but you’ll have this piece of paradise to yourself.

The key to nonstop action during this time of year is adjusting your approach to the conditions.

Fish slowly with downsized pig-and-jigs or 6-inch soft-plastic worms when the lake level is falling.

For information, call Shasta Tackle & Sport Fishing at (530) 275-2278.

Other Choices
Fishing pressure often makes American River steelhead difficult to catch, but they remain your best bet when winter storms blow out coastal streams. Start by drifting roe below Nimbus Basin.

Big sturgeon will be feeding in San Pablo Bay if the region gets enough rain to increase Delta outflow.

Try the flats between the rock wall and China Camp during a strong incoming tide.

~FEBRUARY~
Steelhead
Smith River
The great thing about the Smith is its ability to clear quickly following a typical late-winter storm.

As long as heavy rains don’t blow it out, you can expect these flowing waters to provide plenty of steelhead averaging 10 to 15 pounds.

Be aware, however, that too little rain can also be a problem: Officials could close the river to angling.

Boaters and bank-anglers take fish along a 15-mile reach below the Forks. Top-producing areas include Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, where there’s adequate bank access, and Peacock Bar downstream from there. Side-drifting roe is the method of choice here.

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

Other Choices
Throughout the month, you’ll catch surfperch along San Diego’s coast by soaking live bloodworms and sand crabs on No. 6 hooks.

Target sandy beaches for barred perch and jetties for walleye surfperch.

Tahoe can be bitter cold this time of year, but there will be plenty of big mackinaw awaiting anglers prepared for the conditions.

Fishing deep is a must, so hire a guide if you’re unfamiliar with the lake. ~MARCH~
Surfperch
San Francisco
Looking for a change of pace? Head to the beaches and piers that surround San Francisco on three sides and cast for barred, redtail and walleye surfperch. Challenge yourself by leaving the heavy surfcasting gear in the garage ‘-- try a sturdy 9-foot steelhead rod.

Baker and China beaches and Fort Point are some of the most popular spots. Local anglers prefer fishing with live bloodworms and sand crabs on drop hooks.

You’ll usually find an incoming tide is better than falling water, with the turn of the tide being prime time.

Bring a large ice chest when you go, and expect to load it with 1/4- to 1-pound perch.

For information, call Hi’s Tackle Box at (415) 221-3825.

Other Choices Trinity Lake smallmouth fishing can be hit-or-miss, regardless of when you go. But if you’re after a trophy, this is the month to be on the water. Deep-water crawdad patterns take the biggest bass here.

You’ll have to be a Wilderness Unlimited member to fish Lake Margaret, where monster brown trout will be cruising for an easy meal. Try twitching minnow plugs just below the surface.