Brian Sak.

~OCTOBER~
Rainbow Trout
Big Bear Lake
When most people hear the name “Big Bear,” they think of the area’s motion-picture-making history (the original “Frankenstein” was filmed here) or wintertime recreational opportunities. But this high-elevation lake that’s less than 100 miles from Los Angeles offers some of the region’s best rainbow trout fishing.

Although there are several places to wet a line from shore, trolling takes most of the trout at Big Bear. You won’t need a downrigger or other special gear this time of year, with most of the fish cruising near the surface. The western shoreline produces most of the rainbows.

For information, call Big Bear Sporting Goods at (909) 866-3222.

Other Choices
Shallow reefs off Pacifica and Moss Beach have an abundance of big lingcod, and you’ll take your share with heavy jigging spoons.

You may want to increase the fun by switching to light tackle.

To get your adrenalin flowing this month, cast for yellowtail with live squid or sardines from Santa Barbara to Ventura, with the best fishing often in the lee of Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands.

~NOVEMBER~
Striped Bass
The Delta
You’ll no longer wonder why anglers pay top dollar to chase bonefish and peacock bass once you hook into one of the Delta’s monster stripers on topwater. The hardest part about this kind of fishing is holding back as you watch a fish’s tail trailing your offering for what seems like an eternity before pouncing on it.

The action never lasts long, and the conditions have to be just right, so before heading out, make sure you know what to look for.

The first step is to find fast-moving water whipping around the end of an island.

And being there just after the tide turns is critical. Position your boat in deep water on one side of the point and cast to deep water on the other side ‘-- work your plug back over the shallows.

For information, call the Tackle Box at (530) 898-9761.

Other Choices Limits of big crappie will eat white, pink or chartreuse mini-jigs at Henshaw Lake now that the water has cooled off. Good places to try include the fishing dock and the dam.

Shadow Cliffs Reservoir doesn’t look like much, but this old quarry turned fishing hole pumps out lots of rainbow trout for boaters and bank anglers alike.

Try rainbow PowerBait for starters.

~DECEMBER~
Rockfish
Farallon Islands
Looking for a big sack of tasty fish for the dinner table? Then head out to the Farallons on one of several Bay Area party boats targeting the area. You’ll need to keep track of the weather to get out between storms, but the great fishing is worth the effort.

Mixed limits of yellowtail and blue rockfish often tip the scales at more than 50 pounds.

Much of the fishing here takes place in deep water, so be prepared to reel in fish from 300 feet.

Trip regulars favor traditional 3-hook shrimpfly rigs, with red-and-yellow a popular color combo.

For information, call Berkeley Marina Sport Center at (510) 849-2727.

Other Choices
Give yourself an early Christmas present this year and head to Lake Oroville for some of the best spotted bass action of the year.

Find any rocky point and fish small soft-plastics on dart heads.

End the year right by heading out on Suisun Bay during a strong incoming tide in search of sturgeon to 100 pounds. You’ll need a sensitive rod, wire leader and 6/0 hooks baits with shrimp.

Find more about California fishing and hunting at CaliforniaGameandFish.com