Mark your calendar to be on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta for peak striper fishing in the fall. Photo by Brian Sak.

To take full advantage of California's freshwater and saltwater prospects, you'll have to be at the right place at the right time. But being there when the fish are biting is only the first step. You'll also have to know what techniques are working, where the fish are and what offerings they're likely to eat.

Here are 36 suggestions, including where, how and with what, to help you make the most of 2010.

JANUARY
Rainbows, Lake Shasta
There's nothing more peaceful than the reflection of snow-covered mountains on glassy Lake Shasta on a frigid winter morning. And there's nothing more invigorating than the feel of a 3-pound rainbow trout pulling at your line. It'll be necessary to bundle up and fish around storms, but you'll have the lake, the fish and these sensations to yourself.

You'll need a boat to get to the fish, but with trout typically cruising the upper 6 feet of water, you can leave your downriggers at home. Concentrate your efforts on Shasta's main body, from the Interstate 5 bridge to the dam, and stay close to the shoreline.

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

Other Choices
You'll find spotted bass on a feeding binge all over Lake Oroville this month if you're able to get out between winter storms. Set up on any rocky point and cast 4-inch soft-plastic worms on dart heads.

Rainbow trout anglers looking for action should try Baum Lake, where there are enough 8- to 14-inch fish to keep you busy all day. Be prepared to battle the occasional giant.

FEBRUARY
Steelhead, American River
As long as the weather cooperates, the American is one of the top-producing steelhead fisheries in the state. The key to success is adjusting to increasing or decreasing flows. The only time you don't want to go is when the area gets lots of rain over short periods. Excessive flows will ruin your fishing trip regardless of how much you adjust.

The best part about the American River is that the 22-mile reach below the Nimbus Basin can be fished from shore or boat. You'll catch lots of steelhead with hardware, but the largest fish are usually taken with roe.

For information, call Fisherman's Warehouse at (916) 362-1200.

Other Choices
Check out the trout-planting schedule at Casitas Lake and plan a trip for monster largemouths just after they stock. You'll need heavy gear to cast big rainbow imitations to 10- to 12-pound bass.

Assuming storms and reservoir releases don't blow out the Trinity River, you'll find steady steelhead action between the Lewiston Bridge and Rush Creek. Try red Copper Johns or No. 12 Golden Stones.

MARCH
Smallmouths, Lake Pardee
Sierra foothill reservoirs are not normally thought of as smallmouth bass destinations. But trophies from Pardee these last few years are changing that perception. Although most fish average just less than 2 pounds, bass in the 8- and 9-pound class are showing up on a regular basis.

For information, call Lake Pardee at (209) 772-1472.

Other Choices
Snow and ice can combine to prohibit launching at Donner Lake, but when conditions and eager locals willing to dig out the ramp provide access, you'll find some of the best mackinaw fishing of the year.

The Santa Cruz area, from Seacliff south to Rio Del Mar, provides excellent surfperch opportunities to anglers casting grubs or soaking pile worms. Look for rolling breakers sweeping over shallow points.