With California's 4,800 lakes and reservoirs, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 1,100 miles of coastline, you'd think that finding a place to take a relaxing family camping trip with some decent fishing would be easy. But with the Golden State's growing population and increasing environmental concerns, it's anything but simple.

Moorings near the dam at Big Bear Lake provide the perfect location for families to tie up and wet a line for feisty rainbow trout. Photo by Brian Sak.

California does have plenty to offer campers and anglers, but for a successful outing, you'll have to understand what each family member wants out of a trip before choosing your destination. Armed with that knowledge you can then research what's available and pick a location that meets everyone's requirements.

For those that don't know where to begin their search, California Game & Fish has selected eight of the state's best places for an angler and his family to camp. Each offers exceptional facilities, great fishing and a variety of additional activities. But be sure to call for conditions before planning a trip -- with the lack of rain and emerging invasive species prevention programs, you'll want the most up-to-date information.

SHASTA LAKE
Shasta Lake visitors enjoy an idyllic alpine setting for both camping and fishing. And with Interstate 5 crossing its midsection, it's one of the simplest lakes in the state to get to. Easy access means lots of visitors, but don't let the masses keep you away. With 29,500 surface acres and more than 360 miles of shoreline, Shasta rarely feels crowded.

Shasta Lake has plenty of cold-water and warm-water fishes, so you'll always find something biting when you go.

Bass anglers target rockpiles and submerged brush in the Pit River arm for largemouths, or rocky points just about anywhere for spotted bass.

Trout and salmon anglers troll spoons or night crawlers on the main body, from the dam to the I-5 bridge. You'll find panfish and catfish in protected coves.

There are numerous private campgrounds in the Shasta area that offer supplies, places to eat and boat rentals. But if you're looking for more of a wilderness experience, try roughing it in one of several relatively small, undeveloped oak-filled U.S. Forest Service campgrounds. For information call (530) 275-1589, or go online to www.shastalakecamping.com.

To get away from the lake for a while, take the entire family to Turtle Bay Exploration Park near Redding. The more adventurous may want to try river rafting or an off-road vehicle excursion. For other area activities, call the Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association at 1-800-275-5555.

CAMANCHE LAKE
A two-hour drive from the Bay Area brings you to the shores of Lake Camanche, whose clean waters and full-service facilities make this a consistently popular destination. The arid nature of this low-elevation foothill reservoir makes it less than ideal scenically, and the crowds that invade during warm weather rule out the possibility of a backwoods-type experience. But some of the best fishing that the region has to offer makes this a leading candidate for a successful family outing.