Mike Shaw used one of his own MSSlammers to fool this big Santa Margarita Lake bucketmouth. Photo by Brian Sak

We're several years into the first decade of the 21st century, and Northern California's black bass fisheries are holding steady. There were plenty of largemouths, smallmouths and spotted bass taken by anglers in 2004, including a fair share of trophies, but can we expect the same in 2005? California Game & Fish posed that very question to DFG biologist Dennis Lee.

Good news! With the exception of a few cases, Lee says things are looking bright. "We've been fortunate with some good water years during the early 2000s," explains Lee, "and I think that's helped." An important point since the majority of last season's rainfall came early, resulting in lower than usual water levels at lakes and reservoirs. "Those wet years," says Lee, "will compensate for (lower water in 2004)."

If there's going to be a problem with our fisheries, it will come in the form of a lack of information to properly manage them. "Due to recent cutbacks," laments Lee, "we've lost reservoir biologists in Regions 3 and 4." Whether you're an angler or lake manager, the last thing you want to see are fishery decisions without data to back them up.

There's nothing we can do to increase the amount of precipitation, but by contacting our elected officials we can influence the future of north state bass waters. In the meantime, there's plenty of great fishing available. You'll make the most of your time on the water by sticking to this list of 2005's best bets.

BAY-DELTA
Regardless of which part of the Golden State you call home, you'll want to visit the Bay Area and points east, where you'll find what many consider two of the best bass fisheries west of the Rocky Mountains.

Lake Berryessa (Napa County): The fishing at Berryessa has been good for a long time, but this Wine Country lake has developed into something special in recent years. Burgeoning populations of spotted bass will keep you busy throughout the day, while there are huge largemouths for anglers preferring quality to quantity. For the ultimate battle, there are big smallies too.

Although you never know what you're going to catch on each cast, the secret to finding what you're after is targeting the right habitat. Try submerged wood and brush for largemouths, island tops and rocky points for smallmouths and everything in between for spots. Productive lures for all three include white crankbaits, baby bass-pattern ripbaits, poppers and wacky-rigged Senkos.

For information, contact the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at 707-966-2111.

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Contra Costa, Sacramento and San Joaquin counties): What can be said about the Delta that has not been said before? Absolutely nothing! Quite simply, this tidal system tops every other largemouth fishery in terms of the number of quality fish caught in the state. The Delta remains the premier north state destination.

The maze of waterways here is vast, with every levee, tule berm and dock looking like it holds fish. Unfortunately, that's not the case. You'll increase your chances of success by concentrating on proven areas -- try Big Break, Frank's Tract or Mildred Island for starters. Popular patterns include red and black crankbaits, chartreuse spinnerbaits, white frogs and blue on black jigs. One word of caution; boat traffic can make these waterways dangerous.

For information, contact Hook, Line & Sinker at 925-625-2441.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY
There are two things you can count on at waters in this region of California: scorching summer temperatures and lots of people. You'll avoid both by enjoying the fishing at these lakes either early or late in the day.

Folsom Lake (Folsom, El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties): Living only minutes from downtown Sacramento, the bass at Folsom take a pounding and can be tough to catch. These waters are not recommended for anyone new to fishing. If you're up for a challenge, however, there are plenty of largemouths, smallmouths and spots here to test your skills.