Where to start fishing? With 160 miles of shoreline, deciding is a challenge in itself. You'll narrow your search for that bass of a lifetime by sticking to Big, Rodgers and Woods creeks. Go after active largemouths first with crankbaits, ripbaits and spinnerbaits. If fish aren't cooperating, pitch bulky jigs tipped with pork, or 8- to 10-inch soft-plastics.

For information, call Fisherman's Warehouse at (209) 239-2248.

LAKE NACIMIENTO
Monterey County
Anglers who tire of targeting the same species will find Nacimiento's variety a pleasant change of pace. At "Naci," you'll often catch largemouths, smallmouths and spotted bass from the same piece of structure simply by changing depths. Or if you're interested in a specific species, you can increase your odds by going at the right time of year:

• Largemouths in spring,

• Spots in summer, and

• Smallmouths from fall through winter.

Big reaction baits and bulky jigs tipped with pork take most largemouths here. Cast to wood or brush in the shallows.

For spotted bass, drift downsized soft-plastics, rigged on dartheads, parallel to rock walls, steep points and deep ledges. Smallies eagerly take anything that resembles a crawdad. Look for the real thing scurrying around on the bottom, and try to match it both in size and color.

For information, call Tackle Warehouse at 1-800-300-4916.

SLEEPERS
These are the waters that local anglers don't like to share. They'll go to extra lengths to keep them secret, but they're the first places they head to when nobody else is looking.

You shouldn't expect to find lines of fancy bass boats at these lakes, but you can look forward to outstanding fishing. If you're in the mood for an experience to tell friends about, these locations should satisfy your desires.

RUTH LAKE
Trinity County
This destination is ideal for anglers who want a true wilderness experience. Along the challenging Highway 36 drive, you'll need all the patience you can muster. But the largemouth and smallmouth bass waiting for you in Ruth's crystal waters make the trip worth the effort.

As a bonus, you'll run across fewer people here than at any other lake or reservoir covered in this report.