To help Northern California bass-fishers make the most of their time on the water in 2009, California Game & Fish reviewed dozens of fishing reports, talked to fisheries biologists, guides and tackle shop owners to put together a list of waters you can count on this year.

NORTHERN WATERS
The cooler climate to the north means a shorter growing season for warm-water fish, like largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. But that doesn't mean the fishing isn't good. For numbers, and the occasional trophy, this part of the state is tough to beat.

Lake Britton
World-class trout streams dominate headlines in the Burney area, leaving Britton to a handful of regulars who would like to keep it that way. Although largemouths are taken on occasion here, it's the scrappy smallies that keep these bass fans coming back.

Crawdad- and shad-pattern crankbaits or black-on-blue jigs and earth-tone grubs take the majority of the bronzebacks at Britton. Cast to rocky banks and steep points. If you go this month, you'll also find spawning fish on flats with wood.

If you have your heart set on largemouths, try twitching ripbaits or working spinnerbaits around isolated cover.

For information, call Vaughn's Sport & Fly Shop at (530) 335-2381.

Shasta Lake
Shasta is huge compared with most Golden State waters. It has 365 miles of fishable shoreline. That makes it an ideal destination if you don't like crowds. You can always find a quiet cove to wet your line -- even during peak recreational seasons.

There is suitable structure and cover for spotted bass, largemouths and smallmouths throughout Shasta, but spots tend to dominate catches. For consistent action, you'll want to tailor your approach to the species you're after.

You'll take spotted bass all over the lake as long as there's rock and deep water nearby. The key is paying attention to what the water is doing. Use reaction-type lures when the lake is rising. When it's dropping, fish vertical with spoons and soft plastics.

Most consider the Pit River arm the best for largemouths. Cast spinnerbaits, ripbaits, and bulky soft plastics to submerged willows and wood.

Try working downsized pork-tipped jigs, crankbaits and grubs along the steepest rocky banks for smallies. This is the toughest species to find, so cover lots of water.

For information, call Phil's Propeller at (800) 462-3917.

Whiskeytown Lake
Most bass anglers pass up this jewel on their way to nearby Shasta Lake. That leaves plenty of unmolested fish for those willing to give Whiskeytown a try. The majority of the boats you see will be targeting kokanee, even though spotted bass are almost always willing to bite.

You're not likely to hook into a trophy at Whiskeytown, but the action can be nonstop if you hit it just right. The waters here are crystal clear, so stay back from your targets. Cast small topwater poppers over submerged island tops and tapering points.

For information, call the Whiskeytown Visitor's Center at (530) 246-1225.

BAY AREA AND VICINITY
Don't be fooled into thinking that coastal freshwaters are the least suited to black bass. Here you'll find what many consider two of the finest bass factories in the nation, along with other quality fisheries worth visiting.

Clear Lake
Does the sound of catching lots of giant largemouth bass sound good to you? Then plan a trip to what many consider the best lunker lake west of the Rockies. There may be bigger bass elsewhere, but this is the place to be for that five-fish limit of a lifetime.