The secret is out -- not all bass fishing seasons were created equal (although something tells me you already knew that).

The Zara Spook is a popular lure for post-spawn bass fishing in the foothills. Drag it through baitfish on the surface. Bass cannot resist it. Photo courtesy of John Chiarpotti. Photo courtesy of John Chiarpotti.

For most of us anglers, the No. 1 time to chase smallies, spots and largemouths is spring, the pre-spawn in particular. That's when the big girls head to the bank, and we try to be there waiting for them, with our dreams of multiple bass over 6 pounds.

The spawn can also be a blast, especially if you happen to be skilled at sight-fishing. After that, the summer peak can be dynamite, and autumn can be a lunker-fest. But from late spring on, it seems that as the days heat up, the bite slows down.

On the lakes that are scattered in the Sierra foothills, however, it's a different story.

In fact, if you talk to those in the know, you may well find the post-spawn to be their favorite time to be on the water. The fish run big. More often than not, the topwater bite is electrifying.

Take friends who are lukewarm to bassin' to one of these lakes on a warm May afternoon, and they may have an unforgettable day watching their Zara Spooks "catch air" under ballistic assaults by fired-up spots and smallies. Add to that the scenic beauty of late spring, and you have all the makings of a memory that can last a lifetime.

California Game & Fish interviewed some of the Gold Country's best-known fishermen for this article to help you fish the post-spawn like a pro.

• Dave Rush is a highly-respected pro who built his reputation on the waters of the foothills.
• John Chiarpotti has 30 years' experience as a tournament angler and guide, the last 15 of which have been spent on these lakes.
• Cody Meyer, the 25-year-old native of Grass Valley, has finished second in the FLW Stren Western Division points race for the last two years running.

We think you'll enjoy reading their perspectives on why late spring can be so good on these Sierra-fed waters, and we'll follow that up with a brief breakdown of four of the best -- Don Pedro, New Melones, Camanche and McClure.

TOPWATER PRIMETIME
How good is foothill fishing after the spawn? "I wish I could fish an endless May and June," said Johnny Chiarpotti of Sonora. "Earlier in the spring, all of your fishing is predicated by the weather."

In his view, angling is far more consistent once the bass have concluded their reproductive rituals. "The best fishing in the foothills is after a big snowmelt, when they're running lots of water through the dams," the guide said. "The top 15 feet of the water column has all the fish, since it's much warmer than the water beneath it."

By a wide margin, the top choice for getting bit during the post-spawn is topwater, with Zara Spooks taking the honors for most favored bait.

Why are these walk-the-dog style lures so popular?

"After the spawn, bass are guarding fry," said Palermo angler Dave Rush. "Topwaters resemble bluegills, which prey on fry, and bass rush out to hit them."

With almost two decades of guiding experience on these lakes, Chiarpotti echoes a similar theory on May and June fishing. (Continued)

"My favorite way to catch postspawn bass is with Super Spooks," he said. "I'll even throw them in the middle of the day. The fry come up to warm themselves, the Spook comes through them, and the adults come up to kill it."