By Brian Sak

Largemouth and smallmouth bass were brought to the Golden State in the 1870s to supplement declining native freshwater sport fish populations. The goal of fisheries managers was to transplant a species that would survive the West's changing environment and to be worthy of anglers' time. Although early biologists knew little about black bass, questioning whether the species would survive in California waters, their increasing popularity in the East pushed officials to introduce them here.

Western fisheries managers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries couldn't have dreamed of the success that largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass (introduced in 1933) would experience. How these fish have prospered in a variety of waters correlates directly to their acceptance by anglers.

Today, most of California's low-elevation freshwaters are inhabited by at least one species of the black bass family. The combination of successful introductions and struggles with native fishes have made bass the second most popular freshwater sport fish in the state behind trout.

There is no reason to believe that trend will change this year or anytime in the foreseeable future. Whether you're looking for numbers of fish, the trophy of a lifetime, or a little of both, you can get in on the fun at any of these exceptional north state bass waters.

Although largemouths averaging 2 to 3 pounds are the draw here, fish in the low teens are not uncommon. Spinnerbaits, jigs and soft plastics take most of the bass throughout the year at popular locations such as the Narrows and Jackass Bay. Fish frog imitations over weedbeds for explosive strikes in the summer.

Known for producing high numbers of relatively small spotted bass, Shasta Lake also grows a few lunker spots, as tournament pro Skeet Reese demonstrates. Photo by Brian Sak

Trophy hunters should stick to oversized trout-pattern swimbaits, and be on the water soon after a load of hatchery rainbows are dumped in the lake. Santa Margarita is open daily, from sunrise to sunset, but closes on Christmas day.

For information, contact San Luis Obispo County Parks at 805-788-2397.

Lake Nacimiento (Monterey County): Known to locals as "Naci," this lake features quality largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fisheries. With a few small adjustments, you can catch all three from the same area. Target largemouths in the spring by pitching reaction baits or jigs to wood and brush in the shallows. Spots are your best bet through the summer. Fish small plastics parallel to rock walls, steep points and deep ledges. You'll catch smallies during fall and winter with anything that looks and acts like a crawdad. Prepare for huge crowds should you decide to head here in the summer.

For information, contact the Nacimiento Ranger Station at 805-238-2376.

Learn the Delta by picking one area that has historically produced bass, then concentrate on that location until you figure out what's going on. Big Break, Holland Tract and Mildred Island are great places to begin.

These waters are productive 12 months of the year, and a variety of techniques take bass. Try cranking crawdad pattern plugs parallel to riprap banks, weaving spinnerbaits through sparse tules, and pitching soft plastics to holes in weedbeds. One word of caution: The Delta can be dangerous, especially during summer, so stay alert and know you and your boat's capabilities.

For information, contact Fisherman's Warehouse at 209-239-2248.

Lake Berryessa (Napa County): This lake's proximity to the Bay Area attracts a variety of water enthusiasts, but don't let the crowds scare you away. There are good populations of largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass here, along with plenty of quiet coves to hide from the masses.

Fish early and late for Berryessa's biggest bass, targeting largemouths in shallow water cover. Smallies and spots prefer relatively deeper water, typically holding off rocky points or over submerged island tops. Popular offerings for all three include spinnerbaits, crankbaits and soft plastics.

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

San Pablo Reservoir (Contra Costa County): Largemouths weighing in the high teens are caught every year at Pablo, but it takes patience and persistence to catch one of these monsters.

Bass get big here thanks to a steady diet of hatchery-raised trout. You'll have to cast 9- to 12-inch swimbaits that look like rainbows to have a shot at a trophy of your own. Surface, diving and sinking lures all work as long as you retrieve your offering slowly.

Try waters off the main recreation area and the boat ramp for starters. San Pablo closes every year in mid-November, reopening in mid-February.

For information, contact San Pablo Reservoir at 510-223-1661.

This is one of those lakes that is either on or off, so it's important to check catch reports before heading out the door. Anglers intimately familiar with Pedro agree that spring is the time to go.

With 160 miles of shoreline, it's tough to know where to start fishing. Narrow your search for monster bass by sticking to Big, Rodgers and Woods creeks. Look for a reaction bite first with shad-pattern crankbaits, white spinnerbaits and gold ripbaits. If those don't work, pitch dark jigs to every piece of structure you find. When things get tough try 6-inch plastic worms, working from shallow to deep until you locate fish.

For information, contact the Don Pedro Recreation Area at 209-852-2396.

Lake Amador (Amador County): Amador, with only 14 miles of shoreline, is small in comparison to other Gold Country reservoirs, but holds its own when it comes to largemouth bass production. This lake pumps out an incredible number of 3-pound bass, with dozens of fish over 10 pounds caught every spring.

Try 6-inch plastic worms along rock walls and points in the Jackson Creek and Mountain Spring areas for starters. The size of Amador also makes it a great location for fishing at night; jump up to 8- or 10-inch curl-tail worms in black.

A final noteworthy detail is that the concessionaire here caters to anglers, not allowing water skiers and personal watercraft on the lake.

For information, contact the Lake Amador Resort and Marina at 209-274-4739.