Saltwater and freshwater fishing were both exceptional last year, despite the well-publicized lack of precipitation. Though another dry spring may bring negative impacts on fisheries down the road, anglers can expect 2009 to be another great year.

But even with the assortment of quality destinations that California has to offer, timing is everything. Even more important than where to go is determining when to be there. These 36 recommendations compiled by California Game & Fish will help ensure that you're in the right place at the right time.

JANUARY
Sturgeon
North Bay
Look for wet winter storms and increased river flows to bring an abundance of food and hungry sturgeon to Susuin and San Pablo bays.

If the rains never materialize, don't waste your time. But if they do, dig out your tide book and plan a trip for the largest swing that you can find for that week -- incoming tides are more productive than outgoing.

Look for fish to 70 inches in Susuin Bay in the Honker and Grizzly areas.

In San Pablo Bay, try the flats between the rock wall and China Camp or near the Pumphouse. Fish right on the bottom with grass, mud or ghost shrimp rigged with a sliding sinker, wire leader and two 6/0 hooks.

Call Crocket Sportfishing at (510) 787-1047 for information.

Other Choices
In January, anglers have Shasta Lake to themselves. Spotted bass go on a tear off steep rocky banks and points. When water levels are dropping, try shad-pattern plastics and crankbaits, or blades when it's rising.

The main stem and South Fork of the Eel River can provide some of the best steelhead action in the state, but it's all rain-dependant. Call for up-to-date conditions before you go.

FEBRUARY
Surfperch
San Diego
Near-shore areas along the South Coast offer plenty of surfperch prospects for pier anglers, beach-casters and boaters alike. Outer-coast piers at Pacific, Imperial and Ocean beaches are always good; any of several platforms in Mission and San Diego bays are can be excellent, too.

Surfcasting is superb in both protected and unprotected areas. Boaters tend to stick to the two bays. Regardless of your location, the key to a good day is soaking live bloodworms and sand crabs on No. 6 hooks.

For information, call Dana Landing Action Sports at (619) 226-2929.

Other Choices
It takes the right conditions to fool steelhead in Mendocino County's streams. But when things come together, you'll take fish by drifting roe in the Albion, Big, Garcia, Gualala, Navarro, Noyo and Ten Mile rivers.

Before you go, be sure you understand the area's special Department of Fish and Game regulations.

Add variety to your fishing this year by heading to Prosser Lake for a day of ice-fishing. It shouldn't take more than a few hours to catch a limit of rainbow trout to 14 inches.

MARCH
Smallmouth Bass
Lake Pardee
Smallmouth bass in the Sierra foothills? They're not the first species that comes to mind, but Pardee has been pumping out some of the biggest smallies in the West. That includes the new state-record fish, caught in 2007, which shattered the long-standing Trinity record by almost 3/4 of a pound.

The steep rocky banks and points upriver provide ideal habitat. That's where you should concentrate your efforts. Cover lots of water with ripbaits and small crankbaits for numbers of fish. When the bass aren't cooperating, switch to small soft-plastics and jigs.

Though you'll sacrifice quantity for quality, you should cast big swimbaits when targeting trophies.

For information, call Lake Pardee at (209) 772-1472.