Regardless, in the spring Chiquito Creek, Dinkey Creek, Rancheria Creek and the South Fork of the San Joaquin River will be heavily stocked and perfect for anglers looking to cast Panther Martins, Mepps, Rooster Tails and salmon eggs into pools and holes. In the lakes, trolling a set of Cow Bells, Ford Fenders or a Sling Blade with a night crawler will yield limits of 12- to 16-inch rainbows.

MOTHERLODE
In the fall, you must check out sleeper fishery Tulloch Reservoir, said guide Danny Layne, who makes a living catching Tulloch's 3- to 6-pound rainbows in the winter, spring and fall. Layne rolls dead shad in 10 to 20 feet of water to lure in the football-like 'bows.

Layne can also recommend Lake McClure. In recent years, 3-pound rainbows have been common, and there's no reason that won't happen again this spring for anglers trolling near the dam.

Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing puts New Melones near the top of his list. Most anglers will hit Melones for its kokanee. But those who look for big, fat rainbows should have no problem stumbling upon them. Smith said the explosion of the kokanee fishing here would improve the rainbow bite because the 'bows haven't been targeted as significantly as the kokanee have.

Trolling the main lake river arms or sitting on the shore, dunking bait near the Glory Hole Recreation Area, can yield action. On the other hand, Smith continues to drag most of his clients to Don Pedro Reservoir where quality rainbows, enormous inland chinook and kokanee are available.

Don Pedro can be a ghost town in the spring, even though fishing is consistent. Smith will roll shad near Jenkins Hill, the dam, and in front of the marina to score easy action on 'bows.

Chris Cantwell's management at Lake Camanche keeps this lowland reservoir poised as one of the Motherlode's most consistent fisheries. Bank-anglers could target the South Shore Pond or North and South Shore Marina in the spring or hop on a boat and troll Hat Island, near the dam or in front of the Speece Cone for a chance at 'bows to 10 pounds.

BAY AREA
Springtime is a great time to target the Bay Area, said Pete Alexander, biologist for the East Bay Regional Parks District. Alexander sees no downfall in this year's trout action and recommends Shadow Cliffs Reservoir and Quarry Lakes early in the spring when muddy runoff might slow the fishery at Lake Chabot and San Pablo Reservoir.

Float-tubers, shore-anglers and trollers are welcome. Steve La Russa of Coyote Bait and Tackle isn't thrilled about the trout options available in many of the South Bay's larger reservoirs.