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When to Fish
Albacore
Bass - Largemouth
Bass - Smallmouth
Catfish
Crappie
Flounder/Sanddab
Halibut
Lingcod
Perch
Rockfish
Salmon - Ocean
Salmon/Steelhead - River
Shark
Smelt
Striped Bass
Sturgeon
Trout/Salmon - Lakes
Trout - Streams

 

 

Techniques

bulletSimilar to techniques for largemouth bass, except that river fishing is also possible.
bulletTypically fish by casting and retrieving a plug, spoon, spinnerbait, jig, plastic worm or live bait.
bulletBass generally hang out at the bottom, or near underwater cover (e.g. fallen log or submerged boulders).
bulletLook for water about 65°F.
bulletGenerally retrieve slowly, near or on the bottom.

Tackle & Equipment

Tackle: Generally the same rods and reels as is used for largemouth bass but with finer line, i.e. 6-7 foot light to medium action rod with 6 to 8 lb monofilament line.

Lure & Bait

Bait:

Minnows (preferred)

Also possible to use crawdads, nightcrawlers, hellgrammites, plastic worms, crankbaits, spinners and spinnerbaits. Try to match local food supply.

Hooks: 3/0 down to 4

Best Bets

Best spots include Shasta and Trinity Lakes in February and March. Other good lakes include Almanor, Black Butte, Collins, Folsom, Oroville and Pardee. Try river fishing at the Lower Feather River (from Thermolito Afterbay to mouth at Verona), or Russian River (between Brown's Pool and Mirabel).