I fished Casitas last spring during a work trip. Looking to do something similar this year, but trying to take some clients from the Sacramento area and it's just too far of a drive for them.

You guys have any recommendations for good bass lakes in Northern California?

thanks!

go out with Bobby Barrack on the Delta, best guide and fishery ive ever experienced.

There are some good lakes there , Don Pedro kicked out a 16.2, 14 something, & acouple of 7-8# last week-end. For magnum spots go to Bullards bar n.e. of Sac 5 & 7# spots are common there.Good luck on your trip....... :>)

I lived in that area for the past 4 years at Travis AFB. Clear Lake is the best around that area with plenty of good bass. Berryessa is also a good lake, very large lake, but reports of big fish pulled out of there also. If you have any specific questions too you can send me a message and I'll see if I can help you out! I fished mostly those two lakes.

clear lake in april, shasta anytime, wiskeytown, oroville, the list is endless

Having lived at Beale AFB for 9 yrs I will agree with all the above. I would say numbers Oroville would be good not a lot of giants but plenty of spotted bass to wear your arm out, LMB and a few smallies to be had. Clear Lake is a favorite along with the Delta for big large mouth, you could get into some stripers in the delta as well. Collins lake is on the way towards Bullard Bar, Collins made B.A.S.S. mag back a few years ago for the record spotted bass. I will say though Bullards Bar is very scenic, beautiful water. Go to the web site westernbass.com and select northern Cali you can do some research there as well on how the lakes are doing. Plus you can look at some guides on there as well. Larry Hemphill is a great one for any lake up there, for the delta a guy that went by the name Cooch is a guide you can't go wrong with. You can also PM me if you have any other questions. Good luck and have fun!

I would stay away from "Lunker Larry". But the rest sounds good!

Never heard of anyone having an issue with Ol' Larry myself, but sounds like you or someone you know has. When left Beale in 2010 his rep was solid and putting clients on fish regularly. I will say that he does have a tendency to catch the big fish of the trip if he does end up fishing much when out with clients. That kinda sucks.

I fished Folsom Lake, many years ago and caught some good fish. I fished most of the lakes in SOCAL, but I didn't fish the Delta, and I think I missed out.

I'd go to Clear Lake in the spring. The Delta is a cr@p shoot that time of year. Shasta, Whiskeytown, Oroville etc are ok, but a longer drive and primarily spotted bass lakes.

I fished with Larry...won't say anything negative other than it was not a good experience. If someone's looking for a guide in that area I know a few other names I would recommend and anyone could PM me if that's what they're looking for. EZ didn't mention guides though and everyone has listed some great areas for him...good luck!

Clear Lake would be the best bet. Delta can be iffy, Bobby Barrack knows that place as good as anyone. I was just up at Oroville and Bullards Bar a couple weeks ago. Both were small fish fests. Guys that fish Bullards have said it's been difficult, but there are some giant spots in there. Berryessa has been fishing good lately.

Thanks for all the great info guys. Got some research to do now...

The Delta is the Falcon of NorCal! Folsom is a good lake that is close to Sac! Great Spots in that lake. Look at the river runs! Depending on when you go you could catch the end of the Sturgen run. Or the Spring salmon run. A good river Guide is Manual Saldana 530-301-7455. He wil put you on fish and a top notch trip!

Delta
Clear Lake
Folsom for giant spots
Orville for numbers
Shasta for numbers and scenery
Pedro for big fish
McClure for numbers and chance at a big fish
Bullards Bar