If you’ve ever hooked a trout in a Sierra stream and saw it bust up through the water, whipping the lure side to side, you probably know that Saturday is the season opener.

Though many still refer to the last Saturday in April as the “opening day” of trout season, it really is the kickoff for catching all kinds of fish in California streams. Most lakes are open year-round for fishing in the Golden State, but trout fishermen relish the chance to catch the big one in a beautiful creek or river setting this time of year.

A word for the wise though: Fishing in Lake Tahoe rivers and tributaries is off limits until July 1, with the exception of the Truckee River outlet in Tahoe City.

The reason is Tahoe’s delicate fish spawning nature. With sensitive habitat surrounding the inlets of Lake Tahoe, protections are in place for the fish that use Lake Tahoe as breeding grounds, said Susanne Johnson, information assistant for the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Still, there are plenty of places to catch that first lunker of the year, all within a short drive. There’s the West and East forks of the Carson River, which are stocked regularly and to the hilt, Johnson said. Plus, the lack of a large snowpack and weather conditions that have been consistently below freezing at night, this year’s spring runoff has gotten off to a slow start. That’s good news for anglers. The water is clearer for both the fish and the fishermen.

“This will be a very good year. The flows are cold, low and in darn good shape. Whether you are casting, fly fishing, using lures, hatches or bait it should all be good,” said Victor Babbitt, owner of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters in South Lake Tahoe.

According to fishing columnist Denis Peirce, a dry year like this preceded by a wet one will produce cold streams at first and then optimum conditions by the end of June. While Babbitt opts for the Carson River, Peirce likes the lower Yuba River for this weekend and any other streams that originate between 3,000 to 4,000 feet that won’t have snow melt in them.

The big key to angling at any time or place in California is the annual fishing regulations book printed by the fish and game department. Anglers need to go to the book anytime they go fishing to make sure they know the limits and regulations for the stream or lake they are visiting, especially if you’re going to an area you’re unfamiliar with.

While most area streams will be open for full fishing from Saturday through Nov. 15, exceptions to many bodies of water exist and can be found, once again, in the regulations book.

While there isn’t stream fishing until July 1, there is fishing on Lake Tahoe year-round. Tahoe Sport Fishing (www.tahoesportfishing.com) is one of a handful of outfits that provide charters on the lake 365 days a year.

“Lake Tahoe fishing is steady all year and one of the most beautiful lakes you’ll ever fish,” said owner John Shearer. While he admits that “people don’t come to Lake Tahoe to fish; it’s usually a second thought. But when they do, “they’ll always catch fish.”

The 2007-2008 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations can be found at Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters, Tahoe Sport Fishing at Zephyr Cove, Raley’s and Longs. You can also download them at the state’s fish and game Web site at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/.

— By Jeff Munson, Tahoe Daily Tribune; Dave Moller of the Grass Valley Union contributed to this story.

Top places near Tahoe to fish

n West Carson River is among the best places for families to Fish. The river flow runs lower and its more conducive for kids fishing. To get there take Highway 50 to Meyers, turn left on Highway 89 over Luther Pass. Drop into Hope Valley and at the bottom is the West Carson. Fishing is good up and down the river and around bridges. You can fish with bait, flies, lures. Catch and release is not required but recommended.

n East Carson River. Hangman’s Bridge and below, the bridge is all catch and release with barbless restrictions and no bait. To get there take Highway 50 to Meyers, turn left on Highway 89 over Luther Pass. Continue to Woodfords and drive to Markleeville. Those who wish to fish with bait, barbed hooks and salmon eggs can do so upstream from the bridge.

n Indian Creek Reservoir is located three miles prior to the town of Markleeville. Plenty of good trout fishing and camp sites. Fish with bait, lures, worms, salmon eggs.

n Truckee River below the town of Tahoe City. While you can’t fish the first 1,000 feet from the dam you can after that. General trout fishing rules apply. Best areas are in Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

Follow the rules

To find general information about fishing in California, log onto http://www.dfg.ca.gov/, where you can find tips and specific stream entries. You can also download the annual regulations book.

Don’t forget your license

A no-frill license cost $37.50 this year for residents and $100 for non-Californians. You can also buy licenses that are good for one to 10 days.