Why the West Coast is a Must-Fish Destination for Big Bass
PARK FALLS, WIS. (February 10, 2025) – If you love catching big bass, it’s time to turn your attention to the West Coast. This region isn’t just a bucket-list stop—it’s home to some of the most diverse and productive bass fisheries in the country. Anglers like Alex Niapas and Mark Lassagne are already capitalizing on the incredible opportunities here, and for good reason.
What Makes West Coast Bass Fishing So Special?
From crystal-clear reservoirs to sprawling, vegetation-rich river systems, the West offers three distinct species of black bass—largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass—all set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.
Bass Angler Magazine (BAM) Tournament Trail Founder, Mark Lassagne, points out that West Coast spotted bass are unlike anything most anglers back East have seen.
Alex Niapas, 2025 BAM Tournament Trail Pro-Am Champion and St. Croix Rod Ambassador, highlights just how diverse the fisheries are.
“There are clear-water reservoirs all over out here with really big bass, plus the California Delta and Clear Lake, which is arguably the best bass lake in the country. It’s a place where you can catch a bunch of five- and six-pounders, and double-digit largemouth are always a possibility,” says Niapas.
While finesse tactics dominate on deep, clear reservoirs, Clear Lake and the Delta offer prime power-fishing opportunities, making the West Coast a dream destination for anglers of all styles.
West Coast Spotted Bass Are on Another Level
“Most eastern anglers aren’t exposed to spots bigger than three pounds. But out here, we’re catching them up to nine pounds or more. The world record 11.04-pound spotted bass came from New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Northern California, and we know the next one is out there,” says Lassagne.
At the recent BAM Pro-Am season opener at Lake Shasta, tournament pro Randy Pierson weighed a 7.04-pound spotted bass, proving that these giants are more than just a fluke.
Tournament-Tested: Big Bass and Huge Limits
For those who love high-stakes bass tournaments, the West delivers. Lassagne notes that:
Clear Lake regularly produces 30-pound limits in tournaments. Don Pedro Lake offers five-fish limits over 20 pounds—sometimes with all three species. The Columbia River is a smallmouth factory, where three-to-four-pound bronzebacks are the norm.
“You can have some epic days out there, fishing everything from finesse to topwater,” says Lassagne.
How Niapas Won on Lake Shasta—And Landed a 9-Pound Spot
At the recent BAM Pro-Am at Lake Shasta, Niapas targeted shallow points with trees and structure, throwing a prototype five-ounce trout swimbait. His game plan worked, producing back-to-back limits of 16.35 and 18.05 pounds despite the tournament being shortened due to high winds.
Key Moment: “First thing in the morning, I caught almost a 5-pound spot on it, then ran to a few other locations and caught another four fish,” says Niapas.
One week later, at the WON Bass Open on February 6, Niapas landed a monster 9.14-pound spotted bass on the same swimbait, securing a third-place finish.
The Power of Big Swimbaits for Big Bass
Large swimbaits are a staple in California, especially in lakes where rainbow trout are a primary forage.
“They can be a grind to throw all day, but when you commit, the rewards are huge,” says Niapas.
To combat fatigue, Niapas trusts the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass MID SWIMBAIT rod (LBTG710XHF), featuring the GRASP II reel seat for enhanced comfort and power.
“It may look unconventional, but after using it, you won’t want to fish without it,” he adds. “It keeps your wrist aligned with your arm, reducing fatigue and keeping you in the game longer.”
While Niapas focuses on the BAM Pro-Am Series, BAM’s Tournament Trail offers multiple ways to compete:
BAM Super 60 – Premier big-money tournaments covered on Outdoor Action TV.
Scholastic Series – Helping the next generation of anglers build their skills.
Kayak Tour – A growing sector with great payouts and national exposure.
“All BAM Tournament Trail Series are featured in Bass Angler Magazine, social media, and video coverage, giving anglers exposure that no other trail offers,” says Lassagne.
Ready to Chase Big Bass on the West Coast?
If you’re looking for your next fishing adventure, want to compete in a BAM event, or just want to dive into top-tier bass fishing content, visit bassanglermag.com.
Subscribe for more tournament updates and expert bass fishing tips!
About BAM Tournament Trail
The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM Trail) is an exclusive west coast pro level tournament circuit. BAM TT delivers multiple opportunities to showcase the talents of western anglers on several professional platforms.
As the BAM Trail continues to evolve it provides a platform of elite events for competitive anglers. The trail creates a logical avenue for sponsors to have direct contact with our West Coast anglers.
The BAM Trail is dedicated to creating a complete package of advertising opportunities including on-site activation, internet/social media, and a YouTube and TV series that reaches a large number of viewers each day.
BAM Trail is honored to be associated with its title sponsor, Bass Boat Technologies, and presenting sponsor, Tackle Warehouse. The trail is also supported by Storquest, Chicken Ranch Resort, Bass Cat Boats, Ford Fairfield,, Power Pole, Mercury Outboards, Bridgford Foods, Bob’s Machine, Dakota Lithium, Sticky Graphics, Jean Deleonardi Real Estate, Valley Outdoors and our conservation sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse.
The BAM TT tourism sponsors: Lake Don Pedro, City of Oakley, Lake Almanor Chamber, the Boardman Chamber, and the Feather River Tourism Association.
Tournament events include BAM Pro Tour, Pro-Am and a Kayak Tour with a no entry Championship can be viewed on YouTube. Learn more here: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media / Advertising Contact Mark Lassagne
#bamtrail #bassanglermagazine #bamprotour
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