Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Striper on the Fly
Striper and Trout Meetup Updates
Live Bait Update
Win a Berryessa Adventure Aboard Catch Happy HQ
Updated Lake Berryessa and Napa River Fishing Reports
Napa River Striper on the Fly
Report by Cole Kipsey
Cole will be presenting at Sweeney's Striper Meetup, on Friday, January 24th, 6pm-9pm. Registration required. Details below.
The Napa River is fishing well right now, and anglers are having success with 8-weight setups paired with sinking lines and Clouser Minnows. Classic color combinations like chartreuse and white are proving to be reliable choices.
To optimize your chances, focus on covering as much water as possible, targeting likely holding spots like submerged structures, slough cuts, and shallow pools. Pay attention to tidal movements, as the outgoing tide often pushes baitfish into concentrated areas, drawing in predatory fish.
Make long casts and allow your fly to sink to the desired depth before retrieving with steady strips. Adjust your retrieve speed to match the activity level of the fish, and don’t hesitate to experiment with other fly colors if the action slows down. By staying mobile and patient, you can locate productive areas and capitalize on the current conditions.
Striped Bass Meetup - Friday, January 24th, 6 PM - 9 PM
3 spots are still open
We'll hear experts presenting interesting striper fishing ideas, review fishing products, and socialize around Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches and drinks.
Learn from each other sharing insights and techniques for Striped Bass fishing.
Explore gear and products designed to enhance your success on the water.
Enjoy Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches and drinks while socializing with like-minded anglers.
This is your chance to build meaningful connections and pick up a few tips and tricks from fellow anglers.
Event Details:
Must be registered through our online booking platform.
Registration: Free.
Optional BBQ Sandwich & Drink Ticket: $30.
Don’t miss out—secure your spot now!
Trout Meetup - Friday, February 7th, 6 PM - 9 PM
14 spots remaining. Waitlist after.
Learn from each other sharing insights and techniques for Trout fishing.
Explore gear and products designed to enhance your success on the water.
Enjoy Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches and drinks while socializing with like-minded anglers.
This is your chance to build meaningful connections and pick up a few tips and tricks from fellow anglers.
Event Details:
Maximum attendance: 20 people
Registration: Free.
Optional BBQ Sandwich & Drink Ticket: $30.
Don’t miss out—secure your spot now!
Live Bait Update
Live Ghost Shrimp
Pile Worms
Large Minnows (effective for trout/striper/catfish)
Medium Minnows
Win a Free Berryessa Fishing Adventure aboard Catch Happy HQ
How to win?
Make a purchase of $50 or more on https://www.shopsweeneys.com/ between January 24th- February 10th and you'll be entered into a drawing to win Berryessa Fishing Adventure with Alex. One lucky winner will be announced on February 11th!
What kind of adventure is it?
Join us aboard our North River Seahawk for a fishing and culinary adventure on Lake Berryessa on Friday, February 21st.
Itinerary
6:30 am - Boat Launch
We'll launch at Markley Cove and run to the trolling grounds. The next five hours will be spent trolling for trout using downriggers and lead-core setups with planer boards. We'll be making countless adjustments until we dial them in. It's game on from there.
Noon - Lunch
What could be better than grilling up a gourmet lunch? Grilling it on the boat! Alex and Paul will prepare a delicious BBQ lunch while keeping our lines wet in a serene cove.
1:30 pm - Chasing Giants in the Coves
Hopping coves, reading sonar, and soaking live minnows under bobbers and on the bottom rigs are the name of the game. Our target? 20+ lbs cats and giant bass.
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Here are some of the examples of products you can find on https://www.shopsweeneys.com/:
Downrigger Rod and Reel Setup
Rod - Click Here
Reel - Click Here
Leadcore Rod and Reel Setup
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Reel - Click Here
Planer Boards - Click Here
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Winter Trout Trolling Lures
Grab greens, oranges, fire tigers, and some silver/gold.
Lake Berryessa Fishing Report
Updated Lake Berryessa Fishing Report – January 2025
Lake Berryessa has flipped, and the trout bite is red hot, with fish feeding actively in the top 15 feet of water! The colder water temperatures have the trout in high gear, favoring faster presentations. Here’s what you need to know for a successful trip:
Bank Fishing Tips
Lures: Cast and retrieve lures like Kastmasters, Little Cleos, or other spoons at a steady, fast pace. Aim to cover water and target areas near drop-offs or rocky shorelines.
Bait Fishing:
Use live large minnows under a bobber, set 4-6 feet deep. Focus on shallow coves or areas with visible fish activity.
Blow up a worm (inflate it with air) and suspend it on a bottom rig with a 5-6 ft, 6 lb test leader for excellent results. Use this technique near points or underwater structures.
Trolling Tips
Gear: Leadcore line with planer boards is the standout setup right now. This allows you to target trout effectively at varying depths.
Rigging:
Attach a 25 ft, 10 lb fluorocarbon leader to your leadcore line.
Let out 2 colors (leader + 60 ft), clip on the planer board, and troll at 2.7-3.2 mph.
Lures: Green or orange T-Bone lures, Speedy Shiners, or Optimizer Junior spoons are highly effective. Experiment with colors and patterns to match the light and water clarity.
General Notes
Trout are spread throughout the lake, so be prepared to move until you find the most active schools. Focus on areas near the dam, narrows, and the big island. We found them in the top 15 feet in the deep water.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for detailed instructions and adventure trips.
Napa River Fishing Report
Best Fishing Times
Target the top of the outgoing tide for the first 2-3 hours. The last 2-3 hours of the incoming tide could be productive as well.
Bait Fishing Tips
To catch large fish, make your bait offering irresistible:
Live Ghost Shrimp, Pile Worms, and Cut Anchovies will do the trick.
For anchovies:
Cut off the head and tail.
Score the body with a bait knife, thread it onto the hook, and secure it with magic thread.
Ensure the bait is snug against the shank, with the hook tip fully exposed.
At Sweeney’s Sports, we stock a huge selection of Striper-specific lures and are always happy to provide advice. Stop by to stock up before your next trip!
P.S. We’re excited to announce the launch of ShopSweeneys.com! Now you can explore our top gear, tackle, and more—handpicked for your next fishing adventure—all online. Whether you’re gearing up for the Napa River or beyond, we’ve got everything you need to make each trip a success. Check it out!
As always,
We truly appreciate every time you walk through our doors. Thank you for choosing to spend your hard-earned dollars with us. It's a privilege to be of service.
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