Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Striper MeetUp - January 24th, 6-9pm
Live Bait Updates
Lake Berryessa and Napa River Fishing Reports
Golden Mussels infestation update
Striped Bass Meetup - Friday, January 24th, 6 PM - 9 PM
Our goal and hope is to bring the fishing community together to collectively improve our craft and increase the enjoyment of our hobby. 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:
Maximum attendance: 20 people (only 6 spots remaining).
Registration: Free.
Optional BBQ Sandwich & Drink Ticket: $30.
If registrations exceed 20, we'll add your name to the waiting list—there’s always a chance of cancellations. We’ll contact you closer to the date to confirm attendance and optional food/drink tickets.
Don’t miss out—secure your spot now!
Live Bait Update
Blood Worms
Pile Worms
Large Minnows (perfect for trout/striper/catfish)
Medium Minnows (perfect for crappie, bluegill, and trout)
You Don’t Need Downriggers to Catch Trout on Lake Berryessa
The lake has flipped, and the trout bite is red hot in the top 15 feet of water! The colder water temperatures mean trout are active and prefer a faster presentation. Here’s what you need to know:
Bank Fishing Tips
Cast and retrieve lures like Cast Masters or similar spoons at a steady, fast pace.
For bait fishing:
Use live large minnows under a bobber, set 4-6 feet deep.
Blow up a worm and suspend it on a bottom rig with a 5-6 ft, 6 lb test leader for great results.
Trolling Tips
Leadcore line with planer boards is the top method right now.
Attach a 25 ft, 10 lb fluorocarbon leader to your leadcore line.
Let out 2 colors (leader + 60 ft), clip the planer board, and troll at 2.7-3.2 mph.
Use lures like green or orange T-Bone, Speedy Shiners, or Optimizer Junior.
Trout are spread out across the lake but hungry. This type of bite is expected to last through March or longer.
Here is our recommended leadcore line setup for catching winter trout now. Buy in-store or online. We'll help you set everything up and explain how it works.
We’ll be releasing a Leadcore + Planer Board instructional video next week. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified as soon as it’s live!
Don't make these 2 mistakes while trolling for trout.
Napa River Striper Bite is Red Hot
Anglers are reporting boat and bank limits on Striped Bass, making this an ideal time to get out there.
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:
Blood worms, pile worms, and tray anchovies are top options.
I caught this striper on cut anchovy fishing the outgoing tide after work for a couple of hours.
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.
Lure Fishing Tips
Cast rattle traps and swimbaits in various colors for best results.
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!
Golden Mussels Infestation Update
If you haven’t heard about the Golden Mussel lake closures, it’s time to catch up on the essentials. These invasive species have led to significant changes in boating and fishing regulations at Lake Berryessa.
I fished Lake Berryessa yesterday and was surprised to see a lot of boats out enjoying the water—bass fishing and trolling for trout. The lake is alive and well!
If you’re planning to fish from your boat at Lake Berryessa, remember to apply for the red seal to begin the 30-day quarantine process. Contact us at Sweeney’s Sports to get started.
Official Update from Solano Water Agency
Here is the latest guidance regarding Lake Berryessa:
Hot-Water Decontamination: Any vessel wishing to launch before the required 30-day quarantine period must undergo a hot-water decontamination performed by certified Lake Berryessa staff.
Important: Decontaminations performed elsewhere are not valid unless a seal is applied to the vessel and proper paperwork is presented.
Scheduling a Decontamination:
Free Reservations: Booking a decontamination is free, but requires a credit card to hold the reservation.
No-Show Fee: A $100 fee applies to no-shows or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance.
Locations for Decontamination:
Steele Canyon Recreation Area
1605 Steele Canyon Road, 6 miles north off Highway 12.
Markley Cove
7521 CA-128, Napa, CA 94558.
Additional units are under construction, with new decontamination sites coming soon.
Reservation System:
Appointments must be scheduled in advance and are first come, first served.
If no openings are available, it means all slots are currently booked. Reservations are released 1-2 weeks in advance due to staffing and equipment limitations.
As new equipment and trained staff become available, more slots will be posted online.
For cancellations, use the reschedule or cancel feature in your confirmation email to avoid fees.
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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