Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Winter Trophy Trout in Alpine Lakes
Trout Meetup Registration
Catch of the Month Winner
Live Bait Update
Win a Berryessa Adventure Aboard Catch Happy HQ
Winter Trophy Trout in Alpine Lakes
My brother Paul and I recently wrapped up an unforgettable fishing trip at Cherry Lake, coming back with trophy-sized trout and experiences that will stay with us forever. Imagine stepping into a pristine winter wonderland, where your breath forms clouds in the crisp air, and snow blankets the peaks of glorious Sierras surrounding the lake. The only sound is the crunch of your boots as you approach the frozen shoreline to launch your boat. Before you stretches Cherry Lake, its icy waters shimmering under the pale winter sun—hiding elusive trout worth the effort of braving the cold.
Press play below to join us on the adventure and learn how to trout fish CA Alpine lakes in the winter.
Winter fishing in California’s alpine lakes is more than a mere pastime—it’s a true adventure. With fewer anglers around, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of hooking a fish in challenging conditions, it’s an experience every dedicated fisherman should seek. If you're ready for the cold-weather challenge, here’s what you need to know.
Adapting to the Winter Bite
When temperatures drop, trout behavior shifts significantly. Their metabolism slows, leading them to seek deeper, more stable water conditions. Despite this, they still feed, and with the right techniques, you can entice a strike even in frigid conditions.
The key? Precision and patience. Unlike the aggressive feeding patterns seen in warmer months, winter trout require a slower, more methodical approach.
Essential Gear for Winter Fishing
Rod & Reel Selection – A light to ultra-light rod with a 1000-size reel and 4lb-6lb test line works best. In crystal-clear alpine waters, anything too heavy may scare off wary fish.
Bait & Lures – Carry a selection of live minnows, chartreuse garlic PowerBait, Berkley Mice Tails, Power Eggs, and nightcrawlers. For those preferring artificial lures, opt for Luhr-Jensen Super Duper, Kastmaster, Rooster Tails, or Little Cleos in silver and gold, as these colors effectively mimic natural baitfish and draw interest from sluggish trout.
Cold-Weather Clothing – Layering is crucial, along with waterproof boots and UV-protective sunglasses to combat glare from snow and water. And of course, always bring a thermos filled with something hot to keep warm.
Effective Strategies for a Successful Catch
🌲 Seek Out Warmer Spots – Areas where sunlight first touches the water warm up slightly, drawing in more active fish.
🎣 Experiment with Depth – Start fishing close to the shore, gradually moving deeper. In winter, trout are less likely to chase bait, so slow, deliberate movements work best.
🚶♂️ Be as Quiet as Possible – Trout in alpine lakes are hyper-aware of their surroundings. Minimize noise, move carefully, and cast with precision.
Safety Tips for Cold-Weather Fishing
Winter fishing offers a unique thrill, but it’s essential to respect nature’s unpredictability. Always check weather conditions before heading out—mountain climates can change rapidly, turning a clear day into a sudden snowstorm. We strongly advise calling local ranger stations for real-time conditions.
For our Cherry Lake trip, we reached out to the Groveland Ranger Station to gather crucial details about road access, lake levels, and weather updates. This information proved invaluable in planning a safe and successful trip.
Timing Your Trip for Maximum Success
Unlike in summer, winter fishing allows for a more relaxed start to the day. Trout tend to be most active during the warmest hours—typically mid-morning to early afternoon. Enjoy the scenery, take your time, and embrace the solitude that winter fishing offers.
If you’ve never tried fishing an alpine lake in winter, now’s the time to go. Pack your gear, find a fellow angler, and head into the mountains. Whether you land a record-breaking trout or simply revel in the untouched wilderness, one thing is certain—you’ll come home with an unforgettable story.
Trout Meetup - Friday, February 7th, 6 PM - 9 PM
7 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!
A quick recap video from our last event.
Catch of the Month Winner
Thank you to everyone who participated and voted in our January Catch of The Month contest. We had a lot of fantastic submissions.
The winner is Justus and his son Zion. Congratulations!
Justus and Zion, stop by the shop to collect your $30 gift card!
Live Bait Update
Fresh Frozen Ghost Shrimp
Large Minnows (effective for trout/striper/catfish)
Medium Minnows
Win a Free Berryessa Fishing Adventure aboard Catch Happy HQ
Introducing Free remote video expert consultations for www.shopsweeneys.com customers. Need help to pick out the ideal rod, reel, lures, tackle, etc? Set up a free remote consultation with one of our experts here.
How to win a Berryssa adventure with Alex and Paul?
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 + friend 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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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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