Hey there, my fellow outdoor enthusiasts!
Long time no see, I know. It's been about two months since I last wrote, and I've missed it as much as you have. But guess what? Life's been one wild ride lately! I've been working my butt off, orchestrating the move and expansion of Sweeney's Sports, our fishing retail shop in Napa.
We finally moved to our new spot at 835 Lincoln, and it's double the size of the old place! This means more space for us to grow and bring you even more fishing goodness. If you're interested in learning more about our moving story and checking out the new space, follow this link, but let's get to the main event, shall we?
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Napa Fishing Report
Bullards Bar Adventure
Napa Fishing Report
As we move into August, fishing opportunities in Napa are heating up. This month's report covers Lake Berryessa, the Napa River, and Putah Creek, providing valuable insights for anglers looking to make the most of their fishing adventures.
Napa River: Striper Fishing Bonanza
August through October is prime time for striper fishing on the Napa River. As the stripers come in to spawn, the river is teeming with activity. Whether you're bank fishing or trolling from a boat, now is the time to target these fish.
Trolling Tips:
Lure Selection: Opt for lures that dive deep and stir up the silt. Trolling in shallow waters, around 8-12 feet, can be surprisingly effective.
Speed: Maintain a trolling speed of 4-5 miles per hour.
Distance: Set your lines 80-160 feet behind the boat.
For bank fishing, casting and retrieving with swim baits and rattle traps can yield great results. Bait fishing with a quality setup is also recommended.
Lake Berryessa: Trout and Kokanee Fishing
Lake Berryessa is delivering excellent results for both trout and kokanee. The lake's strain of Eagle Lake Trout, known for their impressive size, are biting well. Speedy shiners, particularly in the "Fire Tiger" color pattern, are a top choice. Troll these lures at depths of 40 feet or more, adjusting your speed between 1.6 to 2.2 miles per hour.
For kokanee, which have returned in full force after a dry spell, the game is all about depth and variety. These fish can be found between 60-120 feet down. Use dodgers paired with colorful leaders and hooks tipped with marinated corn.
Fly Fishing on Putah Creek
Putah Creek offers a dynamic fly fishing experience with its changing flows. During this time of year, flows range from 500 to 800 CFS. Fish tend to congregate behind larger boulders to avoid the strong currents.
Fly Selection:
Nymphs: Small bugs such as zebra midges in black, brown, gray, and red are effective.
Dry Flies: While not as common, keeping an eye out for caddis hatches and using patterns like Fox's caddis pupa can be worthwhile.
Techniques: Ensure your flies are bouncing off the rocks, getting into the zone where fish are hiding.
Whether targeting stripers in the Napa River, trout and kokanee in Lake Berryessa or fly fishing in Putah Creek, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Over the years we've built relationships with top fishing guides in the area who can help you uncover the Napa fishing secrets. Book your own guided trip below.
Bullards Bar Adventure
So, with our big move and business expansion moving to the next stage, I decided to celebrate my 45th birthday in style. I organized a multiday fishing adventure with my buddies. It was an epic three-day, two-night boat camping trip on Bullards Bar Reservoir. I chose that spot because it's known for its stunning beauty and amazing fishing opportunities.
We spent our days bait fishing for catfish and carp and trolling for trout and kokanee. It was the perfect way to relax and recharge. It was exactly what I needed to keep my mind sharp for those long 18-hour workdays ahead.
We used a mix of cornmeal and strawberry jello for carp and catfish and followed the methods I covered in my fishing report above for Kokanee.
We arrived at the tail end of a massive heat wave, so the kokanee bite was slower than usual. Still, we managed to put fish on deck. Even if we didn't catch a ton, just being out on the water with good friends, working the gear, and trying new things was an awesome experience.
Bank fishing was a blast too. We caught so many carp, that I lost count. Some people might not think carp fishing is a big deal, but I think it's a great sport. Carp are smart and put up a good fight. Pound for pound, in bait fishing, they'll give any other fish a run for its money.
Our catches ranged from 3 to 10 pounds. Every time the bell rang, the adrenaline kicked in, and the battle was on.
If you're looking for a fun few days of primitive camping, I highly recommend taking your boat to Bullards Bar. Just launch at Emerald Cove Marina and explore the lake until you find a spot to nose in and set up camp.
Set up your rods, kick back with a cold beer, and enjoy the company of good friends. Just be careful not to throw your back out when the rod bell rings. The adrenaline rush is real! Oh, and bring some sand rod holders. A big catfish or carp will yank your rod right into the water if you're using shallow holders.
Oh, one more thing. Bullards Bar boat-in camping is a great place to take kids, with none stop bank action and epic fights you'll create lifetime memories with your little ones.
Catch Happy!
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