Spring is knocking, but the bite is still playing it cool. From ghost shrimp making a comeback to steady action in Berryessa and Napa River, here’s what anglers are seeing—and how to stay on fish right now.

Mid-March fishing report from Sweeney’s Sports in Napa covering Napa River sturgeon fishing, improving striped bass activity, and Lake Berryessa conditions for trout, kokanee, crappie, and catfish. Plus updates on live bait including ghost shrimp and shop news for local NorCal anglers preparing for spring fishing.

That spirit is what’s driving us to launch the Napa Fishing Club - a place where local anglers can connect, sharpen their skills, advocate for our fisheries,

When you’re soaking bait for stripers or catfish, the bait isn’t doing any of the work for you - the scent is. 

Reports from up and down the river have been encouraging, with stripers consistently showing and sturgeon anglers seeing steady activity. Here’s what’s working right now and conversations are back shortly.

Weeks like this help keep the advice grounded and the recommendations real. Regular fishing content, reports, and conversations are back shortly.

He came in after watching a YouTube video on striper fishing the Napa River, carrying what he lovingly described as a “pretty old POS rod,”

We brought along an underwater camera and one of the newest snares we’ve been testing at the shop: the Glider Snare

So today, Axel Tackle and I decided to test how much weight Mr. Sweeney’s Leader could actually withstand in a controlled (but pretty wild) setup.

This morning, we launched with a simple goal: Test the three most effective striper techniques - trolling, casting, and live bait - and see which one produces the best fish.

I start with scaling the fish. The skin is perfectly edible, delicious, and full of nutrients. I don't want to waste it.

We’ve all been there — your favorite rod loses a guide insert, and suddenly your line frays every time you cast. Usually, that means retiring the rod altogether.