How To Use Live Bait for Striper, Crappie, and Sturgeon

Whether you're drifting the Napa River for stripers or dropping lines into Lake Berryessa for crappie, few techniques rival the effectiveness of live bait. This guide covers the best live bait options for our local fisheries — including large and medium minnows, pile worms, and live grass shrimp — and how to rig them for optimal success.

🐟 Large Minnows for Striped Bass (Napa River & Lake Berryessa)

Best Use Case: Spring and fall when stripers are on the move. Larger minnows trigger aggressive feeding responses, especially in slightly stained water.

Rigging Method: Sliding Sinker Rig (Carolina Style)

• Hook: 1/0 to 3/0 octopus or circle hook

• Leader: 18–24 inches of 15–20 lb mono or fluorocarbon

• Main Line: 20–30 lb braid

• Weight: 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, sliding above a swivel

  
  

Pro Tip: Hook the minnow through both lips (upward) for drifting, or through the back behind the dorsal fin for stationary fishing.

🎯 Medium Minnows for Crappie (Lake Berryessa & Lake Hennessey)

Best Use Case: Spring spawn (March–May) when crappie school in shallow cover, or late fall when they group up near submerged structure.

Rigging Method: Slip Bobber Rig

• Hook: Size 2 to 6 Aberdeen hook

• Bobber Stop: Adjustable for depth control

• Leader: 6 lb mono

• Split Shot: Pinched about 6 inches above the hook

Pro Tip: Set your bobber to suspend the minnow just above brush piles or sunken trees. Hook the minnow just behind the dorsal for best movement.

Pile Worms for Striper & Sturgeon (Napa River)

Best Use Case: Cooler months or dirty water when scent matters most. Pile worms excel in both active and passive bites from stripers and bottom-dwelling sturgeon.

Rigging Method: 3-Way Swivel Rig

• Hook: Size 2 to 1/0 baitholder

• Leader: 12–18 inches of 15–25 lb mono

• Weight: Sliding Swivel with 2oz-4oz Sinker

• Main Line: 30 lb braid or mono

Pro Tip: Thread the worm onto the hook to cover most of the shank, but leave the tail wiggling freely for added action.

🦐 Live Grass Shrimp for Striper & Sturgeon (Napa River)

Best Use Case: Summer through fall when shrimp are naturally abundant in the river. Grass shrimp are a striper favorite and a reliable sturgeon option when other baits fail.

Rigging Method: Snell Rig or Circle Hook with Magic Thread

• Hook: Size 1 to 1/0 circle hook

• Leader: 18–24 inch fluorocarbon, 15–25 lb

• Main Line: 20–30 lb braid

• Weight: 1–4 oz sliding sinker or fixed pyramid, depending on current

Pro Tip: Run the hook through the tail or collar (just behind the head) to keep the shrimp lively. Use Magic Thread to secure multiple shrimp or prevent flinging off.

Final Thoughts

Live bait fishing isn't just about catching — it’s about matching the hatch and understanding how local fish respond to movement, scent, and presentation. Stock up on fresh minnows, pile worms, and grass shrimp at Sweeney’s Sports, and don’t forget to check with the shop for the latest rigging tips or bite reports.

🎣 Got a question or photo of your best catch? Tag us @CatchHappy and @Sweeneys_Sports — we love sharing local success stories.