Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Striper Meetup in Napa
Lake Berreyssa, Napa River Fishing Reports
Calling all anglers! If you love fishing for striped bass or have always wanted to learn more about this exciting sport, we’ve got something special for you. At Catch Happy, we’re all about fostering connections and growing our fishing community—and what better way to do that than with a Striped Bass Meetup?
Mark your calendar: Friday, January 24th, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM, we’re launching a new series of angler-focused events, starting with one dedicated to Striped Bass fishing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this event is the perfect opportunity to up your game, meet fellow fishing enthusiasts, and dive deeper into the world of striped bass.
Why You Should Attend:
Network with Fellow Anglers: Make connections and swap stories with people who share your love for fishing.
Gear Up: Discover the latest rods, reels, and tackle designed to give you an edge in striper fishing.
Learn the Ropes: Discuss effective techniques, prime fishing locations, and insider tips for landing stripers in the Napa River and beyond.
Stay Current: Get updates on the latest fishing regulations and conservation efforts.
Eat, Drink, and Enjoy: Savor freshly smoked pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, beer, and wine from Oso Moody’s BBQ with an optional $30 food & drink ticket.
Shape the Future: Share your ideas for upcoming group fishing events and suggest gear for our inventory.
The Details:
When: Friday, January 24th, 2025, 6 PM to 9 PM
Where: Sweeney’s Sports, Napa
Cost: Free to attend, but registration is required. Optional food & drink ticket: $30.
Whether you’re looking to refine your striper fishing techniques, meet new fishing buddies, or just enjoy a night out surrounded by fellow anglers, this event has it all. Plus, it’s a chance to contribute to the future of your favorite local fishing shop by helping us curate gear and plan adventures.
Space is limited, so don’t wait to register! Reserve your spot now and get ready to cast off into a fun-filled evening of fishing knowledge and community.
Lake Berryessa and Napa River Fishing Report – January 2025
Welcome to the first week of January 2025! Despite the chill in the air, the fishing action is heating up at Lake Berryessa and Napa River. Here’s the latest on techniques and spots to make your next fishing trip a success.
Lake Berryessa
Bank/Cove Fishing
Trout:
• Large Minnows Under Bobber: Set 5-8 feet down with a bobber stopper. This approach is great for catching large trout.
• Blown-Up Worms: Suspend worms 4 feet off the bottom by inflating them with air. A fun and effective method.
• Sliding Rig: Use a large minnow on a sliding rig, paired with a 3-foot leader, for action off the bottom.
Catfish:
• Chicken Liver Free-Spool: Marinate the liver (garlic works wonders) and tie it with magic thread to let it free fall through the water column.
• High/Low Rigs: Combine worms or liver on hooks for smaller cats.
• Sliding Rig with Large Minnow: Double your chances of catching big cats and trout.
Trolling
Downriggers:
• Fish up to 95 feet deep and target bait balls near the dam or island areas.
• Maintain speeds of 2.7-3.1 mph with 80-100 ft backsets.
• Lures: Speedy Shiners, Tbone Tackle Spoons, and UV Optimizer Juniors in varied colors (orange, green, black).
LeadCore Lines:
• Use 25-50 ft leaders and let out 2-2.5 colors of lead core for top 20-foot depths.
• Maintain the same trolling speed of 2.7-3.1 mph.
• Lures: Rapalas, Speedy Shiners, and Optimizer Juniors.
Napa River
Stripers in Numbers: Striped bass are abundant in the system, and timing your trip with the tides is crucial.
Bank Fishing
• Use live bait like ghost or grass shrimp. Anchovies or sardines cut bait is another great option.
• Time on the water is key – patience rewards those who persist.
Boat Fishing
• Trolling: Use Wild Things or Rattle Traps at 3-3.5 mph. Target depths of 8-10 feet and let your deep-diver lures bump the bottom.
• During incoming tides, concentrate on main channels and slough mouths; on outgoing tides, venture deeper into the sloughs.
• Drifting Minnows: Pair with cannonball weights (2-4 oz) for effective results, transitioning between sloughs and the main channel.
Pro Tips for Both Locations
1 Color Matters: Experiment with lure colors during the early hours. Once you identify a productive shade, switch all lures to that color.
2 Tide Strategy for Napa River: Adjust your trolling speed based on tide direction. Against the tide often yields bigger catches.
3 Lure Scenting: Enhance your presentation with scents like sturgeon frenzy or sardine oils.
Make the most of this early season bite, and happy fishing!
Catch Happy.
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!
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