Salmon Season Opens April 11, Berryessa Heats Up & Napa Fishing Club Launches April 17
- alexosen
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Alex, “Mr. Sweeney’s”
Spring fishing momentum is building across Northern California, with salmon season opening April 11, strong striper action in the Bay, and rising activity at Lake Berryessa. Anglers also have something new to look forward to with the first Napa Fishing Club meeting scheduled for April 17.
Here’s what anglers need to know this week.
Salmon Season Opens April 11
The long-awaited California salmon season opens April 11, with fishing available south of Pigeon Point. Anglers launching from Half Moon Bay should expect a longer run, while Moss Landing offers closer access to fishing grounds.
Proven setups for early-season salmon include:
Flashers paired with tray bait anchovies
Hoochie rigs behind larger flashers
Trolling weights between 2 and 2.5 pounds
Opening weekend typically draws heavy boat traffic, so planning ahead is key.
Early-season opportunities are especially important due to quota-based closures.
Striper Fishing is Growing Strong Across the Bay
Striper fishing in the Bay continues producing solid catches, with guide and party boats reporting consistent action.
Halibut fishing is also beginning to show early signs of improvement, suggesting the bite could strengthen in the coming weeks.
For anglers looking for reliable action right now, stripers remain one of the best options while salmon activity develops.
Lake Berryessa Fishing Improves for Kokanee, Trout, Kings, and Catfish
Fishing activity at Lake Berryessa has increased significantly, with trout and king salmon showing consistent movement.
Key details:
Fish are holding 15 to 50 feet deep
Slow trolling speeds between 1.0 and 1.8 mph are recommended
Flashers, spinners, and hoochies are producing results
Catfish and crappie fishing are also improving, with live minnows and traditional bait options producing steady action.
Napa River Stripers Showing Positive Results
Recent reports from the Napa River indicate improving striper activity, especially when trolling jerk baits or casting from shore.
Common techniques include:
Trolling jerk baits at 3 to 4 mph
Using deep-diving trolling lures
Fishing ghost shrimp, pile worms, or roe for sturgeon
Sturgeon fishing remains productive, with continued reports of successful catches throughout the river system.
Napa Fishing Club First Meeting Set for April 17
The Napa Fishing Club will host its first official meeting on April 17 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, featuring food, fishing discussions, and upcoming trip planning.
Participants can expect:
Club schedule previews
Group trip discussions
Food and drinks
Opportunities to connect with other anglers
Registration is open through the club website, with limited space available.
Catch Of The Month Contest - Win a $30 gift card!
Show us your most impressive fishing moment by tagging @sweeneys_sports in your Instagram post or story. The grand prize? A $30 gift card and a feature on our social networks! 🏅.
If you’d like to participate, it’s simple:
Share a photo of your catch to your Instagram stories
Tag @sweeneys_sports
Each entry gives you a chance to be featured and win a $30 gift card.
A big thank you to everyone who submitted this month - we truly appreciate your participation and can’t wait to see what you reel in next. Keep the photos coming! 🎣
See you on the water. Catch Happy.
🎣 Got a question or photo of your best catch? Tag us @CatchHappy - we love seeing and sharing your success stories.
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