Trade-In Your Fishing Gear and Golden Mussel Update
- alexosen
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Trade Your Gear on Fridays at Sweeney’s!
Local Fishing Reports
Golden Mussel Quarantine Guide for NorCal Lakes
Sweeney’s Second Cast™ – Trade-In Fridays

🎣 Trade Your Gear on Fridays at Sweeney’s!
Welcome to Sweeney’s Second Cast™ — our dedicated day for used gear trade-ins and store credit.
Here’s how it works:
🔁 Bring in your rods, reels, or tackle.
💳 Get store credit.
⏳ Valuations may take a few days — instant trades available only if staff time allows.
Whether you're upgrading or clearing space, we're here to help your gear find a second life.
🗓️ Fridays Only📍 Sweeney’s Sports, Napa🕙 11am–6pm — No appointment needed
All gear must be clean and in working condition. Questions? Just ask!
Fishing Reports
Lake Berryessa Fishing Report – Mid-May 2025
Water Conditions:
Surface Temp: 64–68°F.
Clarity: Clear to slightly stained.
Weather: Stable spring conditions.
Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted):
Activity: Bass are in various stages of the spawn, with many moving into post-spawn patterns.
Techniques: Soft plastics, such as wacky-rigged Senkos and drop shots, are producing well. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are effective during low-light periods.
Locations: Focus on rocky points, submerged vegetation, and areas with structure.
Trout & Kokanee:
Activity: Trout and kokanee are present but scattered.
Techniques: Trolling with spoons or dodgers tipped with corn at 20–40 feet depth is recommended.
Crappie & Panfish:
Activity: Crappie are active in coves and around submerged brush.
Techniques: Small jigs and minnows under bobbers are effective.
Fly Fishing:
Techniques: The Float and Fly method is producing good numbers of bass.
Flies: Black leeches and baitfish patterns are recommended.
Areas: Focus on drop-offs and submerged structure in 8–15 feet of water.
Napa River Fishing Report – Mid-May 2025
Water Conditions:
Temperature: 60–62°F
Clarity: Improved clarity with stable conditions
Striped Bass:
Activity: Striper action is heating up with active baitfish movement.
Bank Fishing:
Baits: Frozen anchovies, pile worms, ghost shrimp, and live minnows.
Rigs: Carolina rigs with 3–4 oz sliding sinkers are effective.
Locations: East bank from Kennedy Park down to Cuttings Wharf.
Boat Trolling:
Lures: “Wild Thing” deep diver lures and rattle traps.
Speed: Troll at 3.5–4.2 MPH.
Depth: Focus on 8–12 feet near river bends and submerged structures.
Sturgeon:
Activity: Sturgeon are active with the warming water temperatures.
Techniques: Soaking baits like eel or ghost shrimp in deep holes during slack tides is productive.
Fishing Forecast:
Activity Levels: High fish activity is expected through mid-week, tapering slightly toward the weekend.
For the most up-to-date information and gear recommendations, feel free to contact or visit Sweeney's Sports in Napa. Happy fishing!
Planning to Fish This Weekend? Read This First
We just published a full breakdown of how the Golden Mussel invasion is affecting boat launches across Northern California. From 30-day quarantines to full ramp closures, the rules vary by lake—and they’re changing fast.vCheck out our Golden Mussel Lake-by-Lake Guide to see what’s required before you tow out.
Catch Happy.
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