As spring builds across Napa waters, anglers are seeing steady action with live bait and trolling setups. This week also marks an exciting milestone with the first Napa Fishing Club kickoff night.

Live ghost shrimp are back in stock, fishing conditions remain steady at Lake Berryessa and Napa River, and new Shimano gear has arrived. Get the latest fishing report, bait updates, and a preview of the 2026 salmon season in this week’s Sweeney’s update.

Fishing conditions around Napa are starting to shift as winter patterns slowly give way to early spring activity. This week’s report covers striper action in the Napa River, trout trolling at Lake Berryessa, bait recommendations, and updates from Sweeney’s including the upcoming Napa Fishing Club.

Heritage Suites at Sweeney's is becoming the home of something bigger than a club. Napa Fishing Club is launching to connect adults, mentor youth, support conservation, and create a stronger, more unified fishing community in Napa - and we’re inviting you to be part of it.

I haven’t gone fishing in four weeks. Not because I couldn’t. Just life, business, winter mode. And despite what you’re seeing online, this isn’t some magical “best time of year” bite. The fishing is… okay. You might grind out one or two.

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.

The rains are behind us for now, and we’re looking at a solid stretch of cooler, sunny winter days ahead. As the river begins to clear from its muddy stain, expect stripers to turn on and feed aggressively.

Every week, someone walks into the shop with the same question dressed a little differently:  “What actually works right now?”

Out on Tomales Bay, we decided to do something we don’t usually get to do in real time: watch a crab snare work underwater.

Each crab pot weighs exactly five pounds. We started with one — Axel set the hook hard, dragged it toward him, and the leader barely noticed. Five pounds became fifteen, then twenty-five, then thirty-five.

Test the three most effective striper techniques - trolling, casting, and live bait - and see which one produces the best fish.

I was able to get out and fish for striped bass again this week. I knew that it would be a favorable tide to target these fish on the fly because

Fishing trips don’t get much more memorable than this. On our recent Alaska adventure, we had the chance to fish for..

If you’ve been waiting to see what Daiwa has in store for 2026, you’re in for a treat. I just got back from the trade show floor where I had the chance to get hands-on with Daiwa’s brand-new lineup of reels and rods—and let me tell you, some of this gear is going to turn heads.

Striper fishing on the Napa River is heating up this August! Our very own Axel—who’s quickly becoming a local expert—limited out after work using jerkbaits from 6th Sense and Rapala. His top fish? A beautiful 37-incher caught on outgoing tide between 8–9 PM.

Ken, a longtime angler and President of CA Striped Bass Association just brought in a serious collection of used fishing gear—mooching rods, Shimano reels, Fenwick rods, and more.

Striped bass action is heating up across Northern California as we head into May. With stable weather, rising water temps, and active bait movement...

Chase McWhorter stopped by Sweeneys Wednesday morning to pick up his “Wild ThIng” striper lure before heading out to the Napa River

Striped bass fishing from the bank is a productive and accessible way to target this popular sport fish. With the right setup and techniques

Today and tomorrow only (2/13 and 2/14), visit Sweeney’s Sports and get 50% off bulk line spooling on your reels.