Mr. Sweeney's Fishing Report and Shop Updates - March 12th
- alexosen
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Today we are covering:
Shop Updates
Fishing Report - Napa River and Lake Berryessa
Catch Of The Month Contest - Win a $30 gift card!
Live Bait Update
By Alex, AKA “Mr. Sweeney’s”
Hello from Sweeney’s Sports! Here’s your mid-March update from the shop along with the latest fishing report for Napa River and Lake Berryessa. We’ve got a few exciting updates around the store before we dive into what’s happening on the water.
Shop Updates
Live Ghost Shrimp Arriving
After several attempts to secure a steady supply, we’re expecting our first batch of live ghost shrimp to arrive Friday between 4:00–5:00 PM. These are one of the most effective baits for both striped bass and sturgeon, and the goal is to have them available weekly going forward.
If you’re planning a trip soon, give the shop a call or stop by to check availability.
Napa Fishing Club Progress
The Napa Fishing Club advisory board has officially been formed, and the first planning meeting is happening next week. We are working on developing 2026 programming. More on this next week.
More details on programming and upcoming events will be shared soon.
Napa Fishing Club Offices Nearly Complete
The office renovation at the shop is almost finished. After a few final cleanup runs and furniture installation next week, the space should be fully ready to go. Fingers crossed.
Fishing Report
Lake Berryessa
We were out on the lake earlier this week and had great weather conditions, but the water is still cool at around 56–58°F. Because of this, the bite has been somewhat inconsistent.
Most of the fish are holding deep near the bottom, around 100 feet, and aren’t feeding aggressively yet.
One pattern that showed promise was trolling near coves where the water is slightly warmer, such as the mouth of Putah Creek.
Current Recommendations
Troll kokanee spinners behind flashers to create more vibration and commotion.
Run speeds around 2.0–2.8 mph, with 2.6 mph working well recently.
Add plenty of scent to entice less aggressive fish.
Natural bait is also producing action around the lake right now.
Live Bait Success
Crappie fishing is starting to pick up, with some larger fish already showing up.
Live minnows are producing for crappie, catfish, and trout.
Fish them under a bobber or bottom rig in warmer coves, in shallows, near structures where fish are more active.
Napa River
Sturgeon
Sturgeon fishing is currently very active, even though you may not see many reports online. Conversations with anglers coming through the shop indicate a strong catch-and-release bite right now.
This is typically prime sturgeon season, and many anglers are hooking into fish.
Best baits right now include:
Cured roe (often fished in mesh bags)
Ghost shrimp
Grass shrimp
Pile worms
A few anglers have also reported success using cured shrimp baits.
Remember:
Sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only right now.
Use barbless hooks and always check current regulations before heading out.
Striped Bass
Stripers are starting to improve as conditions stabilize. The river water is clearing up, and with a warm weather stretch coming soon, the trolling bite could really start opening up by mid-to-late next week.
For now, anglers are finding success using live bait.
Top Baits Right Now
Pile worms (selling out quickly each week)
Jumbo live minnows
Ghost Shrimp
Bullheads, mudsuckers, split tail, or pike minnows if you catch your own bait
The bigger live baits are especially producing strong fights from larger fish.
Final Thoughts
March is shaping up to be an exciting transition period. Sturgeon fishing is hot, live bait is producing stripers, and warming weather should soon push the trolling bite into full gear.
And with live ghost shrimp arriving soon, anglers will have another excellent bait option available at the shop.
Until next week—Get out there, enjoy the water, and we’ll see you soon at Sweeney’s Sports. 🎣
Mr. Sweeney’s
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! 🎣
Live Bait Update
We’re stocked up on fresh live bait and ready for the current river and lake conditions.
Currently Available:
Live Minnows
Medium
XL
Jumbo
Pile Worms
Ghost Shrimp!!!
Frozen Section
Frozen Roe (Tips and Curing Recipe Here)
Cure Ghost Shrimp (Excellent for Sturgeon and Striper)
Tray and Bag Anchovies
As always,
We truly appreciate every time you walk through our doors. Thank you for choosing to spend your hard-earned dollars with us. It's a privilege to be of service.
Follow Us
 |  |  |
Comments