What's New in the Shop?
How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions?
As the calendar flips its pages like a fish flopping on the deck, we're here to tackle the new year with a rod in hand, hoping our resolutions are easier to catch than the one that got away last season.
And speaking of getting a grip, let's talk Muck Boots – because nothing says 'kicking off the year right' like keeping your feet dry and comfortable while you wade through both resolutions and waterlogged terrains.
Remember that time you stepped in a puddle only to discover it was bottomless? Or when you slogged through mud that seemed to cling to your shoes like a determined puppy?
We've all been there. Muck—wet, messy, muddy, glorious muck—has a way of testing the limits of even the most optimistic footwear.
That's why we're thrilled to announce that we've restocked our selection of Muck Boots, the ultimate weapon against the gooiest, grimiest adventures.
Born from the Muck, Built for You
The Original Muck Boot Company was founded on a simple mission: to create boots that could conquer any challenge, no matter how mucky. They poured their hearts (and a whole lot of research) into crafting footwear that's:
100% waterproof: Say goodbye to soggy socks and hello to happy feet, even when you're knee-deep in puddles.
Ultra-comfortable: Whether you're trekking through the woods or tackling backyard chores, Muck Boots provide all-day comfort and support.
Built to last: These boots are made with premium materials and expert craftsmanship, so you can trust them to stand up to the toughest terrain.
Don't Let Muck Slow You Down!
Ready to ditch the soggy shoes and embrace the mess? Our selection of Muck Boots is back in stock and ready to ship! Shop now and conquer any challenge that comes your way.
Multiple Men's and Women's models and sizes are available.
Click here to shop Muck Boots now!
Fly fishing is getting HOT!
Trinity River Fishing Report
If you’re interested in some true steelhead fishing and you don’t mind some weather. The Trinity has been awesome lately. And will only get better as the season progresses. Typical steelhead flies are still working out there. Red copper johns, pat’s rubber legs and Duracell’s are always in my arsenal. We’re using 7 weights with floating lines and running our flies under an indicator. If you’re in the business of swinging flies, that is a productive option as well. Smaller intruder patterns in blue/black & black/purple work well out there.
Yuba River Fishing Report
The Yuba is fishing! It’s time to start thinking Skwalas! Dries and nymphs. Rubber legs and solitude stones are my go to Skwala nymphs and typically produce fish. Fish them deep and shallow next to the bank. Rio’s Skwala dry is a great option when headhunting the banks of the yuba. The yuba trout can be spooky at times so be stealthy with your dry fly shots and make them count. A lot of dry eats will be closer to the bank as the skwalas are crawling out of the depths to hatch. 5 and 6 weights with floating lines are perfect when targeting Skwala eaters. For your more traditional nymph under an indicator approach try pheasant tails, red copper johns, hares ears and caddis patterns.
Send It And Mend It!
-Rob George
Rob George is a top-notch Fly Fishing Guide. Please click here to learn more and book your fishing adventure with Rob.
Live Bait Update
All of our Live Bait suppliers are having challenges. At the same time! We are looking for a full restock early next week.
Fishing Reports
Lake Berryessa
Bass:
The weather is now getting really cold with plenty of storm systems filtering in and out. Expect the majority of fish to head for the depths where you can catch them on smaller swimbaits or even an a-rig, spoons, worms, and jigs. Targeting that 20-40 foot depth range is where most of them should be. Low and slow is the name of the game at this time
Action: The bass bite has slowed down compared to the fall, but it's still decent with the right approach.
Target: Focus on deeper areas, particularly rocky points and submerged structures, between 20-40 feet deep.
Lures: Finesse tactics like drop-shotting with plastics or wacky-rigged worms on heavy weights are working well. Cranking deeper crankbaits can also be productive.
Trout:
Action: Trout trolling remains strong, especially for those targeting shad schools with spoons or Rapalas.
Target: Look for baitfish concentrations near the dam or deeper coves. Early mornings and evenings offer the best chance for success.
Lures: Shad-patterned spoons, Speedy Shiners, and Rapalas in various sizes are the go-to lures.
Catfish: Catfishing can be good year-round at Berryessa. Try fishing deeper areas with cut bait, liver, or nightcrawlers for whiskered friends. Try free spooling your bait. Drop it without any weight and let it drift and sink slowly. Got big cats using this technique
If you'd like to read our deep dive fishing report on Lake Berryessa winter fishing, click here.
Napa River
Striper
The Wild Thing deep-diving lure that we make here at Sweeny's is still the king of the hill. We just had a customer walk in to purchase 2 more. He landed 8 fish this morning on the Italian Stallion color scheme and was going back out there.
The Wild Thing lure is Followed closely by gold-colored Spro Akuru Shad and other mulity-colered Rat-L-Traps. You'll find a full variety on offer here at the shop. Experiment with trolling speeds of 2.5-4.5 GPS mph.
The fish aren't as spread out as they were in October/November. However, if you find them, multiple hookups aren't unheard of. There are larger schools of them out there. Keep looking until you find them and then run through the school a few times using different colored Wild Things and Rattle Traps until you find what they like.
Bank fishermen are doing well with live grass shrimp, pile worms, and frozen anchovies. Use the Magic Thread to keep your bait on the hook.
Sturgeon
It's bait fishing time! The sturgeon should start pushing into our river system.
Use live Grass or Ghost Shrimp, Pile Worms, Salmon roe, or Eel threaded onto a barbless hook, wrapped with magic thread (twine), and terminated with a bait button.
It's important to keep your bait on the bottom with a 4-8 ounce pyramid sinker and, ideally, a weighted leader. We now make Custom Sturgeon Leaders here at the shop. Come and check them out. $5.99 apiece.
Click here for the detailed video on Napa River Striper lures, bait, and tactics.
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.
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