Local anglers catch plenty of striped bass and halibut in San Francisco Bay, and those heading directly west toward Bodega Bay bring home full catches of smallmouth bass and lingcod from offshore spots not far from the pier.
Further north, the Sacramento River between Redding and Anderson offers plenty of fly fishing action. And north of there, on the upper Sacramento River near Dunsmuir, fly fishermen are catching trout using nymphs.
There are also good fishing opportunities for bass anglers in Clear Lake, Berryessa and Lake Sonoma.
Captain Rick Powers of Bodega Bay Sportsfishing said this week that his clients bring home a full catch of rockfish and plenty of lingcod on every trip. In fact, it’s wise to bring a cooler and ice so you can bring your catch home fresh and ready to cook. Rick even offers a fish cleaning and filleting service you can take advantage of. Call him at (707) 875-3344.
Bear Clifton of Loch Lomond Bait Shop in San Rafael says striped bass and halibut are providing plenty of entertainment along the Marin coast and in the bay. Bear says fishing is excellent now at China Camp, Paradise Park and other spots along the Marin coast. He’s even seen anglers catching big striped bass off the rock wall of his marina. A 15-year-old boy caught a 25-inch striped bass on a live anchovy off the bait shop’s dock.
Guys with boats are catching big halibut off Alcatraz and outside the Golden Gate near the Potato Patch. The halibut are around 30 pounds. He also said some fishermen are using frozen squid to catch sharks and rays in the bay this week.
Call Bear at (415) 456-0321 for the latest reports, and stop by his shop for live bait and directions to the best fishing spots.
Bob Grace of Ted Fay Fly Shop in Dunsmuir says fly fishermen are catching plenty of trout in the Sac and upper McCloud Rivers. The two rivers are running high and the weather is warm. He can also help you connect with guides who can help you find fish if you’re new to the rivers. Call Bob at (530) 235-2969.
Much closer to Sonoma, Captain Patrick MacKenzie guides fly fishermen on the Napa River and our regional lakes, including Berryessa and Lake Sonoma. You don’t have to be an experienced fly fisherman. He has all the necessary rods, reels and tackle and will teach you everything you need to know to fish.
Check out his website Mackenzieonthefly.com or call him at (707) 721-6700.
