Fly fishing Sonoma California?

Are you interested in incorporating some memorable fly fishing with your Sonoma California vacation plans or work schedule? Were here to help! We offer exciting fly fishing trips right here in Sonoma county wine country! Within a few minutes of Down Town Sonoma or Napa anglers will find themselves fly fishing for wild Rainbows, Striped Bass, Smallmouth, Largemouth, Spotted Bass or even Steelhead! Don’t know how to fly fish? No problem! We’ll teach you. Don’t want to bring your own gear? No problem, we will provide all the necessary gear and instruction.

Along with wild trout on Putah Creek, Bass on Lake Sonoma, Lake Berryessa, Clear Lake and Lake Mendocino, guests in the Sonoma Valley have access to some great fly fishing for steelhead on the Russian River and striped bass on the Napa River/Sonoma Slough. Additionally within reasonable drive time there are also Steelhead on the Feather and wild rainbows on the Lower Yuba.

For more information Call (707) 287-2939 any time for a current fishing report, river conditions and information. Prime dates fill up quickly so don't delay. You may also fill out our Online Trip Request Form.

We look forward to helping you include some fun fly fishing to your Sonoma or Napa Valley escape. For more specific information click any of the waters in bold above.

The Seasons

Spring
March, April and May - Early Spring in Sonoma and Napa Valleys can be quite wet with much of the yearly precipitation coming in January, February and March. These increased spring flows along with tidal influences can leave the Sonoma Slough and Napa River very murky and not ideal fly fishing conditions in which to targeting striper. By May, however river flows have usually slowed and the river begins to clear. Spring is not the peak striper season by any means however as long as river clarity is conducive we generally can still find some of the smaller resident fish (14 to 22" range). The “schoolies” as we call them can still make for a fun day of fishing for beginners to advanced fly fishers alike.

While striper fishing can be a bit slow in the Spring, it is the complete opposite over on Putah Creek for wild rainbows and bass fishing on area lakes. Both Lake Sonoma, Lake Berryessa are well within striking distance and provide healthy populations of bass on the float & fly technique and Putah has those legendary wild rainbows to battle with! Overall there are great options in near Sonoma in the Spring and we consider it prime time!

Summer
June, July and August

Starting in June fishing conditions and weather begin to produce good striper fishing conditions which continue all Summer long. We generally don't find many of larger Fall fish (6 to 10 lbs)however we frequently find good numbers of the smaller and medium sized "schoolies". All through the dog days of Summer we have fun targeting these hard pulling line siders on 6 and 7 wt rods. There are opportunities for top water fishing at the beginning and end of the day.

Flows traditionally begin to come up in May but reach higher summer levels due to Putah Creek’s shared recreation and agricultural roles. Despite this fact, Some of our best fishing for big fish happens in the Summer as access and wading can be challenging for those not in the know. Fishing with a competent guide will not only help you maneuver the obstacles during high water safely, we will also show you how to access spots that often go untouched by other anglers this time of year. We love fishing Putah all Summer and enjoy not having the crowds that fish this stream in the Fall.

Lake Sonoma and Berryessa also fish well in the summer though things change a bit for sure. Instead of the middle of the day fishing best, best fishing shifts to early and late when the temps cool slightly and direct hot sun is off the water. Fishing top water poppers can be productive along with streamers. Float also still produces in the middle of the day, but it can be a nice change of pace to mix things up and use a variety of techniques to keep things interesting.

Fall
September, October and November - Beginning in September fishing in the area begins to improve and builds all the way through the end of November. Larger concentrations of big striper come into the area and fishing for them starts in September and ramps up and normally peaks close to Thanksgiving. Most years the first heavy rain which happens around the end of the November slows fishing down. Fall is the time to target both good size and numbers of fish. if we had to choose November would be our favorite month to fish for striper on the Napa River.

Fall on Putah Creek is prime! Some of the largest average size fish in the state live here. Starting in early September they begin to migrate from the lower river’s slower water up into the shallower riffles and runs to fatten up and prepare for the spawn. Fishing on Putah Creek requires drag free drifts, small flies and light tippets making for a challenge. We recommend getting out with a knowledgeable guide at this time for many reasons. One it can help you learn how to fish ethically and not target actively spawning fish or trample on reds. If you are curious about what reds look like feel free to give us a call and we’d be happy to help you learn what to watch out for and avoid. If you know what you’re doing, it’s easy to avoid reds and actively spawning fish and still have a great time fly fishing on Putah Creek in the Fall season. It really is some of the best fishing in the state! We book up early for the Fall so call today to schedule your trip!

Lake Sonoma and Lake Berryessa continue to fish in the Fall and after Memorial Day the Summer crowds tend to dwindle. This isn’t prime time but anglers wishing to get out in some amazing weather and experience some fun and productive fishing should not hesitate to get out and get after it!

Winter
December, January and February - December, January and February are generally less productive for striper. There are fish in the areas river systems & estuaries and we do get fish a bit, however the high murky waters due to rain make it hard for fish to see our flies. As long as the weather and water clarity allow, we’re down to get out, but fishing the Lakes is probably the best bet at this time of year.

Fish begin to Spawn in November on Putah Creek and continue through February. Because of this we don’t guide the creek freom December 1st to March 1st. It is really important to not wade the creek during the spawn because even if no fish are visible, virtually all gravel areas in the creek can have fertilized eggs hiding in them. These virtually undetectable eggs can easily be crushed and thus greatly threatening the health of subsequent generations of Putah Creek trout. Putah Creek is a fantastic natural resource that we feel is worth protecting.

Bass fishing on Lake Sonoma or Berryessa in the Winter can be quite reliably good. It is also a great time to target larger fish on these two lakes which really gets us excited. Although the Spring numbers are not caught at this time, the quality makes up for the lack of quantity. We highly recommend targeting spots & smallmouth as a great mid winter escape for those wanting to put a big bend in your rod!

Guide Rates

Full Day Charters:
Consist of 8 hours of guided fishing and instruction with lunch and drinks provided - $650 (1 or 2 anglers)

Half Day Charters:
available upon request $485 but do not include lunch (1 or 2 anglers)

Full Day Walk & Wade or Lake Bass Trips:
Consist of 8 hours of guided fishing and instruction with lunch and drinks provided - $625 (1 or 2 anglers)

Half Day walk & Wade or Lake Bass Trips:
available upon request $485 but do not include lunch (1 or 2 anglers)

If you would like to book a Sonoma/Napa fly fishing experience for yourself call 707-287-2939. We will be happy to reserve some fly fishing to break up the wine tasting and good eats during your time in wine country.