Napa River
Napa County Bass, Catfish, Ray
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Napa River Fishing Overview

Water Description

The Napa River runs through wine country, but it’s more than just a scenic backdrop—it’s a legit fishery with solid action, especially for striped bass. This tidal river shifts daily, so timing the bite around moving water is key. Spring and fall are prime seasons, with stripers pushing in. Winter can be slower due to muddy runoff, but fish are still around. Shore anglers hit spots like Kennedy Park, while many boaters launch from Cuttings Wharf. It’s not the biggest or flashiest fishery, but for those who put in the effort, Napa River can...

The Napa River runs through wine country, but it’s more than just a scenic backdrop—it’s a legit fishery with solid action, especially for striped bass. This tidal river shifts daily, so timing the bite around moving water is key. Spring and fall are prime seasons, with stripers pushing in. Winter can be slower due to muddy runoff, but fish are still around. Shore anglers hit spots like Kennedy Park, while many boaters launch from Cuttings Wharf. It’s not the biggest or flashiest fishery, but for those who put in the effort, Napa River can definitely deliver a quality striped bass bite.

Species:
Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Bat Ray, Largemouth Bass
Geography:
Source: Mount Saint Helena
Mouth: San Pablo Bay
Length: 55 mi
Good Striped Bass bite
Striped Bass

The Napa River has been delivering some solid action for stripers as of late. Near Kennedy Park and Napa Sanitation, anglers have been pulling in a mix of shakers and keepers, with the biggest reported at 23 inches. Nightcrawlers are getting the most action consistently, while anchovies and mudsuckers are also working. Shakers are plentiful, so...

The Napa River has been delivering some solid action for stripers as of late. Near Kennedy Park and Napa Sanitation, anglers have been pulling in a mix of shakers and keepers, with the biggest reported at 23 inches. Nightcrawlers are getting the most action consistently, while anchovies and mudsuckers are also working. Shakers are plentiful, so expect some bait thieves.

Focus on fishing near rocks and drop-offs, and keep extra tackle handy since break-offs can happen in the rocky bottom. Morning and midday have been best.

3 anglers found this report useful
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Nearby Reports

Latest Delta report from Steve Cooper. Overall, largemouth numbers are good.... but quality is not. 12–16 inchers, with anything over 3.5 lbs hard to come by. Vegetation is...

I wish I could say the bite is totally on fire, but that just isn’t accurate. Since mid-July, the bite has slowed to a crawl—and it’s not just me. I have a friend who fishes...

Napa River Weather

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