Lake Sonoma
Sonoma County Bass, Catfish, Steelhead, Sunfish
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Lake Sonoma Bite Meter

2 months ago
Bass
Fair
Trout
Fair

Lake Sonoma Fishing Overview

Water Description
Among the rich coastal foothills of Sonoma County, Lake Sonoma provides not only solid warm water fishing for bass, crappie, and sunfish, but a beautiful natural scenery. Formed in 1983 by the construction of the Warm Springs Dam, Lake Sonoma was built to accommodate both recreational boaters and die-hard fishermen. The main body of the lake features high-speed areas for skiers and boaters, while its deeper arms post “no wake” zones which provide the tranquility and habitat ideal for fishing. Submerged trees and rocky shores make up most of the...

Among the rich coastal foothills of Sonoma County, Lake Sonoma provides not only solid warm water fishing for bass, crappie, and sunfish, but a beautiful natural scenery. Formed in 1983 by the construction of the Warm Springs Dam, Lake Sonoma was built to accommodate both recreational boaters and die-hard fishermen. The main body of the lake features high-speed areas for skiers and boaters, while its deeper arms post “no wake” zones which provide the tranquility and habitat ideal for fishing.

Submerged trees and rocky shores make up most of the fishing structure. Threadfin shad, squawfish, and Sacramento perch are the primary forage, feeding largemouth bass, catfish, and a resident few steelhead trout.

Bass fishing can be very good. Casting towards the vast amounts of submerged timber on the northern side can yield solid numbers, though open water casting can be spectacular when the fish are feeding on shad.

The catfish bite can get hot during the warmer months, in low to no-light conditions. Big ones lurk, but there are plenty of 2-3 pounders, perfect for the dinner table.

Regarding the steelhead trout population, trolling is the optimal method. But remember, these are wild fish, so catch-and-release is strongly suggested.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Steelhead, Bluegill
Forage / Baitfish:
Crawfish, Squawfish (Pike Minnow), Sunfish, Threadfin Shad
Structure / Terrain:
Channels, Dam, Dropoffs, Steep Banks, Submerged Boulders/Rocks, Submerged Trees
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating. Be aware of no-wake zones. Water skiing allowed in designated areas.
Regulations:
Quagga Mussel Inspection
Geography:
Max Depth: 319 ft
Surface Area: 2,700 acres
Surface Elevation: 200 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Trip Report
6 Largemouth Bass
73°F with Light Breeze
69.6°F Slightly Stained

Stayed close to home on the Warm Springs side again today. The bite was actually better than I anticipated for the holiday weekend with tons of boats, houseboats, jet skis, yahoos, etc.. Was done by 11a, when the campers' stereos started competing with each other. Boated 6 fish today. 4 dinkers b/w 12-14oz....2 fish worth noting. Still getting lots...

Stayed close to home on the Warm Springs side again today. The bite was actually better than I anticipated for the holiday weekend with tons of boats, houseboats, jet skis, yahoos, etc.. Was done by 11a, when the campers' stereos started competing with each other. Boated 6 fish today. 4 dinkers b/w 12-14oz....2 fish worth noting. Still getting lots of bites flipping the keitech 3.8in swing impact fat on a 1/8oz core tackle TUSH rig w/ 2/0 hook.

5 anglers found this report useful
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Trip Report
Largemouth Bass , Catfish
85°F Sunny with Moderate Breeze
70.4°F Slightly Stained

Stayed on the Warm Springs side today. Went all the way to the very end. Caught 8 bass total today. 2 decent ones and 6 dinkers about 12-14oz ea. And, 1 catfish of 4lbs 9oz. Still catching them all on a 3.8in Keitech Fat Swing Impact (elec blue / chartreuse) on a 1/8oz Core Tackle TUSH rig 2/0. The catfish too! I switched colors to Threadfin Shad...

Stayed on the Warm Springs side today. Went all the way to the very end. Caught 8 bass total today. 2 decent ones and 6 dinkers about 12-14oz ea. And, 1 catfish of 4lbs 9oz. Still catching them all on a 3.8in Keitech Fat Swing Impact (elec blue / chartreuse) on a 1/8oz Core Tackle TUSH rig 2/0. The catfish too! I switched colors to Threadfin Shad, tried Black Shad, too. Nothing. Put an electric blue / chartreuse back on, and started getting bites again. I'm just flipping the swim bait to the edges of the trees & cover along the banks and letting it fall on a semi slack line. Lost my personal best for Lake Sonoma, today.....right at the boat.....I'm buying a larger net...LOL. Was at least 4, maybe 4.5. The bite is definitely picking up!

7 anglers found this report useful
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Lake Sonoma Map

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