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Fishing Report

Local Surf Fly Fishing Report

Local Surf Fly Fishing Report

Evan Praskin Reports on May 31st, 2025

Warm warming warmer! Howdy fellow line side chasers. Here is your local Monterey/Southern country fish report. 

The bass are in the surf, but you will need to cover some water to find them. What are your best chances of hooking up? Getting boots on the ground and going fishing. Zero percent of fish are caught if you don’t go, so get out there and give yourself the most opportunity for success. The best and most successful beach fisherman are the ones who put in the time on the sand. Remember to cover some water, fish the changing tide and/or low light conditions, and keep casting.

Perch are still in the mix too so don’t forget to finish your retrieve all the way in. 3-5” Clousers in chartreuse over white and the Praskin Trench Bomb are great producers this time of year. Monterey side is producing a bit better than Santa Cruz, but just remember to wade with caution as the sand is looser and the beach is steeper. Look for the holes and deep troughs, fish them hard then move on to the next one until you intersect the fish. Last week I took a break from the surf and hit the inner lakes looking for salt free stripers on Stokeventures new boat. The fish were plentiful so stay tuned for more guiding opportunities coming up! Be safe, spread good vibes, and we will see you on the beach! 

 

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Napa & Bay Striper + Lake Sonoma Fly Fishing Report

Napa & Bay Striper + Lake Sonoma Fly Fishing Report

 Capt. Patrick MacKenzie Reports on May 17th, 2025

Napa River

Clarity: Off 

Temp: 64-66F

Fishing has been inconsistent with the changing water clarity, but there is a lot of bait around, especially in middle section which bodes well for the summer fishery in the wildlife refuge! Schools of smaller stripers have started to show up after the smolt drops in Mare Island / Carquinez.

SF Bay

Clarity: 0-4ft 

Temp: 58-64F

Fishing has picked up in SP & Central Bay, we are starting to get all the fish coming back from Delta & rivers! South Bay has consistent water clarity and striper activity. Now is the time to get a day on the calendar and hope for good weather!! 

Lake Sonoma 

Clarity: 2-4ft 

Temp: 65-69f

Lake Sonoma has early smallmouth / crappie window still, lots of recreation boats starting to show up. Topwater / FF still both viable options until Mid-June! 


Cpt. Patrick MacKenzie
MacKenzie On The Fly
707-721-6700
www.mackenzieonthefly.com



 
 
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Local Surf Fly Fishing Report

Local Surf Fly Fishing Report
 
Happy Holidays, Suds Club Members!
 

Quick local surf and area report coming your way! We hope everyone is enjoying a safe and joyful holiday season. As we close out an incredible year on the water, we’re grateful for the exciting opportunities this December brings.

The tributaries of our local waterways are offering some thrilling action, if you know when and where to look. Steelhead season is in full swing, thanks to the much-needed rainfall we've been waiting for. These elusive, magical fish are a highlight of the season. Additionally, the tributary striped bass are providing fantastic opportunities. Many of the drainages feeding into the SF Bay and Monterey Bay hold strong numbers of bass, offering great action in rivers and lagoons.

If the rains keep coming, these fish may be washed into the ocean, becoming “washout” fish that we can intercept near the surf at the blown-out tributaries. It’s another reminder of the incredible waters we’re fortunate to enjoy here in Central and Northern California.

Don’t forget about the winter perch! This is the time of year when the bigger barred perch are out and willing to bite. Just keep an eye on conditions and always play it safe.

Let’s continue to respect our water and fellow anglers. Be kind, be courteous, check your back casts, and enjoy the season responsibly.

Get out there and make the most of it, we’ll see you on the beach!

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