With the spawn happening on Putah some of us have been fishing the Napa for stripers. It's been pretty good but can be hit and miss depending on the day and time. A boat, even a 12' with a small outboard makes getting to the fish a whole lot easier than fishing from shore. You don't need to run far so anything will do. Just be safe.
We've been using chartreuse and white deceivers which are nice and light, easy to cast along with Blanton's Flashtail Whistler 3/0 in the same color a little heavier but gets big fish. A 7 through 9 weight is just fine, your reel can be anything and line is the most important part. A type 3 or 6 is what you want. My personal setup is a Red Truck 1953 9' 8-weight, Leland Sonoma Bass Click Reel and an Airflo WF8S3 Striper / Sniper line. No coil with this line. Whole outfit retails for $375.
Some form of moving water is a great starting point but you can catch them schooled up in pretty much any location. Usually deep or on top, not much in the middle but they will follow your fly from the bottom to the middle. You just need to get there first.
If you aren't ready for a boat no lie, you can get them from the dock at Cutting Warf. Try for calm evenings during the week when boat traffic is low. Use google maps and you'll find more access throughout the river. Just follow roads that lead towards the river and its sloughs.
If you have any questions on it let us know. Who else is out there chasing stripers?
I was just driving back from Putah today and was curious if people were fishing around Skaggs Island. Going to give Cutting Wharf a try tomorrow.
I don't have boat or anything so any other spots to try from the shore would be really appreciated!
__________________
http://chrisallick.com over 10 years development experience. will trade development (frontend, backend, mobile, iOS, e-commerce) for guided trips, secret spots, custom flies, or gear.
