River Stripers

Hi everyone.    I am new to the board, as noted in my previous posting.     I am interested in connecting up to kayak fish anywhere, but wondered in particular if anyone knows anything about kayak fishing in Norcal rivers for stripers.     I had my first river striper experience after shad fishing and cant wait to hit the river again - but this time from a kayak.   

What rivers do you usually fish, or where do you live. Have you drifted or anchored up in a river before.If not I would practice before trying to fish, some of the currents can be tricky.  I'm really familiar with the American or Sacramento River. Let me know if you want to go out in either.

I noticed that you're in the San Mateo area, but willing to travel.

The Petaluma River has a decent striper run, as does the Napa River, and Sonoma Creek.

If you're interested in Lake Fishing for stripers then Lake Mendocino is hard to beat.

The Napa river is good from August, September, October launching from Kennedy park next to Napa Golf Course.  Best bait is live bullhead while anchoring north of the Napa River Bridge.
Allan

hey, thanks for the responses!    I just joined this great community today and am still trying to figure out how everything works, but am delighted to get such great feedback so soon.

I live in the San Mateo area and would generally drive up to 3 hours to go for a days fishing, but obviously prefer a shorter drive.   I think most of the places noted in your comments are within that distance, (except i am not sure where Lake Mendocino is). 

I'd like to go out this Saturday, 7/5.    Anyone interested in meeting up somewhere to kayak and fish?   Stripers would be great, but generally anywhere to paddle and fish would be cool.

We have been doing well at Del Valle lake for stripers and I am thinking this Sat. I might hit it again. Frank

My son and I will be going to Del Valle tomorrow and would like to hookup. We will be launching around 7 am camo Tarpon 140 and yellow OK Fennzy. I haven't fished for stripers before so what baits or lures are best in a lake.  Hope to see you there, Carl

Either frozen  anchovies (free lineing with a 4/0 hook) or live minnows ( Sportsmen in Castro Valley). For trout the white power ball eggs. Pm me and I will confirm a little later today. Frank

I might have to join this Del Valle trip.
Frank, I'll PM you. Thanks

I am in!   Thanks.    Love to join in for the fun.   I know nothing about Del Valle except that it is roughly around Livermore, but i can easily find it by map.   

-Is there only one place to meet and launch?   
-What time shall we meet?   
-I can fish all day, but do the fish bite all day?   How long do you anticipate we will be there? 
-Besides stripers, are there other species present we might fish for, or is the striper action such that we dont need to think about alternatives?
-What is meant when people say they will 'pm' each other?   

Sorry about the bombardment of questions, but there is so much i dont know about everything.  I'll get it figured out some day.

For coordination, i can be reached by email or cell :  415 846-2324.

Looking forward to seeing and meeting everyone.

Lawrence

Hey Lawrence,
All good questions.
First, PM means pivate message. You can send a message directly to another member so it doesn't broadcast to the world. Good for info you want to keep private and stuff that just doesn't need to be posted publicly.

As for the fishing stuff, I'm only an amateur but I know a little about Del Valle:
-There's a launch ramp but it might be possible to put in at other spots - others should be able to offer more on that.
-Meeting place? Frank, Beuler, anyone, anyone...?
-Fish biting? Early am is good. Other times, anyone have insight on that?
-Other species include trout - it's planted and they are an option. Also black bass, I know there are large-mouth, not sure about small-mouth and don't know the story on the bite with them now.

I'll PM you!
aaron

Just saw this:

Invasive Mussel Boat Inspections Begin July 3 at Del Valle, Contra Loma
http://www.ebparks.org/node/852

Will probably add a significant amount of time at the gates... 

Will meet up with everyone at the launch 0700hrs. Ch. 69 for those with radio's. Frank

see y'all there.   I'll be in an Ocena Kayak Prowler 15, yellow. 

LAwrence

hey, Frank, Aaron, and Shifty1 - 

it was great to meet you last weekend at Del Valle!   Very much enjoyed the paddling and fishing with you.   
Besides the striper, i also got into some LM bass in one of the back coves.   It was a good kayak fishing 101 day for me.

Frank -  thanks for your patience with all my questions and teaching me so much.  I will take that kayak surf safety class you recommended.  That piece of advice just might save my skin some day.

Looking forward to seeing you guys on the water again!