Lake sonoma fishing tips?

So the family and i are meeting some friends to camp at lake sonoma 4 th of july weekend, there all planning on tubing all day, not my thing. Was gana sneak away with my lil fisheman and see what we can hook. Anyone have any tips? Tricks, good baits that can put the lil guy into some action to brag about around the campfire?

Do you know where you will be camping? It's a pretty big lake with lots of camping spots.

The bass bite has been really good lately. Top water early and late. Jigs, tubes, and drops shot worms have been good for me. Usually in a green/brown color.

Of course there is always soaking worms under a bobber and wait to see what swims along. Or minnows under a bobber if you can get them.

There has been a lot of boat traffic, wind, and heat lately. I would do my best to fish early and late.

Yeah i think just past the bridge, will have my boat so i can run around somplace out of the ski zone.

You could try trolling for steelhead,  by the dam and up the main body . Got a small one and a friend got his last week. It starts to get good in mid to late summer!
But you have to put  in alot of time trolling, remember.
Early morn or eve fish , it becomes milkshake lake  at peak hours!
50 ft should work, needlefish:)

If you're trying to get a youngster onto some fish, try soaking small nightcrawlers under a bobber in the backs of coves (ideally near brush, but not sure that's an option with the lake level). You should be able to catch some bluegill, red eared sunfish, and small bass without too much trouble.

I grew up fishing Lake Sonoma with my dad, and those first few successful fishing trips played a big factor fueling my passion for fishing and being outdoors in general. I'll never forget sitting around that campfire munching on pan fried panfish that I caught all by myself.

Also... Bring some chicken liver, anchovies, sardines, or some other smelly bait to soak for kitties after dark.

There is also great bass fishing and a chance at steelhead, but the stuff mentioned above should be easy for the kid and you're real likely to catch something.

Sounds good, will prob try a little of all of it, thanks for the tips. Looking foward to it.

Also pick up a lot of crappie jigs. They have been baiting like crazy in both yorty and cherry creeks. On father's day my brother dad and nephew caught around 200. If you catch one you're in the school.

Nice!!! Will do