Lake Sonoma - Tips, Clues, Hints?

I'm volunteering as a kayak spotter for a triathlon at Lake Sonoma on Saturday, and plan to drive up Friday and get in some fishing, and camp the night before. Problem is, I'm more of a saltwater guy, and I know close to nothing about fishing in a large freshwater lake in general, and about Lake Sonoma in particular, so any information would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Nice job volunteering!
Can’t help much with hints at lake Sonoma but enjoy!

-j

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=85619.msg973886#msg973886

I used the search feature...lots of posts with no details. This one has some information about species to target and the baitfish they forage on...Good luck and post a report so our searches yield better information in the future

Hi. ,
 It's been about 3 weeks since I last fished the lake.  I fished the Yorty Creek area and the Bass were anywhere from tight to the bank to 20ft of water.  Visibility was about 2ft then. They were gently picking up 2 inch grubs on 1/8 oz jigheads and texas rigged 7 inch lizard baits for me.

 I would guess the visibility and bite have improved.  Go get em' and post your results.  Good luck!!!

David

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=85619.msg973886#msg973886

I used the search feature...lots of posts with no details. This one has some information about species to target and the baitfish they forage on...Good luck and post a report so our searches yield better information in the future

Hey that’s me!! But the lake sure isn’t fishing like it was in October!

Lately I’ve been using a 1/8oz shakeyhead with a straight tail worm, a squarebill, and a small paddle tail swimbait. Just cast up to the shore and drag it out till it’s 20ft deep or so. The steelhead are going to be deeper, but you may get a shot at them early or late in the day. I actually remember doing really well in the top 10 feet or so along the face of the dam fight before the triathlon last year or maybe it was the year before. Bring a 1/4oz kastmaster to troll, cast to breaking fish, and jig.

Hi. ,
 It's been about 3 weeks since I last fished the lake.  I fished the Yorty Creek area and the Bass were anywhere from tight to the bank to 20ft of water.  Visibility was about 2ft then. They were gently picking up 2 inch grubs on 1/8 oz jigheads and texas rigged 7 inch lizard baits for me.

 I would guess the visibility and bite have improved.  Go get em' and post your results.  Good luck!!!

David

Thanks for the intel. I'll be at the other end of the lake by the marina but that gives me a good general idea of what to go for.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=85619.msg973886#msg973886

I used the search feature...lots of posts with no details. This one has some information about species to target and the baitfish they forage on...Good luck and post a report so our searches yield better information in the future

Hey that’s me!! But the lake sure isn’t fishing like it was in October!

Lately I’ve been using a 1/8oz shakeyhead with a straight tail worm, a squarebill, and a small paddle tail swimbait. Just cast up to the shore and drag it out till it’s 20ft deep or so. The steelhead are going to be deeper, but you may get a shot at them early or late in the day. I actually remember doing really well in the top 10 feet or so along the face of the dam fight before the triathlon last year or maybe it was the year before. Bring a 1/4oz kastmaster to troll, cast to breaking fish, and jig.

I know what some of those words mean. I'll have to swing by the tackle shop and acquaint myself with shakeyheads and squarebills. Anyway your advice should get me on the right path, thanks!

Shakeyhead is just a small jighead rigged weedless and it sort of makes your soft plastic stand up straight.

Squarebill is a shallow running crankbait with a big bill to deflect off cover. I was using it because of all the flooded cover that was shallow with bass in it. Basically fishing 4 feet or less.

Shakeyhead is just a small jighead rigged weedless and it sort of makes your soft plastic stand up straight.

Squarebill is a shallow running crankbait with a big bill to deflect off cover. I was using it because of all the flooded cover that was shallow with bass in it. Basically fishing 4 feet or less.

"Ned rig" is another way to get the soft plastic presentation John described. I hate fishing a Ned though because you basically dead stick it....its as boring as sturgeon fishing! Those rigs can be easy to find though and should be displayed right next to plastics specifically poured for the purpose

Shakeyhead is just a small jighead rigged weedless and it sort of makes your soft plastic stand up straight.

Squarebill is a shallow running crankbait with a big bill to deflect off cover. I was using it because of all the flooded cover that was shallow with bass in it. Basically fishing 4 feet or less.

" its as boring as sturgeon fishing!

I am glad you said this....this is why I don't chase Sturgeon anymore. Lol