Expert-Guided NorCal Fishing: Lakes & Rivers

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Clear Lake, CA
$250 - $250 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing action in Northern California? Captain John Chargualaf of Nemo's Fishing Guide Service takes you where the fish are biting. You'll spend six hours on the water, targeting sturgeon, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, and seasonal shad. The trip location shifts between Clear Lake and the Sacramento, Feather, or Yuba Rivers to maximize your chances. We'll meet you at the nearest launch, saving you travel time. Kids 14 and under get life vests from us. Don't forget your California fishing license – we can help arrange one if needed. Lock in your date with a deposit, then pack smart: hat, sunscreen, polarized glasses, and layers for changing weather. Bring snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the big ones. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just a relaxing day on the water, Captain John's local knowledge ensures a productive outing on NorCal's premier fishing spots.

Expert-Guided NorCal Fishing: Lakes & Rivers

Reeling in NorCal's Finest

Photograph of a large rainbow trout caught while fishing in Olivehurst

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Chinook Salmon caught while fishing in Olivehurst

Massive Chinook salmon catch!

Impressive Chinook!

Beastly Chinook!

NorCal's Hottest Fishing Spots with Nemo's Guide

Ready to hit Northern California's prime fishing waters? Captain John Chargualaf of Nemo's Fishing Guide Service has you covered. Whether you're after monster sturgeon, hard-fighting stripers, or tasty panfish, this six-hour trip puts you right where the action is. From Clear Lake's bass bonanza to the Sacramento River's legendary runs, we'll take you to the day's hottest bite.

What to Expect on the Water

Forget about wasting time searching for fish – Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand. We'll meet you at the closest launch to wherever the fish are biting that day. Could be Clear Lake for some world-class bass action, or we might hit the Sacramento, Feather, or Yuba Rivers if the sturgeon or stripers are on fire. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – we go where the fish are!

This is a private trip, so it's just you and the captain. Perfect for dialing in your technique or getting the undivided attention you need to land that trophy catch. We provide all the gear, including life vests for the kiddos (required for anyone 14 and under). Just remember to grab your California fishing license before you come – we can help you sort that out ahead of time if needed.

Techniques & Terrain

Depending on where we end up, you might be tossing lures for bass, soaking bait for sturgeon, or trolling for stripers. Captain John's an expert at all of these techniques and he'll make sure you're rigged up right for maximum success. If we hit Clear Lake, expect to work the weed edges and structure with soft plastics or crankbaits. On the rivers, we might be anchored up with heavy tackle for sturgeon or running plugs for stripers.

The scenery's not half bad either. Clear Lake's surrounded by rolling hills and oak woodlands, while the Sacramento Delta's a maze of channels and sloughs teeming with life. No matter where we fish, you're in for some classic NorCal beauty.

Top Catches This Season

Spring's been hot for striped bass in the Delta, with some real bruisers in the 20-30 pound range crushing swimbaits. Clear Lake's largemouth bite has been insane – we're talking consistent 5-pounders with a real shot at a 10+ pounder if conditions are right. Sturgeon fishing's been lights out on the Feather River, with several over 6 feet landed already this year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth Bass: Clear Lake's the undisputed champ for big bucketmouths in California. These fish grow fast on a diet of abundant baitfish and crawdads. Spring and fall are prime, but you can catch them year-round. Nothing beats the explosion when a 5-pounder smashes a topwater lure!

White Sturgeon: The Sacramento River system's home to these prehistoric beasts. We're talking potential 100+ pounders that'll test your strength and patience. They're bottom feeders, so we'll soak big baits and wait for that rod to double over. Peak season's typically winter through early spring.

Striped Bass: These hard-fighting fish migrate through the Delta and up the rivers. They'll hit everything from cut bait to artificial lures. Fall and spring see big runs of fish, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. A 10-pounder will give you a serious workout!

Shad: Often called "poor man's tarpon," these feisty fish provide fast action when they run up the rivers in late spring and early summer. Light tackle and small jigs are the ticket – you might land dozens in a day when they're really biting.

Chinook Salmon: The Sacramento River hosts one of California's best salmon runs. These chrome-bright fish start showing up in summer and peak in the fall. Trolling with plugs or bait is the usual method, and a 20-pounder is always a possibility.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's simple – Captain John puts you on fish, plain and simple. His knowledge of these waters is second to none, and he's always got a backup plan if Plan A isn't producing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete novice, he'll tailor the trip to your skill level and make sure you have a blast.

The variety is another huge draw. One day you might be battling prehistoric sturgeon, the next you're finessing bass out of heavy cover. It keeps things fresh and exciting, no matter how many times you come out.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience some of NorCal's best fishing? Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A small, non-refundable deposit is all it takes to lock in your adventure. Remember to pack essentials like a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and weather-appropriate layers. Throw in some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the big ones.

Whether you're chasing that personal best bass, want to cross sturgeon off your bucket list, or just want a day of world-class fishing with an expert guide, Nemo's Fishing Guide Service has you covered. Book now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action on Northern California's premier waterways!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champs of Pacific salmon. These silver bullets average 10-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them in cold, deep river pools or out in the ocean. They start running upriver to spawn in late summer through fall. Anglers target kings for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. To catch 'em, try trolling with cut-plug herring or large spinners. My local tip: fish early mornings with roe bags bounced along the bottom in tail-outs of deep holes. Kings often stage there before pushing upstream. Landing a big Chinook is a bucket list catch for many anglers - the fight and reward are tough to beat.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of the sunfish family, typically 1-4 pounds but can hit double digits. You'll find them lurking around structure in weedy, shallow areas of lakes and rivers. They're ambush predators, so look for cover like fallen trees or docks. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass are most active. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. To land a big one, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near deep drop-offs. These fish have great eyesight and can detect the slightest movements, so subtle presentations often work best. Whether you're a beginner or pro, largemouth bass fishing is always a blast.

Shad

American shad are seasonal visitors to our rivers, typically showing up in April and May to spawn. These silvery, herring-like fish average 3-5 pounds but can reach up to 8. Look for them in deep, swift-moving sections of river, often near current breaks. They're great fighters on light tackle, known for acrobatic leaps and long runs. Shad are popular for their spirited fight and mild, tasty meat. To catch them, try casting small, bright lures or flies into the current and retrieving with a jerky motion. My local trick is to use a light chartreuse or pink jig head with a curly-tail grub - shad can't seem to resist it. It's an exciting, fast-paced fishery that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are hard-fighting fish that can top 40 pounds in our waters. They're often found near structure in rivers or patrolling the shores of the Delta. Look for them around underwater ledges, points, and current breaks. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers follow baitfish migrations. Anglers love 'em for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To hook up, try trolling with deep-diving lures or drifting live bait near the bottom. My go-to tactic is to find schools of bait on the surface and cast topwater lures into the frenzy. Stripers will absolutely crush them. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, hooking into a big striper is always a thrill.

White Sturgeon

White sturgeon are prehistoric-looking monsters that can reach over 10 feet long. You'll find them in deep holes of big rivers like the Sacramento, often hanging out near rocky structure. They're bottom-feeders, so use heavy tackle and fish on or near the river bed. Peak season is winter through early spring when they move into shallower water to spawn. Anglers target sturgeon for the incredible fight - hooking one is like trying to reel in a submarine. Patience is key, as they often nibble bait for a while before committing. My top tip: use fresh, oily baits like sardines or salmon roe and wait for that rod to really bend over before setting the hook. Landing a big sturgeon is an unforgettable thrill.

About the Nemo

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 360

Ready for a day of serious fishing action in Northern California? Captain John Chargualaf of Nemo's Fishing Guide Service knows where the fish are biting. He'll take you to the hottest spots on Clear Lake or the Sacramento, Feather, or Yuba River for a six-hour adventure targeting sturgeon, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, and seasonal shad. You'll meet right at the closest boat launch, so you can spend more time reeling in catches. Kids 14 and under get life vests on the house. Just bring your valid California fishing license (or let us help you arrange one), and don't forget essentials like a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and comfy layers for changing weather. Pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're out on the water. A small deposit secures your date, so you can look forward to a productive day of fishing with an experienced local guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand.

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