Napa River Here are the words you have been waiting for. “...lots of stripers up and down the river.” It’s wide open for every technique: Toss cut bait from the bank; troll with the new P-Line Predator, Broken-back Rebels; Rattletrap or swim baits; stop and cast Rebels and ‘traps. Most fish will go 6 — 10 pounds to trolling and casting — we’ve had reports of weights up to 20. Bait fishing will deliver 20 to 30 inch stripers — that’s a big fish — take your kids for a real thrill.

Conn Dam/Lake Hennessey Most regulars there are pretty closed-mouthed so it’s tough to get any information. However, I heard that there is a good top water bite for bass. Try a few different top water systems. Toss a “Spook” type that swishes side to side — keep an even pace. If that fails; vary the pace or stop every three count. Or, try a “popper” style. The very best brand is the Rico; better put it on your Holiday gift list (they are $25. bucks). Snap these back to create a pop as their cupped face “spits” water out front. I like the three count then stop sequence. Or, “walk the dog” with a Snag Proof Frog. Pull it over as many weeds as you can find. These all work best over shallow water in front of a bank or ridge where the bass can herd baitfish in for a snack.

Lake Berryessa Fill your creel to the top with nice-sized crappie. The bite is on. Use jigs or minnows just off the bottom early. Trolling for trout and salmon has improved because the target depth is now up to 70 feet as the surface temperature goes down.

This lake is about to “turn over” which tends to equalize the temperature and oxygen top to bottom. That will get the big bass active and up shallow for their fall feeding binge. Better call Dino Righetti at Spanish Flat Resort Marina (966-7708) to see when or  if it has happened.

Bodega Bay It’s starting to sound like old — but — still good news. The rockfish bite north of the bay is still wide open. Big bags scored on every trip. Call Wil’s Bait & Tackle at 875-2323 to get your reservation now.

Sacramento/Feather rivers We just returned from our eighth annual September salmon trip on the river. It was the worst one. Our guide wouldn’t even fish the Sac. The day before our trip, he only landed one there. We fished the Feather for two days and three of us boated only eight fish. Big king was 26 pounds and they were nice and bright. The old guys around the tackle shop say that the fish are running full speed ahead; not stopping in the traditional “resting holes” where anglers can target them.

 There may be a dividend in this. All of that fast salmon travel has excited the steelhead and wild rainbows who follow along to gobble up some of the lost roe as the salmon spawn. One report mentioned an eight pound steelhead boated. Call Dave Jacobs at 800 355-3113 to see if he will book you a “combo salmon-steelie trip”.

Putah Creek/Alaska Now that’s a hot duo — but it describes Greg Schuerger’s 2006. You may remember that Greg is Sweeney’s Sports Fly Guy during the winter. He’ll be back there on Oct. 21. Stop in and book him for some up close and personal guided trips on Putah Creek in its best season.

Greg also outlined his summer of guiding at Newhalen Lodge in the Alaskan bush. Listen to the tale of the tape for his best day (with two clients): “... I’d say we landed 100 (trout) between 20 and 28 inches.” Get him to tell you all about it as you have lunch on Putah with him.