Fishing Lake Sonoma In Central CA

AKA: Sonoma Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Sonoma Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Lake Sonoma, CA

Popular Fish Species Lake Sonoma, CA

Lake Sonoma Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Lake Sonoma. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Lake Sonoma Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Lake Sonoma can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Annual stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Lake Sonoma Popular Fish - Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish Fishing

Fishing for redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, is popular here at Lake Sonoma. Like most bream, they are a popular species with young and old, as well as beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This year, much like recent years, the redear sunfish population is healthy and always looking for something edible. Redear sunfish fishing is about as simple as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything eatable, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Redear prefer clear, warmer water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.

Lake Sonoma Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and redear sunfish at Lake Sonoma in California.

Everything you need for water-related recreation is available at Lake Sonoma, a 2,680 acre lake, located in the northwest part of the state, only ten miles west of Cloverdale. This scenic reservoir has fifty miles of shoreline to explore, and it's loaded with fish. Bass, crappie, trout, catfish and sunfish all thrive here in good numbers and size.

Before fishing at Lake Sonoma, it's important to review and adhere to local fishing regulations, obtain the necessary fishing licenses, and be aware of any fishing restrictions or seasons. Access to the shoreline for bank fishing is somewhat limited due to the terrain, but most campgrounds have areas available. The Lake Sonoma Boat Launch is located on the southwest corner of the lake at the bridge on Rockpile Road. A launch ramp is in the back of Yorty Creek, on the east side of the lake off Shady Lane. The Lake Sonoma Resort Area Marina has a boat launch ramp off Marina Road.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Sonoma

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Sonoma Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Sonoma Resort & Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoons
707 433-2200

Marinas

Lake Sonoma Resort & Marina
4200 Skaggs Springs Rd
Geyserville, CA 95441
707 433-2200

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Sonoma Public Boat launch
Located on the east side of the lake, on the west end of Rockpile Road Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Sonoma Resort Area Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Marina Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.