Target hard-fighting Striped Bass in the Napa River with a private guided fishing charter.
Each trip is tailored to conditions, tides, and your experience level — whether you’re new to fishing or looking to refine your approach.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass (commonly known as “Stripers”) are the primary target fish in the Napa River.
We have included a Napa River Striper Fishing overview with additional resources.
Spinning Tackle
The most common and successful method that we employ on our fishing charters targeting Napa River Stripers is casting lures on light spinning tackle.
Saltwater Fly Fishing
Napa River Stripers on Fly. Saltwater fly fishing gear is also available for the experienced angler using 7wt, 8wt and 9wt rods. A reasonable casting distance is required in addition to being comfortable standing on the bow of the boat for extended periods – occasionally with a light breeze present.
Trolling
Trolling lures behind the boat and bait are alternative methods to fish for Napa River Stripers.
Sturgeon
Sturgeon are also present in the Napa River on a seasonal basis. Fishing for Sturgeon in California requires a Sturgeon Report Card in addition to your California Sportfishing License.
Fishing License
Residents and Non-Residents 16 years of age and older require a California Sportfishing License. Short term visitors to the Napa Valley can obtain a one or two day fishing license online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at the following link: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing
What is Provided
Fishing gear i.e. rods, reels, fishing lures and saltwater flies are all provided on our Napa River fishing charters. Water, snacks, fish cleaning services and plastic bags are available and included if required. All safety gear i.e. life jackets, a throwable flotation device, comprehensive first aid supplies and a VHF radio are always onboard.
Children
Children are most welcome in fact we love having them onboard and teaching them how to fish. Note that a California Sportfishing License is not required for persons under 16 years of age. California regulations do require however that children 12 years of age and younger wear a USCG approved children’s life vest on the boat while underway. Wombat Charters will provide life vests.
Age Requirement for a Fishing License in California
- In California, you need a sport fishing license if you are 16 years old or older. This applies to both residents and non-residents, and the license covers all freshwater and ocean waters statewide.
- Under 16 years old:
- You can fish free of charge every day on all public waters in California — freshwater, saltwater, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Children still must follow bag limits, size limits, and gear restrictions the same as adults.
- Some species require report cards even for under-16 anglers (e.g., steelhead, sturgeon, spiny lobster, salmon in certain basins).
- When you must have a license:
- Any person 16+ fishing for fish, reptiles, or amphibians for non-commercial purposes.
- Fishing from certain public piers in ocean or bay waters (with specific criteria).
- On private ponds connected to natural or artificial waterways.
- Short-term options (1–10 days) are available for both residents and non-residents.
- Key takeaway:
- If you’re under 16, you can fish anywhere in California without a license, but you must follow all rules and carry required report cards for certain species. At 16, you must buy a full adult license and follow all regulations.
Age Requirement for Life Jackets on Boats in California
In California, children under 13 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket while on a moving recreational vessel of any length. This applies to all types of boats, from small kayaks to large sailboats, as long as the vessel is underway.
Key points:
- Who is covered: Every person under 13 on a moving recreational vessel must wear a Coast Guard‑approved PFD in serviceable condition and the correct size/type for the activity.
- Exceptions: The law does not apply if:
- The child is in an enclosed cabin on the vessel.
- The child is on a harness‑tethered sailboat (e.g., a child securely fastened to the sailboat with a tether).
- The child is on a vessel engaged in an emergency rescue situation.