Next AvailableJun 18
Book with John Chargualaf
At Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re fishing with Captain John Chargualaf, a true local legend with over 50 years of experience. Born and raised in Guam and now based in Northern California, John has fished these waters since childhood. He’s licensed and bonded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (License #2403) and has been a guide since 1997. Whether you're chasing bass, sturgeon, crappie, bluegill, or seasonal striper and shad, John knows where to go and how to get you hooked up.
We fish Clear Lake, the Sacramento, Feather, and Yuba Rivers, plus hidden gems like Collins Lake, Bullards Bar, Holland’s Lake, the American River, and the Delta—up to two hours in any direction from the Yuba area. Our 20-foot boat is powered by a 350 V8 engine and comfortably fits up to four guests, offering a laid-back, personal experience. Every trip is designed to match your pace and experience level, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler. Expect a day full of fishing, learning, and soaking in the beauty of Northern California’s best waters.
We provide the gear—you bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and dress for the weather. Kids 14 and under must wear a life vest (provided), and each angler needs a valid California fishing license. If you’re unsure how to get one, we’re happy to help. John’s easygoing style makes everyone feel welcome, and he’s always ready to share tips and local secrets that make for memorable catches.
To reserve your trip, a 50% deposit is required. It’s non-refundable, but we’re flexible with rescheduling if you give at least three weeks’ notice. Cancellations within 48 hours of the trip—or no-shows without contact—will result in a lost deposit. Exceptions may be made in the rare case of mechanical issues with the boat; if that happens, John will notify you promptly and work to reschedule.
A heartfelt thank you goes to my parents, Juan Chargualaf and Maria Cabrera Chargualaf, for their love, support, and the values that shaped this journey. Come fish with us—you’ll leave with more than just a catch.
What's Included
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
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Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
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This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
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What's Included
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
Show More
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Fishing
Starting At $300
Description: Spend six productive hours on Northern California’s premier waterways with Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service. Captain John Chargualaf moves the trip to the hottest bite—Clear Lake, the Sacramento, Feather, or Yuba River—so you get maximum action on sturgeon, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, and seasonal shad. Meeting spots are always the launch closest to the chosen lake or river, saving you travel time. Youth 14 or younger wear life vests we supply. Bring a valid California fishing license; if you need help, we’ll arrange it in advance. A non-refundable deposit locks in your date. Pack a hat, sunscreen, polarized shades, weather-smart layers, plus food and drinks for energy on the water.
Nemo
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
20 ft
Manufacturer Name:
Design Concepts
Model Year:
2000
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Yamaha
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
360
Maximum Cruising Speed:
20
Step aboard our 20-foot fishing boat, powered by a reliable 2000-model 350 V8 engine, and experience the comfort of a small, private charter. With space for just four guests, every trip feels relaxed and personalized, giving John the freedom to focus fully on your technique, tackle, and timing.
Nemo
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
20 ft
Vehicle Details
Last season’s shad run was one for the books. Our 2024 Feather River trips averaged 60 fish per boat in just 4.5 hours—steady action from start to finish. The standout catch? A massive 3 lb. 10 oz. American shad, putting up a fight that’ll be hard to forget. Captain John tracked water clarity and river flow shifts daily, locking us into prime feeding lanes where the schools stacked up thick. Light spinning gear and flutter spoons did the trick, with clients getting nonstop hookups and plenty of doubles. Whether you were a first-timer or a seasoned shad angler, last year’s bite was fast-paced, fun, and full of big hits. The 2025 run is right around the corner—don’t miss your chance to get in on the action.
Fishing is heating up on Clear Lake, and now’s a great time to get out there! Water temps are hovering in the low 70s, and the bite has been solid across the board. Visibility is decent, with light algae starting to show in some areas but nothing that’s stopping the fish from feeding. Bass are the main stars right now—post-spawn action is on, and they’re hitting hard around rocky points, docks, and submerged grass beds. Topwater lures are starting to produce early in the morning, while soft plastics and jigs are working well throughout the day. If you’re patient and methodical, you’ll likely get into some quality largemouth. Crappie are stacking up around brush and dock pilings in 8 to 12 feet of water. Minnows and small jigs under floats are doing the trick, especially near Rattlesnake Island and Cache Creek. Expect steady action if you stay mobile and target structure. Bluegill are active and biting, making it a great time to bring kids or beginners out. Use worms or small plastics near shallow weed lines and docks—simple setups are all you need for fun, consistent action. Catfish are also starting to stir with the warming water. Chicken liver, stink bait, and cut mackerel have all been solid choices in deeper holes and along the rocky banks in the evening. Don’t forget—anyone 14 or under must wear a life vest, and a valid California fishing license is required for adults. If you’re not sure how to get one, we’re happy to help before your trip. Want to hit these hotspots with a local expert? Book a guided trip with Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service and fish with Captain John, who’s been guiding Clear Lake for 50 years. He knows exactly where to go and what’s biting.