Napa County Fishing Reports

Some giant Kokanee are coming out of Berryessa this year... multiple reports of thick/round fish up to 18 inches. Limits are still the standard right now, but depending on fishing pressure and weather... some days are tougher than others. Fish seem to be all over the water column in the main lake right now, from 30-70 feet, so sonar has been absolutely key. Hoochies and Uncle Larry spinners have been producing best.

Trout guys are running Speedy Shiners and gold spoons... pulling some nice rainbows and the occasional king.

Bass and crappie remain good as well. Spotted bass and smallmouth are hitting near rock and secondary points on underspins and jerkbaits. Some bigger largemouth are being caught in the mornings on topwater... poppers and walking-style baits. Trollers running live minnows or small swimbaits are pulling some nice crappie slabs once they get into schools.

Plenty of action at Berryessa right now, not matter what you are targeting.

Water temps are now locked into the 70s... and it's officially salmon season at Berryessa! Reports are coming in with guides pulling good numbers of Kokanee, kings, rainbows (and even crappie) while trolling the lake... especially around the Big and Small islands. Slow trolling has been key, between 1.2–1.5 mph. Pink Hoochies tipped with garlic or tuna soaked corn has been the hot ticket for salmon. Orange Speedy Shiners are doing well for rainbows as well. The key depth has been in the 25–40 ft range.

Bass action continues to be good. Plenty of big fish spotted cruising the shallows and holding in the backs of coves. Stealth fishing has been key... water is so clear fish are spooking quickly and staying tight-lipped. Make those long casts and stay quiet. Small swimbaits, poppers, and finesse stuff have been working best.

Hennessey is seeing some excellent bass action over the last few weeks. Water temps are sitting in the high 60s (70s in the east cove), although this recent cold weather could knock it down a few degrees. Purple soft plastics have been working extremely well... dropshots, Senkos, Texas-rigged creature baits, even jigs. Fish are right in the heart of spawn, so aim for shallow structure, backs of coves, or transition zones. Most fish are in the 1-2 pound range, but one angler noted pulling out a 10 pounder a few weeks ago on a big 8" Zoom worm.