Lake Berryessa
Napa County, CA Bass, Catfish, Salmon, Trout
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Fishing at Lake Berryessa

Just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Lake Berryessa is quite the destination for families, skiers, and most importantly, fishermen. Its expansive 165-mile shoreline is littered with coves, islands, and structure that serves as ideal fishing habitat for most warm-water species, as well as trophy trout and kokanee salmon. Lake Berryessa can seem loaded with large numbers of mid-size bass ranging...

Just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Lake Berryessa is quite the destination for families, skiers, and most importantly, fishermen. Its expansive 165-mile shoreline is littered with coves, islands, and structure that serves as ideal fishing habitat for most warm-water species, as well as trophy trout and kokanee salmon.

Lake Berryessa can seem loaded with large numbers of mid-size bass ranging from 1 to 2 pounds. While giant bass are less common, they do exist and double-digit fish are caught every single year. Trout fishing can be excellent if you understand how to troll deep water, especially during the summer months.

The warm weather sees a massive increase in recreational boaters, campers, and partiers that can overtake the peaceful and quiet fishing conditions most fishermen cherish. So it’s suggested to plan your Lake Berryessa summer fishing trips for mid-week.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Brown Trout, Spotted Bass, Channel Catfish
Fish Stocking:
Trout stocked 2 months ago - View Schedule
Forage / Baitfish:
Golden Shiner, Threadfin Shad
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Geography:
Max Depth: 275 ft
Surface Area: 20,697.6 acres
Surface Elevation: 443 ft

Latest Fishing Reports

Berryessa action continues with the king salmon and rainbow trout bites leading the pack. Similar to our last report, trollers are still using spoons and shad imitation lures at speeds up to 3.5-4 mph with a lot of success. Bass are easing into their summer mode, moving offshore and chasing bait...

Berryessa action continues with the king salmon and rainbow trout bites leading the pack. Similar to our last report, trollers are still using spoons and shad imitation lures at speeds up to 3.5-4 mph with a lot of success.

Bass are easing into their summer mode, moving offshore and chasing bait around the lake. Underspins and spoons are getting bit, as are some soft plastics. A young man also reportedly landed a 12+ pounder this week.

Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, King Salmon
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Water levels are still high, and the shad schools continue to be the focus for Berryessa's entire fishery. A few big king salmon (8-10 pounds) were the recent highlight, as the salmon and trout continue to stuff themselves with these baitfish. Spoons and shad imitations are still best for trolling...

Water levels are still high, and the shad schools continue to be the focus for Berryessa's entire fishery. A few big king salmon (8-10 pounds) were the recent highlight, as the salmon and trout continue to stuff themselves with these baitfish. Spoons and shad imitations are still best for trolling... but some are finding more action at higher speeds between 3-4 mph.

Bass are moving out of the shallows as the spawning season comes to a close. Their foraging interest is now in line with the rest of the game fish at Berryessa... shad.

Trout, Bass, King Salmon
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Latest Stockings

Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

Went boat camping this Friday through Sunday at Rustlers campground. We caught a few small bass and bluegill but my wife landed a nice 7-8 lbs channel cat on prawns. Fried it...

Plenty of smaller fish are being caught at Sonoma, primarily with drop-shots, swimbaits, or any other small soft plastic; not a lot of shallow fish, as most are holding in 10+...

Lake Berryessa Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Lake Berryessa Map

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