Lake Berryessa Fishing Report

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.

Berryessa water is starting to clear again after the recent stretch of storms, and the king salmon bite should pick up where it left off before the wet weather... guides were pulling quick morning limits earlier this month. Surface temps are still in the low 50s, keeping bass mostly deep on soft plastics. The lower end of the lake is running a few degrees warmer, and with air temps pushing into the mid 60s this week, bigger fish should begin sliding shallow in preparation for prespawn. Crappie anglers continue to limit out over deep structure in 40 to 50 feet.