Lake Berryessa
Napa County Bass, Catfish, Salmon, Trout
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What's Biting - 2 weeks ago
Salmon
Excellent
Trout
Good
Bass
Good
Crappie
Good

Lake Berryessa Fishing Overview

Water Description

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...

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
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 1 year ago - View Schedule
Forage / Baitfish:
Golden Shiner, Threadfin Shad
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Regulations:
Quagga Mussel Inspection
Geography:
Max Depth: 275 ft
Surface Area: 20,697.6 acres
Surface Elevation: 443 ft
Excellent Salmon bite
Trout, Bass, Salmon, Crappie
74°F Clear

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...

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.

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Excellent Salmon bite
Trout, Bass, Salmon, Crappie
72°F Clear

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...

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.

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Nearby Reports

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Lake Berryessa Weather

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