Fishing Lake Berryessa In Northern CA

AKA: Berryessa Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Berryessa Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Berryessa, CA

Popular Fish Species Lake Berryessa, CA

Lake Berryessa Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Lake Berryessa can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Carefully planned stocking has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Lake Berryessa Popular Fish - Brown Trout

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Lake Berryessa is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed.

Lake Berryessa Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in California, Lake Berryessa is considered to be the best kokanee fishery in the state, with plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.

Lake Berryessa Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, chinook salmon and kokanee salmon at Lake Berryessa in California.

If you enjoy catching bass, trout and salmon all from the same spot, Lake Berryessa might become one of your favorite fishing lakes. This is a 20,700 acre lake, located ten miles west of Winters, CA in Napa County. The lake has a nice mixed bag of bass, catfish, crappie, trout, salmon and sunfish. Depending on time of year, you can focus on a certain species, and at other times you can catch a variety - even from the docks or fishing from shore.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Berryessa.

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Berryessa Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Berryessa Boat and Jet Ski Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoons
707 966-4204

Pleasure Cove Marina, CA
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoons
707 966-9600

Marinas

Pleasure Cove Marina, CA
6100 CA-128
Napa, CA 94558
707 966-9600

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Capell Cove Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Berryessa Knoxville Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Markley Cove Resort Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Highway 128, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Pleasure Cove Launch Ramp
Located at the southernmost tip of the lake, off Wagg Canyon Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Putah Canyon Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, in the northwest section of the lake, off Berryessa Knoxville Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.