The Monticello Dam on Putah Creek which created Lake Berryessa was completed in 1957. Part of the recreational plan for this lake to was to create an outstanding largemouth fishery. But as things turned out, the bucketmouth fishing at Berryessa has not been as consistent year to year as the smallmouth fishing.
That’s not to say that largemouth fishing can’t be good – or even outstanding. For example, in April 1988, Delbert Adams caught a 17 pound 8 ounce largemouth while shore fishing a plastic worm at Oak Shore Park. This is the largest black bass ever caught in Northern California.
Smallmouth action begins at the points on the south end of the lake about mid-February – at this end of the lake warms up first. Crankbaits are an early favorite. Smallmouth action is in full swing in April. Anglers score on 4 inch plastic worms, Git Zits and grubs as the fish school up in brushy coves.
Largemouths follow their littler cousins on up to the spawning beds in about early May. Plastic worms and crankbaits are major takers. Next comes Alabama spotted bass action in late May and June. Wragg Cove and Skiers Cove are the best for “spots.”
Crappie fishing is at the peak at Berryessa in May and June. Some anglers find schools of these 1 to 2 pounders by trolling live minnows. Then they switch to yellow, or white and red crappie jigs to work the school. Some good spots include Putah Creek, around the islands, Portuguese Cove, Steel Canyon, Skiers Cove, and Pope Creek. Crappies may be in open water or near brush. Panfish action continues with a good bluegill bite in June and July. Successful anglers work the rock piles in the coves, around submerged trees and docks, and in the brush at the back of the coves.
How weather in the summertime brings out the catfishermen. Some of the best spots are the very north end of the lake around Putah Creek, and at the south end of the lake in Capell, Wragg and Portuguese Coves.
Because of the depth of Berryessa and the resulting cold water, trout is the king of all the Berryessa fisheries. And with the advent of downrigger deep trolling technology, trout are taken all year at Berryessa. Trout are down deep in the summer and early fall months. 30 to 40 feet is often a good depth. The Kastmaster is the most popular trolling lure. Other spoons and spinners also produce. Once the lake turns over and cooler water returns to the surface, the trout action moves up top. Surface trolling, bait under a bobber, and casting all work then. Many trout are caught from shore during this period from about November through spring.
Speaking of shore fishing, there are good spots all along the west and north shores. Bank anglers take trout, bass, catfish and panfish, depending on the season. Good spots are scattered along the west shore from Capell Cove on up to Pope Creek. The Putah Creek area and on over to Eticura Creek is also good. The entire east side of Berryessa is off limits to shore anglers.
Lake Berryessa’s spring transition brings steady warming, so bass fishing ramps up in late April as shallows hold baitfish near coves. Summer’s consistent heat pushes anglers earlier in the morning and into late evening when trout fishing can still reward those targeting deeper schools.
By late fall, surface calm favors precise trolling runs because the trout are following cooling thermoclines before winter deepens. Early winter slabs may seem sleepy, but clear weather with low winds allows for productive downrigger swings before the lake stratifies further.
When the lake’s surface shows little movement, calibrating downriggers with a precise depth chart lets you track trout across the midrange thermocline and maximize your catch rate. Keep lines tight, monitor sonar for suspended targets, and adjust drag to allow a gentle take before setting the hook for consistent pod landings.
Change lure color and weight based on light levels; bright presentations work in early morning, while subtle silver spoons shine under overcast skies. Rotate between flash and vibration sources to maintain trout interest through the day.
A medium-action spinning rod matched with a 2000-2500 reel provides versatile control for managing both quick bass strikes and the longer runs of deeper trout. Pair this setup with 8-12 lb fluorocarbon for sensitivity and abrasion resistance, allowing you to feel delicate takes while still handling the lake’s structure.
For anglers preferring baitcasting, a 6'10" moderate-fast rod balances power and precision, which is helpful when you need to pitch near fallen timber or steep drop-offs. Keep a spare topwater rod ready during low-light hours to cover every possible bite without wasting precious time swapping gear.
Tracking temperature layers on any given day reveals when Lake Berryessa’s bass shift toward cooler, deeper pockets and when trout suspend near the thermocline. Early mornings often show bass hugging the 15-18°C band before they stage upward, while mid-afternoon warmth drives trout down toward the 50-60 foot range.
Changing depths slowly while trolling ensures you stay in contact with fish as the lake’s thermal profile shifts. Adjust lead length or downrigger depth every 10 minutes if the sonar trace drifts, and keep a log of recent trips to predict which zone holds activity.
As water temperatures climb into the mid-60s, look for largemouth and smallmouth staging near shallow flats with firm bottoms. Bass prefer gradual doglegs and channel edges with minimal current for spawning preparation.
Limit disturbance by keeping a respectful distance and slowing presentation to subtle finesse baits so you don’t push bass off their beds. Focus on early mornings before the sun heats the surface, and watch for males guarding circular depressions where unusual bait placement can trigger strikes.
Maintain a tidy boat footprint to protect emerging fry and allow spawning to complete uninterrupted.
Keep barbless hooks or crimp existing barbs to simplify hook removal and minimize injury when you practice catch-and-release at Lake Berryessa. Use wet hands or gloves to handle fish, keep them in the water as much as possible, and release quickly to reduce stress and uphold the lake’s thriving sport fishery.
Dispose of line, tackle, and trash properly to prevent hazards for birds and aquatic life. Report any declining fish conditions to park officials so they can adjust stocking or regulations as needed.
Encourage companions to follow the same routine so each trip leaves the lake in better shape than you found it.
Lake Berryessa welcomes anglers year-round with multiple access points and well-maintained facilities at each recreation area. Respect posted regulations and other anglers by maintaining safe distances and keeping noise levels reasonable, especially during early morning peak fishing hours.
Always check current regulations and closure areas before your trip to ensure you’re fishing legally. By being a courteous and informed angler, you’ll help preserve Lake Berryessa as a premier destination for generations to come.
Planning a multi-day Berryessa trip or exploring other Northern California bass waters?
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