Fishing
Fishing at Lake Berryessa is among the best in the state. There are fish to be found at all times of the year. We have a good selection of fish at the lake including rainbow trout, small and largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, silver salmon and bluegill. Fishing is permitted with a valid license on all of Lake Berryessa’s public lands and waters. Free fishing access can be found at Capell Cove (along with free boat launch), Oak Shores and Smittle Creek Day Use Parks, and all of the dispersed lake access sites. For advice on what tackle to use, see the Lake Berryessa fishing brochure.
Fishing Brochure
Click here for an electronic (pdf) copy of the fishing brochure.
Where to Obtain Fishing Licenses in the Area
You can obtain a fishing license at various resorts and stores in the local area. These include Turtle Rock Store, Pleasure Cove Resort, Markley Cove Resort, and others. More...
For fishing permit and rules information see the California Department of Fish and Game website.
Senior Citizen and ADA Fishing Access
Shoreline fishing is available and easily accessible at many locations around Lake Berryessa, including Oak Shores and Smittle Creek Day Use Parks, and dispersed areas such as Olive Orchard and Eastside Road. More moderate to strenuous access for shoreline fishing is available at many shoreline points including the Markley Cove fishing access points (near the dam on Highway 128), North Shore access points (past Putah Creek Resort on Knoxville Road), along Pope and Putah Creeks, and along the Smittle Creek Trail.
If you have a special need for vehicle access to easier shoreline fishing, Reclamation offers access by car to Government Point, near our Administration Building, for senior citizens and disabled anglers with special needs. A photo identification permit is required to fish at this site, so please contact our Administrative Staff to obtain a permit. You can stop by the office anytime Monday - Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., or contact us by phone at 707/966-2111, extension 0. The address for Government Point, and our Administration Office is 5520 Knoxville Road, Napa, California, 94558.
Contact Us for Reclamation addresses and to contact our Administrative Offices
Last update: July 16, 2008