Lake Berryessa & Putah Creek Fishing Report - July

By Local Guide Johnny Feaster

Lake Berryessa

Water Temperature: 75-80

Target Species: Bass

Fishing Method: Top water and streamers

Leader Length: 6 to 9 feet

Fishing Overview:
With the recent high temperatures, the best opportunities for topwater and streamer action are in the early morning and late evening when the water is cooler and fish are more active. We’re currently not using the float-and-fly method, as conditions aren’t ideal for it. While it’s not a numbers game right now, there’s a real opportunity to connect with some big, quality fish.

Techniques & Gear:
Top water in the early morning and in the late evening seemed to be the best chance at getting one of those major blowups. Throwing a streamer is a preferred method in the later hours of the day. Chartreuse and/or white Clousers are my go to flies this time of year, tied by Ryan Williams or Steve Adachi.

Fishing Patterns & Tips:

The early morning topwater has been very productive look for trees. The second drop-off around 8 to 15 feet is a prime spot for streamers. Look for the flats that drop off when getting into the late morning /afternoon.

Conservation Issues:
Golden mussel awareness continues! Golden mussels have started showing up in California reservoirs, and local water agencies are taking action. A quarantine has been put in place to try and slow the spread, with decontamination stations set up at Steel Park and Markley Cove. Please remember to clean your boat thoroughly, especially if you're moving between different bodies of water, like from the Delta to any freshwater
lake. It’s crucial to help prevent the spread of these invasive species.

Hot Tip:
If you find any land bridges make sure to throw some top water around the ledges!

Putah Creek

Target Species: Rainbow Trout

Fishing Method: Nymphs with indicator

Leader Length: 7 to 12 feet

CFS: 500+

Fishing Overview:
Flows are up, weights need to go down. Fish are still there, but sometimes can be tricky to find in bigger flows! This is the time of year you can get away with some bigger flies!

Techniques & Gear:
With the bigger flows, using longer leaders with more weight to help you get down to present these fish will immensely help your opportunity of finding the fish. For fly selection, a golden stone flies, TJ Hooker, green caddis pupa have been my go to flies.

Tips:
Dead drift catches fish, presentation is key. Make sure to show some stealth when approaching the runs, the fish will be holding more shallow then you may think. Don’t be afraid to throw some bigger flies to help present to the fish hanging at the bottom.

Captain Ben Thompson Reports on July 22nd, 2025

 

 

Captain Patrick MacKenzie Reports on July 21st, 2025

Cpt. Patrick MacKenzie
MacKenzie On The Fly
707-721-6700
www.mackenzieonthefly.com

 

Riley Renick of Wild Waters Fly Fishing reports on July 22nd, 2025

Dog days of summer are here. The beginning of July had unusually cool temperatures, which led to excellent fishing conditions. Since then, the more familiar heat and smoke have rolled in. For the most part, our local rivers have shifted into summer mode. Tactics are changing, but there are still some decent trout fishing opportunities. Be sure to check the Watch Duty app and air quality reports before heading off on an adventure. The Green Fire is burning near the Pit River and air quality has changed day to day based on the shifting winds.

McCloud
The McCloud has shifted to a quality-over-quantity game. The little fish are no longer climbing on recklessly. The fish are generally less bitey and harder to trick at the moment. However, we are having more encounters with the 18"+ class of fish. This all bodes well for another good fall season as well.

Upper Sac
Pay close attention to water temperatures. For the most part, the lower stretches of the river are going to be off-limits, particularly in the afternoon. The fish have grown quite weary. But a careful approach and good presentation can still produce good results. When fishing gets tight on the Upper Sac, I like to go with smaller dark-colored nymphs. The last 30 minutes of light still offer good dry fly fishing opportunities.

Fall Steelhead
Looking ahead to our fall steelhead season, there is a lot to be excited about. Following the dam removal, the Klamath is starting to clear up. Currently, the Klamath is at 5 FNU below Iron Gate. In general, I would consider anything below 10 fishable. I am very excited and optimistic about getting to fish the newly undammed Klamath. That being said, it is difficult to predict if the water clarity will hold up. Therefore, if planning on fishing the Klamath, I suggest staying in Ashland, which puts you at a 35-minute drive to either the Klamath or Rogue. We have a few openings, mostly midweek, for this coming fall. If you would like to get on the calendar, please reach out.

Cheers,
Riley Renick
Wild Waters Fly Fishing
info@wildwatersflyfishing.com
www.wildwatersflyfishing.com
877-934-7466

Captain Bryce Tedford Repost on July  22nd, 2025

Summer fishing has been going strong! From June 15-September 15, I turn my focus to topwater largemouth & smallmouth bass excursions. These 5hr, 1/2 day bass trips are a great way to get newer anglers into the sport as well as a blast for seasoned veterans who just want to have fun watching largemouth & smallmouth explode on a fly! 

Smallmouth fishing has been a bit slow this year so I have been primarily focused on largemouth the past few weeks. My guess is cooler summer temperatures have kept the water temperature down & the smallmouth are staying deeper, but that’s just a guess. That said, I have two options during the summer: Option 1 (smallmouth focus): There is one section/launch of the Delta that has a bunch of smallmouth with a small side of largemouth, but it is primarily smaller fish, lighter rods, smaller flies & easy/fun fishing. Also, well protected from the wind & we start a bit later on this trip (7-7:30am). Option 2 (largemouth focus): The other section/launch is just to target largemouth, primarily larger fish, heavy rods, big flies & more challenging fishing overall. This area is open to the wind so that can be an added challenge. Generally start earlier on this trip (6am-7am). 

Still have some remaining dates in early September if anyone wants to jump on one of these Summer trips! 

Captain Ben Thompson Reports on June 27th, 2025

 

Johnny Feaster Reports on June 27th, 2025

Lake Berryessa and Putah creek Fishing Report - June 2025

By Local Guide Johnny Feaster

Lake Berryessa:

Water Temperature: 73-78
Target Species: Bass
Fishing Method: Float and Fly/Top water/Streamers
Leader Length: 6 to 9 feet

Fishing Overview: with the summer heat starting, the early morning top water action has been really good with some big fish being caught. Switching fly size can get the bigger aggressive fish to eat, so don’t be afraid to go big! After the early morning, switching to Float-n-Fly or streamers has proved to be more productive as the day goes on!

Techniques & Gear:
● The Float and Fly method is my preferred technique on the lake, with summer water temps rising Top water and streamers have been hooking some nice fish!
● For fly selection, the Black Leech and Williams Wagasaki from North Valley Fly Fishing have been producing excellent results, you can buy these flies at flyfishcnv.com.
● A 3 or 5 foot leader is working best to keep your presentation in the strike zone at the proper depth.

Fishing Patterns & Tips:
● The early morning top water has been very productive. Look for trees.
● The second drop-off around 8 to 15 feet is a prime spot for streamers. Look for the flats that drop off when getting into the late morning /afternoon.

Conservation Issues:
Golden mussel awareness continues! Golden mussels have started showing up in California's reservoirs, and local water agencies are taking action. A quarantine has been put in place to try and slow their spread, with decontamination stations set up at Steel Park and Markley Cove. Please remember to clean your boat thoroughly, especially if you're moving between different bodies of water, like from the Delta to any freshwater
lake. It’s crucial to help prevent the spread of these invasive species.

Hot Tip:
● If you find any land bridges make sure to throw some top water around the ledges!

Putah Creek
Target Species: Rainbow Trout
Fishing Method: Nymphs with Indicator
Leader Length: 5 to 9 feet
CFS: 600+

Fishing Overview: Summer flows are here! Fish are still there, but sometimes can be tricky to find in bigger flows! This is the time of year you can get away with some bigger flies!

Techniques & Gear:
● With the bigger flows, using longer leaders with more weight to help you get down to present these fish will immensely help your opportunity of finding the fish
● For fly selection a Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and midges of all colors. 

Fishing Patterns & Tips:
● Dead drift catches fish, presentation is key.
● Make sure to show some stealth when approaching the runs the fish will be holding more shallow then you may think.
● Don’t be afraid to throw some bigger flies to help present to the fish hanging at the bottom.

Riley Renick Reports on June 26th, 2025

McCloud River

The McCloud picked up a bit of color during a mid-June heat wave, but it wasn’t enough to slow down the fishing — and the water cleared quickly afterward.

Turbidity has been fluctuating frequently, but it hasn’t dipped into unfishable territory. Visibility has remained good enough to keep fish looking up and eating actively.

Dry fly action has been noticeably better over the past few weeks. Don’t hesitate to fish a dry even when you don’t see risers — trout are willing. Word has gotten out that fishing’s been good, so expect some company on weekends. Still, if you’re willing to hike, solitude is easy to find. Some bigger fish have been kicking around, and we are on track to have another great summer and fall – much like last year.

Temperatures are climbing back into the 90s, and the reservoir is dropping — so keep an eye on how that may affect conditions in the coming weeks. And watch your step: rattlesnakes are out in force this year.

Upper Sacramento River

The Upper Sac is back down to about base flows, which opens up the entire river to fishing. Now’s the time to explore all of it — it won’t be long before rising water temps begin to limit the lower half. As the air temp begins to rise, keep an eye on water temperatures.

Stoneflies are still around, and afternoons into evenings have been the most productive windows. Fish are spreading out, and the river is in great shape for covering water and putting together a solid day.

If you have any questions or would like to book a day, reach out to info@wildwatersflyfishing.com or get more info at www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

Cheers,

Riley Renick

Wild Waters Fly Fishing

Captain Bryce Tedford Reports on June 25th, 2025

Summer fishing is off to a solid start! From June 15-September 15, I turn my focus to topwater largemouth & smallmouth bass. These 5hr long 1/2 days are a great way to get newer anglers into the sport, as well as a blast for seasoned veterans. This is a great for guests who just want to have fun watching largemouth & smallmouth blow up a fly!

Option 1--smallmouth focus: There is one section/launch on the Delta that has a bunch of smallmouth with a small side of largemouth, but it is primarily smaller fish, lighter 4-5wt rods, smaller sz6 flies & easy/fun fishing. Also, this section is well protected from the wind & we start a bit later on this trip (7-7:30am).

Option 2--largemouth focus: The other section/launch is just to target largemouth, primarily larger fish, heavy rods, big flies & more challenging fishing overall. This area is open to the wind so that can be an added challenge. Generally start earlier on this trip (6am). Still have some remaining dates in August if anyone wants to jump on one of these summer trips! 

Captain Bryce Tedford