Lake Berryessa Fly Fishing Report

John Feaster reports on February 12th, 2025

Water Temperature: 51° to 54°
Target Species: Bass
Fishing Method: Float and Fly
Leader Length: 9 to 11 feet

Fishing Overview: February has started out wet and wild. The glory hole has officially popped! Lake levels are high. With the big storm that just came through, bait has been pushed up into more shallow waters, as a result we are slowly starting to see those Spring numbers. 

Techniques & Gear:

• The Float and Fly method is my preferred technique on the lake. 

• For fly selection, the Black Leech and Williams Wagasaki from North Valley Fly Fishing have been producing excellent results.

• A 9 to 11-foot leader is working best to keep your presentation in the strike zone at the proper depth.

Fishing Patterns & Tips:

• Focus on working the bank with bold steep rock structure and the outside of the flats around the 12 to 15 ft range. 

• The second drop-off around 8 to 15 feet is a  prime spot. These areas are often overlooked but can hold a lot of fish this time of year.

• I’ve been having most of my success inside the Markley and Pleasure Cove areas.

Bonus Species:

• This is also the time when you might encounter trout while targeting bass with the float and fly rig.

• The trout takes are subtle, make sure to set on everything!

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:

• With most of the surrounding rivers blown out due to the storm, it’s a perfect time to lake fish for bass!