Lake Berryessa & Putah Creek Fly Fishing Report

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.