Lake Berryessa & Putah Creek Fly Fishing Report

Johnny Feaster reports on August 15th, 2025

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:
Topwater 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 by Ryan Williams or Steve Adachi are my go to flies this time of year.

Fishing patterns & tips:
The early morning topwater bite 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 is 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 are 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: 500-650

Fishing overview: 
With elevated flows across the system, effective weight management is critical. Drop your split shot accordingly to maintain a natural drift and stay in the zone. Fish are still holding, but they’re often pushed to softer edges, inside seams and slower troughs. Increased flows also mean the water can support larger meals, so don’t hesitate to size up your flies—larger stonefly nymphs, worms, and attractors are all in play right now.

Dry fly alert: 
While surface activity is limited, there are still opportunities for the dry fly angler. Look for risers in softer water at the tops of runs and in the tail-outs during lower light periods. Sparse mayfly and caddis activity has been enough to bring a few fish up, so keep a small selection of parachutes, emergers, and CDC patterns on hand in #14–18.

Techniques & gear:
In higher flows, a longer leader paired with increased weight will dramatically improve your ability to get down quickly and maintain a natural presentation. Aim for a leader in the 10–12 ft range, and don’t be afraid to adjust your split shot until you’re ticking bottom. This setup helps keep your flies in the strike zone longer—crucial when fish are pushed deep into slower, more protected holding water.

For fly selection: golden stone flies, hot spot flies, Blow Torch, TJ Hooker, and the caddis green pupa have been my go to flies. All mayflies are working as well. They’re also keying in on anything small and black.

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.