Lake Berryessa & Putah Creek Fly Fishing Report

Johnny Feaster reports on March 20th, 2026

Lake Berryessa

Water Temps: 65-70°F (surface)

Depth: Fish holding around 9-15 feet

Leader Length: 6–9 ft leaders have been most effective

Primary Method: Float N Fly
The fish are starting to move into the deeper coves, so focus on areas with good structure. As temperatures rise, fishing should continue to improve throughout the month—spring patterns are definitely kicking in. Bass are beginning to stage in these coves, and we’ve had the most consistent success targeting rocky areas with
submerged, tree-like structure. If you’re not getting consistent bites along one bank, don’t hesitate to move. Keep rotating until you find an active stretch, then stick with that pattern.

What’s Working:
Black leech patterns have been the top producer under the float but never hesitate to replicate a shad or crawdad pattern. Stripping Wooly Buggers has also turned up some quality trout when covering water. Focus efforts around bait concentrations — find the bait, and you’ll find the fish.

Strategy Tip:
If the action slows down, don’t spend too much time on one bank. The bass are starting to push up and get on their beds, but not all of them are locked in yet. Stay mobile, move point to point, and keep covering water until you find those fish that are committed and actively setting up.

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.

Putah Creek

Target Species: Rainbow Trout

Fishing Method: Nymphs with indicator

Leader Length: 6 to 8 feet

CFS: 300+

Fishing Overview:
Flows on Putah Creek are pushing past 300 cfs, signaling spring conditions. Most fish are wrapping up their spawn and are now feeding aggressively to recover, making for consistent action.

Primary Method:
Nymphing with a 10’ 4-weight and a Rio Gold line. Focus on getting flies down in deeper runs with clean, natural drifts

Flies: Tiny Tailwater,Mercer’s Micro Mayfly, RS2

Strategy Tip:
As flows rise, don’t hesitate to add weight and fish deeper. The key right now is presentation—dial in your drift, and fish will eat.