Putah Creek & Lake Berryessa Fly Fishing Report

Johnny Feaster of Feaster Fishing reports on October 9th, 2026

Putah Creek Fishing Report

Target Species: Rainbow Trout

Fishing Method: Nymphs with Indicator
Leader Length: 4 to 6 feet

CFS: 300-400

Fishing Overview:
Fall is settling in, and the fish are beginning to pair up and become more active, making this
the most productive time of year on the water. With temperatures fluctuating, mornings and
afternoons have offered the most consistent action, while the bite tends to slow during the
heat of the day.

Primary Method
● Nymphing with a 10’ 4-weight and a Rio Gold line.
● This time of year on Putah Creek calls for a stealthier approach and subtle
presentations. Move carefully, keep casts delicate, and focus on getting a natural
drift. Smaller flies can be especially effective when targeting some of the creek’s
bigger trout. Remember—elephants eat peanuts!

What’s Working: 
● Beadhead Bird’s Nest — #18
● Tungsten Darth Baetis (Umpqua)
● RS2 — #20
● Mercer’s Micro Mayfly — #18 in black and red
● Green Caddis Pupa — #18

Strategy Tip
Long, shallow flats can be surprisingly productive on Putah Creek. Don’t overlook the skinny
water—start in the shallows and gradually work your way into deeper water, keeping your approach stealthy and your presentations subtle.

Lake Berryessa Fishing Report 

Water Temps: 72-78°F (surface)

Depth: Fish holding around 9-15 feet

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

Fishing Overview:
Heading into the fall season, we are starting to use the Float-n-Fly method primarily. This can
be one of the most rewarding times of year for targeting quality largemouth bass.

Primary Methods:
• Top Water - First light / last light
• Streamers
• Starting Float N Fly

Key Areas
● Shallow flats
● Rocky banks
● Protected coves
● Weed edges
● Shaded structure during warmer parts of the day

What’s Working
Early mornings and evenings have been best for topwater action. Streamers continue producing aggressive follows and eats throughout the day. Float-n-Fly techniques are still fishing very well for suspended fish. Don't be afraid to go deeper throughout the day.

Productive Flies
Streamers
●White/Grey Streamers
●Steve Adachi Surf Brown

Float N Fly
●North Valley’s Float N Fly patterns
●Balanced Leeches #12 (all colors)

Topwater
● Delta Bass Bugs
● EWG Poppers
● Sliders in Grey/White

Gear Notes
● The Rio Outbound Short sinking line has been excellent for streamer fishing and
covering water effectively.

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.