John Feaster of Feaster Fly Fishing reports on March 29th, 2025

Lake Berryessa Fishing Report - March 2025
By Local Guide Johnny Feaster

Water Temperature: 55° to 58°
Target Species: Bass
Fishing Method: Float and Fly
Leader Length: 6 to 9 feet

Fishing Overview: As spring storms come and go, bass are beginning their prespawn, causing shifts in their location patterns. The larger fish are already on their beds, marking their territory, which signals the official arrival of spring. This is the perfect time of year for both boat and bank anglers to get out and enjoy the waters.

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

Fishing Patterns & Tips:
● You are looking for consistent flats, with the high waters and storms pushing through, the fish are
beginning to move into the trees and debris.
● 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!
● Attention all carp enthusiasts! The carp are starting to surface, so keep your eyes peeled!

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:
● Around this time, the fish become more active, so don’t hesitate to cast a bit farther from the points than you normally would. Think of it as targeting “no man’s land” – that’s often where you’ll find the bigger fish fattening up right now.

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!

John Fester reports on January 18th, 2025

Lake Berryessa, CA Fishing Report

Water Temperature: 53° to 56°
Target Species: winter bass
Fishing Method: float and fly
Leader Length: 9 to 11 feet

Fishing Overview: Lake Berryessa is in prime winter fishing mode and it’s one of my favorite times of the year. Big fish are showing up and the numbers are looking great as well. The water levels remain high, which is adding to the excitement—things are looking promising heading into spring.

Techniques & Gear:
The float and fly method has been highly effective for targeting winter bass in these
colder conditions. For fly selection, the Black Leech and William's 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 slower retrieves along the banks, as the bass are moving up from deeper
sections of the lake. The fish are not holding as shallow as they would during the spring so be sure to fish further off the bank than usual.

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. Look for steep banks with bold structure. Avoid areas with trees and weeds as these tend to be less productive in winter.

Bonus Species:
This is also the time when you might encounter trout while targeting bass with the float
and fly rig. A mixed bag of species can make for an exciting day on the water. Golden mussel awareness: golden mussles 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.

Overall, Lake Berryessa is shaping up to be an excellent winter fishery. With bass showing up in good numbers and the potential for some big catches, it’s a great time to be out on the water. Focus on slower retrieves along the banks, paying special attention to the second drop-offs where fish are holding. The combination of clear water and strategic fishing techniques makes for a promising season, and with spring around the corner, the action is only expected to improve. As always, remember to clean your boat to help protect the lake from invasive species.

Here's to more successful trips ahead!

Johnny Feaster
Local Guide
FeasterFishing.com
Instagram: @feasterfishing
(707) 685-4647
feasterfishing@gmail.com