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.

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.

Johnny Feaster Reports on June 27th, 2025

Lake Berryessa and Putah creek Fishing Report - June 2025

By Local Guide Johnny Feaster

Lake Berryessa:

Water Temperature: 73-78
Target Species: Bass
Fishing Method: Float and Fly/Top water/Streamers
Leader Length: 6 to 9 feet

Fishing Overview: with the summer heat starting, the early morning top water action has been really good with some big fish being caught. Switching fly size can get the bigger aggressive fish to eat, so don’t be afraid to go big! After the early morning, switching to Float-n-Fly or streamers has proved to be more productive as the day goes on!

Techniques & Gear:
● The Float and Fly method is my preferred technique on the lake, with summer water temps rising Top water and streamers have been hooking some nice fish!
● For fly selection, the Black Leech and Williams Wagasaki from North Valley Fly Fishing have been producing excellent results, you can buy these flies at flyfishcnv.com.
● A 3 or 5 foot leader is working best to keep your presentation in the strike zone at the proper depth.

Fishing Patterns & Tips:
● The early morning top water 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 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:
● 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: 5 to 9 feet
CFS: 600+

Fishing Overview: Summer flows are here! 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 Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and midges of all colors. 

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.

Rob George of The Bend Company Reports on May 29th, 2025

WATCH OUT FOR RATTLESNAKES 

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