Fishing Reports
Lake Berryessa
Fishing Report-February 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!
Fishing Report- January 2025
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:
Method: Float and Fly has been highly effective for targeting winter bass in these colder conditions.
Fly selection: 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 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 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.
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.
Putah Creek
Fishing Report - November 2024 - Winter Closure
As the season winds down and the closure draws near, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary year it’s been on Putah Creek. From the season opener on March 1st to the upcoming closure this November, this creek has continued to surprise me, offering countless memories, personal bests, and a deeper appreciation for just how special this fishery truly is. In fact, I would go so far as to say this has been one of the best years I’ve ever witnessed here on the creek.
The current flows are low, ranging between 60-100 cfs, making the fish more wary. Stealth is key—approach carefully. As the trout begin to pair up, don’t forget to give your end drift a chance to swing. Red and black zebra midges, along with some micro mayflies, are working well. A size 16 flashback pheasant tail is also a good choice.
As Clayton Ono wisely says, "A drag-free drift catches fish."
Why Does Putah Creek Keep Improving?
The answer is simple, yet crucial: responsible angling. More and more, I’ve seen the creek thrive because of anglers taking the initiative to protect it—whether that means putting down the rod during crucial times of the year or simply respecting the creek’s delicate balance. It’s not just about the fish we catch, but ensuring future generations have the same opportunities to experience this incredible fishery as we do.
Putah Creek may be small in size, but it offers abundant opportunities for both trout and anglers alike. The creek supports trout throughout their entire life cycle, especially from December through March 1st, when they undergo spawning activities. During this period, the trout can be found in various stages—pre-spawn, actively spawning, or post-spawn. As anglers, it’s important to respect these critical phases and give the fish the space they need to thrive. Without this care and consideration, we risk jeopardizing what makes this place so unique and special.
The Importance of the Closure
As a local guide, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that the annual closure has had on the creek. When the closure is in place, the fish are in a safe environment with low flows, and they can spawn in clear, untouched beds. During this period, there’s far less disturbance from anglers, and fish can go about their natural processes without added stress. The beds, often overlooked by waders or anglers, are given a chance to stabilize, allowing for the next generation to grow.
However, this year has also been a reminder of the challenges the creek faces. With lower water flows and increased sedimentation, fewer spawning reds have been visible, meaning more fish are compacted into smaller areas. This makes them vulnerable to predators like otters and osprey, as well as careless anglers who may unintentionally disrupt spawning areas. That’s why the closure isn’t just a matter of protecting the fish; it’s about ensuring the long-term health of Putah Creek.
A Day on the Creek is My Favorite Day
When people ask me about my favorite guide day on the creek, I can honestly say that every day I get to be out here is my favorite. Whether it’s fishing on my own or sharing the experience with someone else, each day on Putah Creek offers something new. It’s not just about catching fish; it’s about the ups, the downs, the accomplishments, and yes, even the heartbreaks that come with fly fishing.
Putah Creek is more than a fishing spot; it’s a community, and fly fishing is truly an international language. No matter where someone comes from, there’s a shared passion for this creek that transcends barriers. Every person who walks the banks of Putah shares in the joy of the cast, the thrill of the hook, and the appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us.
As we near the closure, I encourage everyone to reflect on their role in preserving this incredible fishery. Take a moment to think about future generations—our kids, grandkids, and beyond—and what we can do to ensure they have the same opportunities we’ve had to experience Putah Creek at its finest. It’s a privilege to guide here, and a privilege to share this creek with others. Here’s to a successful close to the season, and to the continued health of Putah Creek for years to come.
