Information provided by Berryessa Trails and Conservation at www.berryessatrails.org 
 
Fishing at Lake Berryessa

Fishing at Lake Berryessa is among the best in the state.  Fishing is permitted with a valid license on all of Lake Berryessa's public lands and waters.    Anglers enjoy fishing for both cold and warm water species such as rainbow trout, bass, catfish, crappie, salmon and bluegill.   Fishing while slow-boating in and out of coves around the lake is pleasurable and usually rewarding.  Shoreline fishing is also popular, as well as fishing from canoes, kayaks, and float tubes.  There are numerous fishing tournaments, trout derby’s and other competitive fishing opportunities. 

Lake Berryessa fishing brochure:  To learn about the different fish in Lake Berryessa, tips on how to catch them, a caution about mercury, fishing limits, and other issues, pick one up Fishing at Lake Berryessa at the Visitors Center, or download from http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/docs/brochure_fishing.pdf .

Fishing Licenses:  You need a fishing license if you are 16 or older.  Annual licenses and one or two day passes can be obtained locally at Turtle Rock, Pleasure Cove Marina, and Markley Cove store. 

Access:  The free public boat launch ramp is at Capell Cove; concession managed boat launch ramps are at Steele Park, Pleasure Cove Marina and Markley Cove Marina.  Oak Shores and Smittle Creek Parks, and all of the day use areas around the lake, provide opportunities for shoreline fishing or a place to launch for kayak and float tube fishing.   Shoreline fishing from the north end is particularly popular, where there are numerous trails heads which lead down to the lake shore.

Senior Citizen Fishing Access:  If you have a special need for vehicle access to easier shoreline fishing, Reclamation offers access by car to Government Point, near Visitors Center, for senior citizens and disabled anglers with special needs. A photo identification permit is required to fish at this site, so contact the Administrative Staff to obtain a permit. You can stop by the office anytime Monday - Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., or phone 707/966-2111, extension 0. The address for Government Point and the Administration Office is 5520 Knoxville Road, Napa, California, 94558.