Capell Cove Boat Launch Day Use Area

Trout and salmon

Trout and salmon, traditionally regarded as cold water fish, are inhabitants of the deep, open waters of Lake Berryessa, and can often reach “trophy” sizes of more than 10 pounds (the average size is 2-4 pounds). These fish are best caught by trolling – dragging a spinnerbait or minnow on a line behind a slow moving boat in open water – a method made easier with the help of a downrigger or fish finder. During the spring, trout and salmon swim at depths around 15-20 feet. In the summer they are generally found below 40 feet.

Another method used to catch trout or salmon is to drift a minnow, nightcrawler, or salmon eggs in open water using a bobber. Shore fishing has proven less successful for these fish, but it is possible during the spring when the water temperatures are still cool. Fly fishing is possible in Upper Putah Creek and is very popular below the dam in Lower Putah Creek. Time, patience, and experience are all necessary to catch these fish. Rainbow trout are the most common trout species; however brown trout and brook trout also exist. Landlocked steelhead are native to the region, and spawn in Upper Putah Creek during the Bass season.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Because of the technique and skill required to catch Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass, and the thrill of hooking a large one, many anglers consider bass to be the ultimate game fish of Lake Berryessa. The largemouth (15 - 20 inches) is slightly larger than the smallmouth (12-18 inches), and both fish spawn in the spring, when they can be found feeding in shallow areas for most of the day.

To fish for bass, it is important to know some basic information about their feeding habits. In the summer, bass generally spend their days and nights resting in deeper water, but they move to shallow warm water to feed in the morning and evening. These areas usually have vegetation or other structures that attract minnows, flies, or other small creatures which bass feed on. In addition, these shallow areas tend to be close to the deep waters where bass rest - therefore, many anglers fish for them along points or steep ridges, and the shallow vegetated areas along the edge. Fishermen often say that rocky points, floating vegetation, docks, or coves filled with trees are prime bass habitats.

While trout fishing is great in the shallows during the cooler months, anglers have to switch to deep water angling in the late spring and summer months. Downriggers are the favorite style of fishing by experienced Berryessa anglers. The best trolling lanes are from the dam to the narrows in Markley and Skiers coves. The lake may be fished year round.

From I-80 (San Francisco) – Take I-80 northbound to Fairfield; exit Suisun Valley Road (which eventually turns into Wooden Valley Road) and go west/north; turn right on Highway 121 toward Lake Berryessa; to reach the Reclamation Headquarters, Visitor Center, Capell Cove Boat Launch, and two Day Use Parks, turn left at Moskowite Corners on Highway 128; turn right on Knoxville Road, and follow the signs.

From I-80 (Sacramento) – Take I-80 southbound to Davis; exit Highway 113; take Highway 113 to Covell Road/Highway 128 (toward Winters); drive through Winters and pass Monticello Dam; to reach the Reclamation Headquarters, Visitor Center, Capell Cove Boat Launch, and two Day Use Parks, turn right at Moskowite Corners on Highway 128; turn right on Knoxville Road, and follow the signs.

From I-5 (Sacramento or Redding) – Turn off of I-5 onto Highway 113 west in Woodland (toward Winters); turn right on Covell Road/Highway 128 in Davis (toward Winters); drive through Winters and pass Monticello Dam; to reach the Reclamation Headquarters, Visitor Center, Capell Cove Boat Launch, and two Day Use Parks, turn right at Moskowite Corners on Highway 128; turn right on Knoxville Road, and follow the signs.

From Napa – Take Highway 121 northeast toward Lake Berryessa; to reach the Reclamation Headquarters, Visitor Center, Capell Cove Boat Launch, and two Day Use Parks, turn left at Moskowite Corners on Highway 128; turn right on Knoxville Road, and follow the signs.

From St. Helena – Take Highway 128 toward Lake Berryessa; to reach the Reclamation Headquarters, Visitor Center, Capell Cove Boat Launch, and two Day Use Parks, turn left on Knoxville Road, and follow the signs.