Area Information

Located 2 hours North of Sacramento Clear Lake is California’s oldest natural lake. This lake has great Bass fishing year round and yields more Bass between 3-7 lbs than any other lake in the state. This lake is a old volcanic crater and has over 1 million crawdads supplying the Bass with great protein year round.

Size and Depth

At 43,663 acres Clear Lake is the largest body of water lying entirely within the borders of California. Clear Lake is shallow with an average depth of 21 feet and a maximum of 59 feet. The lake is about 18 miles long and 7 miles wide. Water levels fluctuate about 5 to 7 feet per year.

Water Source

This natural lake contains numerous inlets. A dam was constructed at the base of the lake in 1915 to help stabilize water levels. The dam is maintained by the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

Shoreline

There are 100 miles of shoreline, much of which is privately owned. There are many docks, retaining walls, pilings and rock rip-rapped areas.

Water

Extremely fertile with clarity varying from a normal of less than 2 feet to as much as 15 feet on occasion. Heavy blooms of blue-green algae, particularly during summer, combined with suspended sediments cloud the water and limit transparency.

Cover

Most of the shore is lined with docks, pilings, piers and other man-made, fish-attracting structures. Tules, large boulders, submerged brush, hydrilla and other vegetation also provide cover.

Fishing

Clear Lake supports an excellent largemouth bass fishery that boasts one of the highest catch rates in California. Stocking of both Florida and northern strains has produced a population characterized by quality as well as quantity. The lake record large mouth was caught in 1990 and weighed 17 1/2 pounds. Several fish over 10 pounds are caught each year, and fish in the 2- to 4-pound range are considered average. An excellent crappie fishery with good-size fish can also be caught.

Forage

Sacramento hitch, carp, Sacramento perch, threadfin shad, Mississippi silversides, juvenile panfish, crappie, and crawfish a few trout do end up in the lake from the streams that feeds inot clear lake but they are rare.

State Park is great for Camping fishing and lauching your boat for more info call  707-279-4293

Location

Located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes northeast of San Francisco, Lake Berryessa is a picturesque reservoir nestled in Napa County, drawing visitors from all over for its recreational activities and natural beauty.

Historical Context

Lake Berryessa is a man-made reservoir formed from the construction of the Monticello Dam on Putah Creek in the 1950s. The damming of the creek led to the flooding of the historic town of Monticello.

Size and Depth

Encompassing about 20,700 acres, Lake Berryessa is one of the largest bodies of water in the Napa region. The lake reaches depths of up to 304 feet. It stretches approximately 15 miles long and 3 miles wide. Water levels can vary depending on the season and the amount of rainfall in the region.

Water Source

Originating from Putah Creek, the waters are collected behind the Monticello Dam, creating Lake Berryessa. The reservoir serves multiple purposes including flood control, water supply, and hydroelectricity generation.

Shoreline

Lake Berryessa boasts around 165 miles of shoreline. Parts of the shoreline are dotted with recreational areas and resorts, while other parts remain rugged and natural.

Water

Water clarity in Lake Berryessa is typically good due to its depth and limited runoff. However, it can vary based on weather and local activities. Unlike Clear Lake, blue-green algae blooms are less frequent, but occasional events can affect water transparency.

Cover

The lake has a variety of underwater terrains, including rocky outcrops, submerged trees, and various depths suitable for different species of fish. There are also several coves and inlets that provide additional cover.

Fishing

Lake Berryessa is popular for its diverse fishing opportunities. While it may not match the bass yield of Clear Lake, it is renowned for bass, catfish, rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon fishing. Anglers frequently report catching bass in the 3- to 5-pound range.

Forage

Primary forage fish include threadfin shad, pond smelt, and juvenile bass. Additionally, crawfish and other smaller fish species serve as a food source for the lake’s larger fish.

Recreation and Amenities

Lake Berryessa is surrounded by recreational areas, including the Lake Berryessa Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy camping, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities. There are also several boat launch facilities available.

For more information about Lake Berryessa and its amenities, please call (707) 966-2111.