Berry Koke report 9/24

After seeing Big Nate’s latest Berryessa report with huge Kokanee and huge freshwater Kings, I decided to give it another shot today. The water is still only 10’ down and I’m surprised it’s not being claimed for ag use.
I launched at my secret Smittle Creek launch. It wasn’t red hot - I picked up a nice trout in the first hour at about 60’ and then 2 smallmouths at 70’ - 80’ that had me fooled and playing them softly, thinking I had large Kokanee on. Then after awhile I lost a decent Kokanee 10’ from the boat, which tracks with my Berryessa experience.
I finally netted a Berry Koke but it wasn’t the 2 liter size I was searching for. It was Bullards size and probably next years fish. That was followed by another trout and then I worked my way in. All trout and Kokanee were picked up around 60’ deep. I’m surprised the bass were deeper. Lots of shallower marks, which were probably spotted bass, crappie, etc.

That’s a nice smallmouth!
Thanks for the report, Joe.
I wonder if the dark kokes and kings are making their way near the dam / Markley.
I imagine that’s where they plant them and they’d hone back to that area. 🤔

Nice work Joe! Looks like you got some good grade fish, even if not a lot of them. Looks like a nice day on the water too; certainly a nice break from the heat the last few days gave us.

Sorry not the Kokanee you where looking for but nice variety and some chunky ones in there Joe!

Someday I will fish Berryessa.

That’s a nice smallmouth!
Thanks for the report, Joe.
I wonder if the dark kokes and kings are making their way near the dam / Markley.
I imagine that’s where they plant them and they’d hone back to that area. 🤔

I didn't think of that. I figured they would have been heading more up-lake/upstream.
Big Nate got some huge Kokanee (20"?) and salmon again today. Gotta find his boat and hide an airtag on it.

Thanks for the report Joe, and sorry the kokes are being elusive. When I was there awhile back I couldn't keep the trout off my lines. Would like to go back again, and the Oak Shores launch that opens at 7:30am is good for those who like to sleep in.

When I was there awhile back I couldn't keep the trout off my lines.

That sounds like a good problem to have...

When I was there awhile back I couldn't keep the trout off my lines.

That sounds like a good problem to have...

When they start stocking trout in the East Bay lakes the first thing I’m going to try is slow trolling Kokanee gear with tuna soaked corn.