Lake Berryessa... early season for blackbass

Weather was just great! Got in the water around 9:30am. A few PBs around. 15 min later I got my 1st hit and landed a juvenile smallmouth. I lot of missed strikes (darn rookie!). Don (yellow) and I (red) landed a few more LMB and SMB on plastics. I tried a few flies with a variety of patterns and colors on my 7 wt but they showed no interest to the locals. Anyway, it was just a perfect day if not for the jetskiers (don't match with the quiet sport) that make a lot of annoying noise

LL

Nice report TailWalk-
                     
It sounds like you had a nice day on the water.

Thanks for the update.


Fish on!

Were did you launch from?

That looks like the Oaks area

Yup. Oak shore, north side. That is SMB country. If you like to go for LMB they say that south of the lake is better.

LL

Do you have to pay to launch there?

Not where we launched. But be ready for a long walk. It is a huge lake and there's a lot of areas you can launch.

LL

Nice looking smallie... I may have to give that place a try. I haven't fish Berry since I was a teenager. I think it's time to get back up there. Thanks for the report.

Freddie

Thanks for the port&pics fellas!..nice team-up.
the lake looks pretty full......always a PLUS!   I agree with you, Freddie....got to check it out before the summer-crowd tears it up!

I like to fish there, capel cove is easy and free, but to get to the narrows, that's a paddle!!!!

 I usually launch @ markely cove for $15,  ouch, but it puts you right into the narrows.

 I think, by looking @ Goggle maps, you might be able to launch @ the north end by the rd.

 Haven't found any free way into Putah Creek without a steep decent to the water, approx 300yds,

 but it is possible if ya travel light, something I have not been able to do yet.....

 I fished there last week on a Bass Boat and found smallies on the North flats picking up giztits,

 major restrictions coming to that lake for power boats and jet skis..

 Ahhh,   Too Bad ........

Don-

Great info there. I'll have to take a drive by to scout things out on the north end. I don't need much just a little access and I'm in.

Freddie

I was told there is a area to park as the rd goes over the north end, and easy access.

 never been up there, so I don't know. I would imagine that area of the lake is shallow, but

 this time of year, that would be a good thing....

You can probably launch at the camp ground. That part of the northshore is georgeous. Never fished it but I heard that it's a haven for SMB (C,P,&R).

LL

I've always thought that the southern end was the good end for SMB. Areas around... if I remember correctly, Rockslide or Quarry Canyon. It's been a while and I don't know that lake at all. But, I will make a trip there this year for sure. I may have to make 2 trips... one to the north and one to the south. I don't know...

Freddie

I was told by Jon@waltonspond that the northside is shallower and has more SMB that the southside. ChuckE may join us pretty soon...next trip maybe... when they are spawning. You are more than welcome to join us.


LL






********LET'S RELEASE MORE SO WE CAN CATCH MORE********
           ********AND ENJOY OUR QUIET SPORT********

Thanks for the invite. Depending on my schedule, I may take you up on the offer.

Freddie