Indian Valley Reservoir / IVR - Why No Reports For Years?

I was thinking of heading out to IVR to test out my new early xmas present and saw there's basically been no info for years.  Water levels aren't super high at the moment, but it's also not dry either and certainly better than many past years. 

I've never fished there on prior visits, although I've been for camping and shooting.  I assume the road deters most powerboaters and I heard there is also a speed limit; I'm looking for something quiet, don't really mind if it's all that scenic.

Definitely will be fishing, but my main focus is getting my new setup dialed in, so I won't mind if I get skunked.  I know the wind blows there sometimes, this in itself isn't bad, I need to test this as well. 

Clear Lake and Pillsbury are closer to me (Sebastopol), but I've always associated those with endless amounts of wake and power boats.  Am I wrong?  I know Clear Lake is pretty damn huge, but I've never been on the lake for anything, let alone kayaking or fishing. 

In fact I've never been kayak fishing on a lake, only saltwater or rivers. 

Probably because its in the middle of nowhere with an allstar fishery at clear lake nearby and a hell of a lot easier to get to.  I do like it out there though, especially in the spring as long as its not super windy.  Bring a shotgun and a fishing rod, turkey cast and blast.

Haven't been there for a long time, since before the drought nearly dried it up a few years back, but I have seen some nice rainbows come out of IVR. Any idea of how access is since the last couple fires?

Have you considered lake Hennessy in Napa county? It's alot closer to Sebastopol and has a 10hp limit on motor boats so is usually peaceful. Not sure about its status since the fires either though.

Have you considered lake Hennessy in Napa county? It's alot closer to Sebastopol and has a 10hp limit on motor boats so is usually peaceful. Not sure about its status since the fires either though.

Looks like it's open, according to City of Napa's web site. https://www.cityofnapa.org/580/Lake-Hennessey-Boating-Fishing

I've never fished there before, so I might hit that up later this week and file a report.

I went to IVR once maybe 15 years ago.  Caught 3 trout that were so parasite ridden that I didn't even want to touch them.  Never went back.

Probably because its in the middle of nowhere with an allstar fishery at clear lake nearby and a hell of a lot easier to get to.  I do like it out there though, especially in the spring as long as its not super windy.  Bring a shotgun and a fishing rod, turkey cast and blast.

Yeah if fish was my number one concern, I'd go elsewhere, but its taking a backseat.  Just upgraded my Vibe Yellowfin 100 to a Shearwater 125, need to dial in the rudder and some of the mods and my whole setup.  I also want to do some camping and shooting away from any crowds, and my Audi SQ5 likes to go offroad.  I don't think they've dropped any fish in there for awhile.  It's about 50 feet or something below high water line from last year.  But still leaves plenty of 50-60+ foot areas near the reservoir. 

Haven't been there for a long time, since before the drought nearly dried it up a few years back, but I have seen some nice rainbows come out of IVR. Any idea of how access is since the last couple fires?

Access from Bartlett or Indian Valley Rd is open according to BLM.  I'd really like to get a couple rainbows if I can, sounds like by the reservoir in the top of the column. 

Have you considered lake Hennessy in Napa county? It's alot closer to Sebastopol and has a 10hp limit on motor boats so is usually peaceful. Not sure about its status since the fires either though.

I have considered it, but never did much research.  I didn't know there was a speed limit, as I know friends who go there in their boats. 

2-3 hours is good for me, I like to feel like I'm getting away and be far away from as many folks and noise as I can.  I know there are some spots at Berryessa to get away from crowds as well, which is only about 90 minutes from me. 

Have you considered lake Hennessy in Napa county? It's alot closer to Sebastopol and has a 10hp limit on motor boats so is usually peaceful. Not sure about its status since the fires either though.

Looks like it's open, according to City of Napa's web site. https://www.cityofnapa.org/580/Lake-Hennessey-Boating-Fishing

I've never fished there before, so I might hit that up later this week and file a report.

Let me know if you do go, I work in Napa. 

I hit up Indian valley earlier in the year. April ,I think. The lake was in pretty good shape. The entrance to the dam was locked up. Had to drive around to the north side. I marked tons of bait and fish. I threw everything in the box at them. No takers. I used to knock the cra P out big eagle lake trout,and kokenee there. I tried for crappie and bass, I couldn't get them to go,eather. Good luck if you go.

I hit up Indian valley earlier in the year. April ,I think. The lake was in pretty good shape. The entrance to the dam was locked up. Had to drive around to the north side. I marked tons of bait and fish. I threw everything in the box at them. No takers. I used to knock the cra P out big eagle lake trout,and kokenee there. I tried for crappie and bass, I couldn't get them to go,eather. Good luck if you go.

That's quite interesting, and seems to correlate with what little reports I've found online from this year and last year, although it sounds like the south ramp and the reservoir with the deep water is where most of the action is lately.  But yeah, lot of people saying that they were seeing fish on their finders, but no action (except trolling).

However swell reports for wednesday still look decent so maybe I will head up the coast to Big River today, and try to get out at Van Damme or something tomorrow.   

Ahhhh IVR.. I remember fishing there back in the day in its Hey Dayz..when the water line used to above all the uncut trees..Kokanee up 22" and the biggest in state at the time. Sure grateful I got to fish and experience it when it was good. Would definitely like to go back. Crappie and catfish was good to there. I hear its Dirt Bike heaven now. Thanks for sharing.

I'm a fellow Sebastopolian. Try hitting up riverside state park if you want a close spot to go to near Sebastopol. Although it is small and has been crowded the last few times Ive been.

I have conducted a number of surveys on this reservoir throughout the years. If you’re looking for a world class fishery then I’d go to Clearlake. If you’re looking to explore, fish standing timber, catch some crappie or bass (and maybe a trout) then I’d give it a shot. It’s relatively remote, and near lake county, which means hillbilly shenanigans. I found a few hundred yards of gill nets in the standing timber during a drought survey as well as other signs of skullduggery.

Do you mean Riverfront County Park?
Riverside State Park is in...  never heard of it

Do you mean Riverfront County Park?
Riverside State Park is in...  never heard of it

Yep, you're right. My bad.