Written By Johnny Feaster, Local Fly Guide

Lake Berryessa in Napa County is an incredible spot for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike. Stretching 23 miles long with 165 miles of shoreline, the lake offers a wealth of fishing opportunities. As a local guide living just down the road in the small town of Winters and having grown up in Vacaville, this lake is my backyard. With over 25 years of experience on these waters, I take pride in offering the best experience for my clients.

I specialize in teaching the float n' fly method, catering to everyone from newcomers to expert anglers. My goal is to leave you with the skills and confidence to use these techniques on your own. I treat every guided trip like a clinic and a master class in fly fishing for bass and trout. When you leave my boat, I am confident that you’ll be comfortable with a fly rod, have honed the float n' fly and streamer stripping method, and experienced the thrill of a fish on the line.

Spotted, largemouth, and smallmouth bass are abundant here, especially around submerged structures like rocks, drop-offs, and weed beds. Rainbow trout are stocked regularly, and you'll find them more shallow in the cooler months leading into the spring. Spring is my favorite time of year on the lake. If you’re after numbers or are a beginner, this is the season for you. But if you’re looking for your personal best, Winter offers a slower pace in numbers, however, you have a greater chance to land a trophy. Bass are keen to ambush along the steep banks with noticeable drop-offs and points. During the winter months, it's best to use longer leaders, around 10 to 11 feet, since the fish tend to hunker down. In contrast, during spring, shorter leaders (5 to 7 feet) work better and are easier to cast, so better for beginners.

Stripping streamers with a double haul cast is a technique designed to provoke a reaction bite. It’s an intermediate-level method due to the double haul cast, but can be very effective in the spring and summer. Personally, I prefer using this technique around coves, points and beds. For these conditions, I primarily use North Valley's flies, particularly the Wagasaki and Black Leeches.

Lake Berryessa is a very special place to me and I’m very passionate about sharing my home waters with anyone on my boat. You can expect a fun and high-energy day on the water with plenty of laughter and a dance for every fish on the line! As always if you see me on the water don't forget to say hi!