Lake Berryessa Fishing Report | September 22, 2025
The report at a glance
Depth
Fish came from 50 feet down to 88 feet.
Presentation
The number one setup is a slow trolled dodger paired with a T-Pex, tipped with Chrome Killer corn. This combo has produced across California and beyond all season.
Lures and baits
Trolling dodgers
T-Pex
Chrome Killer Corn Cure
Advice for this week
Chase marks late in the day and drop back down on fresh arcs. Keep tipping the T-Pex with cured corn for scent.
Next week
Berryessa remains fantastic and the kokanee and king bite should hold.
Notable catch
Big king salmon and kokanee near 19 to 20 inches.
Lake Berryessa is fishing great in late September 2025 with big king salmon and monster kokanee near 19 to 20 inches. The number-one setup is a Catch America offset dodger with a T-Pex tipped with Chrome Killer corn. Capt. Nate Kelsch caught fish from 50 feet down to 88 feet, chasing marks to finish the day.
What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?
Big king salmon and monster kokanee. Capt. Nate Kelsch put clients Jim and Burt on big kings and kokanee he estimated near 19 to 20 inches. The fishing is great, and Nate finished the day by chasing individual marks and boating two fish back to back.
What is the best setup for Berryessa right now?
By far the number-one performer is a Catch America offset dodger with a T-Pex tipped with Chrome Killer corn. Nate says that recipe has been the top setup not only at Berryessa but across California and the nation.
How deep are Berryessa fish holding in September?
Nate caught fish from 50 feet down to about 88 feet, his deepest of the day. He chased marks late, dropping the dodger and T-Pex down onto individual fish and hooking them, then turning around to catch another.
How do you tip a T-Pex for Berryessa kokanee?
Tip the T-Pex with Chrome Killer corn behind the offset dodger. Nate points to his numerous videos for the full recipe. It has been the number-one kokanee and king setup on the lake.
What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?
Berryessa remains fantastic. Nate noted that offset dodgers, T-Pexes, spinner hoochies, Trigger Spoon packages, and Chrome Killer scent were coming back in stock. Kokanee and kings should keep producing on the proven dodger and T-Pex program.
Watch the full report
Lake Berryessa September 22, 2025 FAQ
Big king salmon and monster kokanee near 19 to 20 inches.
A Catch America offset dodger with a T-Pex tipped with Chrome Killer corn.
From 50 feet down to about 88 feet.
Nate estimated them near 19 to 20 inches.
Chrome Killer corn for the number-one kokanee and king recipe.
Yes. Nate calls it fantastic and expects it to continue.
