Fishing Report: Big Nate - Lake Berryessa

Fishing Report: Big Nate - Lake Berryessa

Catch America – Fishing Report

Location & Conditions
Body of Water: Lake Berryessa
City / Region: Napa County, CA
Date of Report: May 19, 2025
Weather Conditions: Not specified (assumed stable; clear from fishing success)
Water Temperature: Not specified
Water Clarity: Not specified
Water Level / Flow: Not specified

Fishing Overview

Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Target Species: Kokanee Salmon (primary), Rainbow Trout (incidental)

Most Active Depth Range: 40–70 feet

Most Effective Presentation: Trolling

Best Time of Day: Not specified, but steady bite throughout trip

Successful Lures or Baits Used:

  • Chrome Killer corn with tuna oil and Pautzke’s dye
  • Trinidad Tackle Dodgers (straight gold, pink, moon jelly)
  • Uncle Larry’s Tackle
  • Texas Tackle gear

Other Techniques That Worked:

  • Staying away from boat clusters to locate active fish
  • Mixing in gear styles but keeping baits in the right depth zone

Notable Catches:

  • Double limits of kokanee on the first targeted trip of the season
  • Numerous rainbow trout caught and released
  • Kokanee described as “donkeys” and “massive”

Guide’s Tips & Notes

Advice for This Week:

  • If you’re chasing kokanee, stay off the beaten path—don’t follow the crowd or other boats.
  • Be precise with your depth. These fish were stacked from 40–70 feet.
  • Run gear like Chrome Killer corn combos and bright dodgers for best results.

Changes You’re Seeing:

  • This is the start of kokanee season, and the bite is already hot.
  • Trout are still around and active but were not the main focus—expect a few hookups as bycatch.

Predictions for Next Week:

  • With kokanee already putting on weight, the next month or two could be epic.
  • Expect increased size and even better action as we roll into summer.
  • Look for continued success mixing in trout and even the occasional king salmon if targeting deeper water.

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