Berryessa in June

It’s definitely KOKANEE and LANDLOCKED KING SALMON time at Lake Berryessa! But, with variable weather conditions, catching might pose a problem!

We’ve certainly been faced with some challenging conditions this Spring & now Summer. Barometric pressure is probably the most difficult issue to deal with – perpetual Highs & then Lows, then Highs again create nothing but havoc for the angler…and fish, too!

During periods of “High” – fish seem tp be easier to catch. They can be seen on the locator, actively chasing food sources & can be enticed by an attractive lure, scent or action. Fish have a tendency to drop down, slow down & be more particular when they eat when a “Low” moves into the area. Savy anglers are beginning to study solar tables when anticipating going fishing, which makes them sound very knowledgeable…however, we all know – if you want to go – you go!

Kokanee catching during the best of times is always a challenge. They are finicky & the slightest alteration to their norm, sets them off! Presentation becomes the issue. Being in the right place at the right time, finding the right depth, speed, lure, the right color and action is the “fun” of it!

Sep headed out to Berryessa this past week during the great weather. It took using combinations of attractors in various locations, taking suggestions and advice from other anglers and by 11AM Sep had a great looking Kokanee! The day ended up with three nice Kokanee plus a Rainbow Trout. It wasn’t easy fishing!

Consensus of Opinions - The water is very cloudy at the south end of the lake…Putah Creek is nearly up to the rim. A lot of water is being sucked out of Berryessa and the east shore and close to the dam is particularly cloudy. This definitely affected success! Even holding near the old channel didn’t work as expected. The cronies – John Eagleton, Allen Fong, Gary Voet, Bob Smalley, Gary DeGrasse texted information back and forth and all feel clarity of water was a major factor. A couple of boats showed up late and headed past the Big Island. They fished about two miles past, found clear water and limited out fairly quickly with a triple and some doubles! That proved the point!

What to use…dodgers, short leaders…pink/purple Apex, small white Hoochies…standard small pink spinners…all tipped with white corn. Even with all the chatter, it was a tough day!

So, Sep is heading back to Berryessa next week -probably Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s too good to pass up – the fish are there and it’s up to the angler to unlock the combination. There are definitely some really big fish that get away! Hope to see you there…..