Lake Berryessa - Boating and Fishing
In the summer Lake Berryessa is above all else, a water skiing and wake boarding mecca. But fishing is right there in a close second place.
Located in the Pacific Coast Range, 55 miles north of San Francisco, Lake Berryessa draws people from all over the region. The lake rests among low hills covered with oak and manzanita. Lake Berryessa and the surrounding area are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
In recent years many of the concessions at the lake have changed hands when their contracts expired. The Bureau of Reclamation has been managing many of the lake's facilities during the transition period. New concessioners have been selected to operate some of the facilities. Forever Resorts, which owns Pleasure Cove Marina, now manages some of the campgrounds.
Several day-use areas are now open under the Bureau of Reclamation's supervision. They are proposing day-use fees in the near future to be used to improve facilities. For the latest information on changes at Lake Berryessa, see
Bureau of Reclamation - Lake Berryessa.
Note: Vehicle gasoline is not available at Lake Berryessa.
Boating Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa is a favorite destination for water skiing, jet skiing, pleasure boating, houseboating, sailing, canoeing and kayaking. Warm summer temperatures make it a great playland for water sports. One free boat launch ramp is located at the southwest end of the lake and a number of others are spread along the shore.
Marinas
Lake Berryessa has two full-service marinas. Forever Resorts, which owns marinas at other California lakes, operates the Pleasure Cove Marina at the southern end of Lake Berryessa. Markley Cove, also at the southern end of the lake, continues to serve as a popular marina for lake visitors.
Fishing
Lake Berryessa is home to a wide variety of fish, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, brown and rainbow trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, bluegill, catfish, and carp. Anglers have success fishing both from boats and from shore.
Campgrounds
Lake Berryessa has a number of campgrounds situated around the lake. Several are operated by Pleasure Cove Marina and another by Royal Elk Park Management. All the campgrounds have facilities for tents and RVs. Some have RV hook-ups. At least one campground does not have running water.
Lodging
Lake Berryessa has limited lodging available. A few cabins can be rented at the two marinas. Otherwise, lake visitors should look east or west of the lake for overnight lodging.
Scenery
Oak and manzanita cover the hills around Lake Berryessa. Many long inlets and bays give the lake an interesting shoreline.
Visitor Center
The Lake Berryessa Visitor Center has cultural and natural information about the lake and the surrounding area. Rangers at the Center are happy to answer questions and to provide visitors with free maps and other materials about the area. Several good hiking trails are available along the lakeshore.
Nearby Communities
Twelve miles east of Markley Cove is the small town of Winters with shops, restaurants, and lodging. A little farther east are the large communities of Davis and Woodland. To the west lies the Napa Valley with its string of well-known, wine country towns: Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, and Napa.
