How to Fish Lake Berryessa: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Lake Berryessa

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 2, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Berryessa

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as they feed heavily to prepare for spawning Fish are relating heavily to bottom structure and cover, with recent reports showing strong preference for brush piles and standing timber Active feeding periods are concentrated, with reports indicating specific 'bite windows' for larger fish	Brush piles and standing willows, particularly those near spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning coves Protected coves with submerged vegetation	Shakey Heads worked slowly around brush Neko Rigs with deadstick presentation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover	Crawfish are primary forage based on recent reports Small baitfish holding in brush	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Fish transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming temperatures Feeding actively on crawfish near rocky structure as primary forage, with increased aggression as water warms	Rocky points and transitions adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet Boulder fields and rock piles near deep water access in 12-20 feet Protected coves with rock structure that warm faster than main lake	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with small profile baits near rock transitions Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas Tubes hopped along boulder fields	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to warming rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-62	Staging near spawning areas but still holding on deep structure, making frequent movements between winter and spawning locations Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn, particularly during warming trends Following daily movement patterns from deeper winter holes to transitional structure as water warms	Main lake points with transition from rock to spawning pockets Secondary points in major creek arms with rock and gravel composition Steep bluff walls adjacent to spawning flats	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rock transitions Ned Rigs dragged on points and rock piles Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to bluff walls	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish holding in creek arms Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Fish are in various stages of the spawn, with some actively on beds, others cruising shallow areas looking for bedding sites, and some suspended as they move up from pre-spawn areas Bass are exhibiting mixed behavior patterns, responding to both finesse presentations and reaction baits, suggesting different populations in various spawn phases	Protected shallow areas with brush piles and vegetation for spawning Transitional areas near spawning flats with boulder structure Shallow coves with good visibility for bedding	Drop Shot with finesse baits for suspended pre-spawn fish Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and spawning areas Neko Rigs for pressured fish in spawning areas Hard Jerkbaits for targeting cruising pre-spawners	Minnows in shallow spawning areas Shad moving into spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, actively feeding on crawfish while moving between staging areas and spawning flats Fish are holding tight to rocky banks and moving shallow, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise into optimal spawning range	Rocky banks with boulders near spawning flats Secondary points with rock structure leading into spawning bays Transition areas between deep water and shallow spawning flats	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits paralleling rocky banks Wacky Rigs fished around spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass actively moving to spawning areas in 5-15ft depth range, staging on points and rocky areas adjacent to spawning flats Males preparing and guarding nests while females move between staging and spawning areas Aggressive territorial behavior near spawning sites, with increased feeding activity during pre-spawn	Rocky points and outcroppings adjacent to spawning pockets Protected coves with gravel or rocky bottom composition Secondary points inside major creek arms with hard bottom	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky points and spawning flats Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible bed areas and rocky cover Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure during pre-spawn movement	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy and highly active Small bluegill and perch in spawning areas Shad schools in creek arms and along points	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Bass actively feeding during shad spawn events, particularly early and late in the day near shallow cover Fish transitioning between spawning areas and early summer patterns, with some still guarding fry near flooded brush Showing aggressive feeding behavior when shad are present, but can be selective when heavily focused on spawning bait	Coves with underwater vegetation, especially where shad are spawning Flooded brush and timber, particularly bases where fry are being guarded Main lake points and transitions as fish begin moving toward summer patterns	Hard Topwater (Walking) early and late in day near vegetation edges Hard Jerkbaits in shallows when shad are present Neko Rigs around flooded brush and fry-guarding areas Drop Shot near submerged vegetation when fish are less active	Shad - primary forage during spawn events Bluegill - secondary forage especially around vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting crawfish and baitfish around rocky structure in 8-20 foot depths Fish are establishing predictable daily movement patterns between feeding areas and resting spots, with peak activity during morning and evening hours	Rocky points and adjacent drop-offs where crawfish are abundant Transition areas between spawning flats and summer deep-water haunts Boulder fields and rock piles in 10-20 foot depth range	Drop Shot with small finesse baits worked slowly along rocky structure Ned Rigs dragged and hopped through rocky areas Tubes bounced along bottom structure mimicking crawfish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish gathering around rocky structure Young of the year panfish in shallow transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Post-spawn spotted bass actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts Fish are establishing patterns around rock piles and points, targeting both crawfish and emerging shad populations	Secondary points with rock and gravel near spawning pockets Main lake rock piles in 10-20 foot depth range Steep rocky banks with access to deeper water	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and rock piles Football Jigs dragged through gravel and rock areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Young-of-year shad beginning to school	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	82-90	Fish are seeking cooler water and shade during peak temperatures (90°F), relating heavily to submerged vegetation for both cover and feeding opportunities Active feeding periods concentrated during early morning and late evening, with bluegill serving as primary forage	Submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range, especially near deeper water access Shaded areas under docks and overhanging cover Deep weedlines adjacent to points and coves	Hard Body Swimbaits worked slowly through vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick cover Frogs/Toads early morning and late evening	Bluegill Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-82	Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours near rocky structures and points, moving deeper during midday heat Establishing loose schools around primary feeding areas, especially near drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats Transitioning between shallow and deep water daily based on temperature and light conditions	Main lake rocky points with access to deep water Submerged boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range Steep shoreline breaks near irregular shoreline features	Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations in deeper water during midday Tubes worked along rocky structure during active feeding periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and locating active fish	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure Small baitfish relating to rock-sand transitions Young of year fish species in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-85	Spotted bass actively feeding during early morning and late evening, seeking deeper structure during midday heat Fish establishing summer feeding patterns around main lake points and rocky structures, following shad schools	Main lake points with rock piles in 15-25 foot range Deep boulder fields adjacent to creek channels Steep rocky banks with good shade during midday	Drop Shot worked along deep rock piles and points Football Jigs dragged through boulder fields Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish chasing shad	Shad schools concentrating around main lake points Crawfish active in rocky areas during early morning and evening	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Berryessa

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-75	Bass are actively following shad schools, feeding heavily to build up reserves for winter. Fish are relating to structure but making frequent moves to intercept baitfish Fish are transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods	Main lake points and creek channel intersections where shad schools congregate Shallow brush piles and submerged vegetation in 5-15 foot range Protected coves with remaining vegetation, especially on windy days	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Spinnerbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools moving into creeks and coves Remaining bluegill in vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Actively feeding on shad in deeper water near structural elements, particularly humps Following baitfish schools and utilizing rock structure as ambush points Transitioning between summer and winter patterns, with increased feeding activity to prepare for colder months	Main lake humps with rock structure Deep rocky points adjacent to feeding flats Steep breaklines near baitfish schools	Drop Shot with tungsten weights for enhanced bottom feel Spybaits worked through suspended fish Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock structure	Shad Crawfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Spotted bass are actively chasing shad in the water column, with fish showing following behavior but being somewhat selective Fish are transitioning between shallow and deeper water, responding to daily temperature changes and bait movements	Main lake points with rock structure Deep water adjacent to points (15-25ft range) Rocky transition areas between shallow and deep water	Neko Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Shakey Heads on rocky points and transitions Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	49-55	Fish are suspending near deeper structure and actively feeding on shad, with recent reports showing success in 10-14ft depth range Slower, bottom-contact presentations are producing better results, suggesting less aggressive feeding behavior typical of winter patterns	Rock piles in 10-15 foot depth range Grass flats in 10-14 foot depth range Ledges adjacent to deeper water	Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish Finesse Jigs worked methodically around structure	Shad - primary forage based on multiple winter reports Bottom-dwelling prey - indicated by success of bottom contact baits	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	50-55	Smallmouth bass are holding in deeper water (15-30ft) and relating strongly to bottom structure, actively feeding on both crawfish and shad Fish are showing preference for finesse presentations in winter conditions, with most active feeding during stable weather periods	Deep rock piles in 15-30 foot range with access to deeper water Main lake points with rocky structure Transition areas between rocky structure and deeper basins	Neko Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with small profile baits Damiki Rig for suspended fish around structure	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Shad schools in deeper water	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-52	Fish are holding tight to bottom-oriented structure, actively feeding during weather changes and showing particular response to storm fronts Spotted bass remain fairly active despite cold water temperatures (49-50°F), concentrating in deeper winter holding areas	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-30 foot depth range Deep main lake points with hard bottom composition Transition areas between shallow and deep water with rocky structure	Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Football Jigs with slow dragging presentation Drop Shot with subtle movements in deeper areas Deep diving crankbaits for actively feeding fish	Crawfish taking shelter among rocks and boulders Small baitfish relating to deep structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Berryessa

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles and standing willows, particularly those near spawning flats	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transitions adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet	Boulder fields and rock piles near deep water access in 12-20 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with transition from rock to spawning pockets	Secondary points in major creek arms with rock and gravel composition
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow areas with brush piles and vegetation for spawning	Transitional areas near spawning flats with boulder structure
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky banks with boulders near spawning flats	Secondary points with rock structure leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky points and outcroppings adjacent to spawning pockets	Protected coves with gravel or rocky bottom composition
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Coves with underwater vegetation, especially where shad are spawning	Flooded brush and timber, particularly bases where fry are being guarded
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and adjacent drop-offs where crawfish are abundant	Transition areas between spawning flats and summer deep-water haunts
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points with rock and gravel near spawning pockets	Main lake rock piles in 10-20 foot depth range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range, especially near deeper water access	Shaded areas under docks and overhanging cover
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake rocky points with access to deep water	Submerged boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock piles in 15-25 foot range	Deep boulder fields adjacent to creek channels
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and creek channel intersections where shad schools congregate	Shallow brush piles and submerged vegetation in 5-15 foot range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake humps with rock structure	Deep rocky points adjacent to feeding flats
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock structure	Deep water adjacent to points (15-25ft range)
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles in 10-15 foot depth range	Grass flats in 10-14 foot depth range
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles in 15-30 foot range with access to deeper water	Main lake points with rocky structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-30 foot depth range	Deep main lake points with hard bottom composition

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish are primary forage based on recent reports	Small baitfish holding in brush
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to warming rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish holding in creek arms
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows in shallow spawning areas	Shad moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy and highly active	Small bluegill and perch in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage during spawn events	Bluegill - secondary forage especially around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish gathering around rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Young-of-year shad beginning to school
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Shad
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure	Small baitfish relating to rock-sand transitions
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrating around main lake points	Crawfish active in rocky areas during early morning and evening
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into creeks and coves	Remaining bluegill in vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad	Crawfish
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges	Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple winter reports	Bottom-dwelling prey - indicated by success of bottom contact baits
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Shad schools in deeper water
Winter	Spotted Bass	Crawfish taking shelter among rocks and boulders	Small baitfish relating to deep structure

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Berryessa

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

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