Central California Area Office

Boating

Launch Ramps

Markley Cove Resort, Pleasure Cove Marina, Steele Canyon Recreation Area, Putah Canyon Recreation Area, and Spanish Flat Recreation Area offer services including camping and boat launching. For information on concession-operated facilities, or to make reservations, please call the concession operators or visit their websites.

Invasive Mussel Prevention

Reclamation requires all boats launching at Lake Berryessa to participate in a seal program to prevent the spread of invasive mussels. All vessels wishing to launch at Lake Berryessa will be inspected. A red quarantine seal will be applied for 30 days during, which the vessel will not be permitted to launch. Vessels that have finished the 30-day quarantine may return to the lake and have the seal removed by authorized staff and will be allowed to launch.

Any vessel wishing to launch sooner than the required 30-day quarantine period must have a hot-water decontamination performed by Solano County Water Agency trained and approved staff. These vessels are allowed to launch immediately following decontamination.

Should a vessel be decontaminated at another facility or by another entity, that decontamination will not be valid unless a seal is applied to the vessel.

Upon exit from the Lake, all vessels must have a seal attached by authorized staff to be allowed to freely launch at Lake Berryessa. Otherwise, the vessel will need to undergo another quarantine period or decontamination.

Hand launched watercraft with electric motors like fishing kayaks, require an inspection prior to launch. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, are not subject to inspection and are encouraged to be inspected for free at any launch ramp. All paddlers are encouraged to arrive clean, drained, and dry.

Reclamation, its partners, and its Concessioners are making these changes to prevent the spread of golden mussels. The invasive species was recently identified in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America. The species pose a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality.

Boating Safety

43 CFR Part 423 prohibits hunting on all Reclamation on Federal Property. An eAll Boaters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the California Boater Card program. Boaters may apply for the $10 card from the California Division of Boating and Waterways at: http://californiaboatercard.com/applynow/

All Coast Guard and State of California rules for navigation and boat operation apply and are strictly enforced by the Napa County Sheriff's Office. For more information on preparing for a successful day on the water, read the Division of Boating and Waterways ABCs of California Boating, which can be found at: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28711