Lake Berryessa

Berryessa Sunrise

Current News:

  • Lake Berryessa implements new protocol for boat launching to prevent golden mussels
  • Capell Cove boat launch is temporarily closed for all vessel launching except with a Special Event Permit (email BOR-Berryessa@usbr.gov)

    • About the Lake

    Lake Berryessa is the reservoir for the Solano Project which is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and operated under a cooperative agreement by the Solano County Water Agency/Solano Irrigation District. The project provides flood control protection to the city of Winters and other downstream communities, as well as high-quality water supply for irrigation and the cities of Vacaville, Suisun City, Vallejo, and Fairfield.

    At capacity, Lake Berryessa stores 1.6 million acre feet of water and is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in California. The lake is 23 miles long, 3 miles wide, with 165 miles of shoreline. Reclamation and the Blue Ridge Berryessa Partnership jointly manage a 2,000-acre wildlife area along the east side of the lake.

    Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities. Berryessa's water reaches temperatures of up to 75 degrees in the summer, making it an ideal place for water sports. Anglers enjoy fishing for both cold and warm water species, such as rainbow trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.

    Lake Berryessa provides many opportunities to experience a variety of wildlife and plant exploration activities. The grassy hills dotted with oak and manzanita provide excellent opportunities to view eagles, hawks, songbirds, wild turkeys, and deer. Hiking, bird watching, photography, and picnicking are all popular activities year-round.

  • The Bureau of Reclamation requires that all boats launching at Lake Berryessa participate in a seal program to prevent the spread of the new invasive mussel species, the Golden Mussel, that was found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Learn more about the process and what’s open HERE.

    Please keep Lake Berryessa beautiful by following these minimum impact practices:

    leave no trace thumbnail
    Download PDF Version: English | Spanish

    Planning Documents

  • Reservoir Area Management Plan
  • Visitor Services Plan
  • Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
  • Interpretive Plan: (Coming in 2025)
  • Interpretive Plan Report: (Coming in 2026)
    • Last Updated: 3/26/26