Staff Itineraries
Jordan: Hiking
I like to arrive early so I can hike in the cooler temperatures of the morning. I like to park in Coyote Knolls near the Smittle Creek trailhead, so I have easy access to my car once I'm finished with my hike. I make sure we pick up any trash we spot on the trail and always practice Leave No Trace principles. Once the hike is finished, I find a quiet picnic table to sit down and set up my propane grill for cooking burgers. When I am done with lunch, it is time to go home, and I make sure to throw all of my trash away in the dumpsters before leaving.
Courtney: Kayaking
My perfect day at Lake Berryessa would be grabbing my kayak and paddling over to the Narrows on the East side of the lake. It’s a good workout and an even better fishing spot. I make sure to wear a life vest and have a valid fishing license with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and then head out! Here at lake Berryessa we have all three black bass species which consist of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. The Narrows, with their steep rocky embankment and easy access to shallow and deep water, are a haven for spotted bass. I have the best luck when casting my crankbaits and jerkbaits. Once I've caught a bass or two (or ten), I paddle back to shore and lay out my towel to read a good book and catch some rays. I reapply my sunscreen and bring out the snacks for an afternoon of relaxation and fun. When the sun falls behind the mountains, I pack up and toss all my trash in the dumpster to comply with the lake's Leave No Trace principles. I leave Lake Berryessa happy and ready to come back next time!
Stuart: Fishing
I like to be the first one in the park at 7:35, right after they open. That way, I can catch the sunrise and secure a parking spot before the rush of visitors comes in. I always try to carpool with my friends so we only pay one $5 fee for parking. If I'm fishing, I spend most of my visit in North Oak Shores. There's plenty of room to spread out and shady trees to cast off beneath. Prime catches for shoreline fishing include largemouth bass, Chinook salmon, and catfish.
Jennifer: Dog Walking
