NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation is urging guests to prepare well in advance for a day on the water this year. Conditions for motorized vessel launching have changed.
Plan ahead before trailering your vessel
Beginning in November 2024, all vessels entering Lake Berryessa must complete a free, 30-day quarantine before launching. Those already in possession of a Lake Berryessa green seal, proof of decontamination, or who plan to use vessels that are neither petroleum powered nor trailered, are exempt from the quarantine. More information on the quarantine, seal installation locations, and decontaminations may be found on the Solano County Water Agency Website: https://scwa2.com/lake-berryessa-mussel-prevention-program/.
| Desired Date of Launch | Last Day to Install a Quarantine Seal |
| Memorial Day Weekend, May 24 | April 23* |
| Father’s Day Weekend, June 14 | May 14 |
| Juneteenth | May 19 |
| July 4th | June 3 |
| Labor Day Weekend, August 30 | July 30 |
*Note that if you do not have a seal for your vessel at the time of this news release, you must arrange for a decontamination before launching your vessel on Memorial Day Weekend.
Retrieve your vessel before launch ramps close
All boaters who wish to avoid a second 30-day quarantine will need to exit during launch ramp operating hours (15-30 minutes before closing). But for a few exceptions, launch ramps will close by 7 pm on weekdays and 8 pm on weekends this Summer. All boaters are advised to check with ramp operators to confirm closing times prior to departing for a day on the water.
Shore-Based Activities
For those who elect to remain on land, Lake Berryessa provides 165 miles of shoreline for day use and shore fishing. Park Rangers staffing the Dufer Point Visitor Center from 12-3 p.m. on weekends can assist with selecting a site. No charcoal barbeques are permitted lake-wide per Napa County ordinances. Use caution and wear a life jacket when in or near the water. Kayaks, canoes, and non-motorized, un-trailered vessels do not require a quarantine or decontamination to visit Lake Berryessa.
Oak Shores Day Use Area
Starting on Memorial Day Weekend, North and South Oak Shores Day Use Areas will open for day use from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only. On weekdays, South Oak Shores will close at 5 p.m. on and North Oak Shores will remain closed for the day.
Capell Cove Boat Launch
The Capell Cove Boat Launch is closed indefinitely while Reclamation devises a plan to staff the site.
Concession Areas
Markley Cove Resort, Pleasure Cove Marina, Steele Canyon Recreation Area, Putah Canyon, and Spanish Flat offer a variety of recreation services, including boat launching, and are alternatives to Oak Shores and Capell Cove. For information regarding services offered at concession-operated facilities, launch fees, or to make reservations, please call the concession operators or visit their websites:
- Markley Cove Resort, 707-966-2134, https://markleycove.com/
- Pleasure Cove Marina, 707-966-9600, https://goberryessa.com/
- Steele Canyon Recreation Area, 707-966-9410, https://campsteelecanyon.com/
- Spanish Flat Recreation Area, 707-966-0200, https://www.campspot.com/park/spanish-flat-campground
- Putah Canyon Recreation Area, 707-966-9051, https://royalelkparkmanagement.com/
For information on activities, fees, directions, pet restrictions, or other questions, call the Lake Berryessa Administration Office at 707-905-7896, email the office at BOR-Berryessa@USBR.GOV or visit the Lake Berryessa website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html.
