The Derby Runs Each Year in Spring and Fall
Lake Berryessa holds two derbies annually — one in spring (typically April through May) and one in fall (typically September through October). The exact dates shift year to year, so you need to check with the lake's management or the Napa County Parks and Open Space District before you plan your trip. Both derbies run for several weeks, not a single day, which means you have a window of time to fish rather than a one-shot tournament.
The spring derby targets rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. The fall derby also focuses on trout and salmon, with the specific species depending on what's running that season. Entry is free — you do not pay a fee to participate. What you do need is a valid California fishing license, which you can buy online through the Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at tackle shops near the lake.
The derby works on a simple system: you catch fish during the open dates, have them weighed at an official weigh station, and compete for prizes in different categories. Prizes typically include gift certificates, tackle, and sometimes cash awards, though the exact prizes change from year to year.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Berryessa runs a spring derby (April–May) and a fall derby (September–October), with dates that vary annually, so confirm the current year's schedule before you go.
- Entry to the derby is free, but you must have a valid California fishing license to fish legally.
- You catch fish during the open period, bring them to an official weigh station at the lake, and compete for prizes in categories based on species and size.
- The lake is managed by the Napa County Parks and Open Space District, and they publish derby rules and weigh-station locations each season.
Where to Weigh Your Fish
Weigh stations are set up at specific locations around Lake Berryessa during the derby period. The main weigh station is typically at the lake's visitor center or at one of the major marina facilities, but the exact location can change. Call ahead or check the Napa County Parks website to find the current weigh-station address and hours before you fish.
Hours are usually limited — often just a few hours in the morning or evening — so plan your fishing day around when you can get to the weigh station. If you catch a fish late in the day and the station has closed, you will not be able to weigh it for that day's competition. Bring your fish on ice in a cooler to keep it fresh and in good condition for weighing.
What Fish Count and How Prizes Work
The derby recognizes catches in different categories, typically separated by species (rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and sometimes largemouth bass or other species depending on the season). Within each species, there are usually separate categories for the largest fish and sometimes for the most fish caught.
Prizes go to the top finishers in each category — often first, second, and third place. The exact prize structure is announced at the start of each derby season. Some years offer cash or gift certificates; other years focus on tackle and gear. Check the official rules when the derby opens to see what you are competing for.
You do not have to catch a prize-winning fish to participate. Many people fish the derby simply for the chance to compete and be part of the community event, regardless of whether they place.
Fishing Techniques for Lake Berryessa Trout and Salmon
Rainbow trout at Berryessa respond well to small spinners, spoons, and soft plastics worked near rocky points and drop-offs. Early morning and late evening are typically the most productive times. If you are fishing from shore, focus on the deeper coves and areas with structure — fallen trees, rocks, and steep banks where trout hold.
Kokanee salmon are smaller and more delicate than rainbow trout. They often school in deeper water, so trolling with small lures or jigging in the main lake basin works well. Kokanee are also more sensitive to water temperature, so they tend to bite better in spring and fall when the water is cooler.
Largemouth bass, if they are included in that year's derby, are found around shallow vegetation, submerged structure, and the backs of coves. Soft plastics and crankbaits are effective. Ask at the marina or tackle shop near the lake what has been working recently — conditions change with the season, and local knowledge saves time.
Getting to Lake Berryessa and What to Bring
Lake Berryessa is in Napa County, about 30 miles northeast of Napa city. The main access points are via Highway 128 from the west or Highway 16 from the north. There are several marinas and day-use areas around the lake, each with parking and boat launch facilities. If you do not have a boat, you can fish from shore at designated public access points.
Bring a valid California fishing license, a cooler with ice for your catch, a net or gaff if you are fishing from a boat, and whatever tackle you prefer — rods, reels, lures, and line. If you are launching a boat, check that your vessel registration is current. Day-use fees apply at some areas of the lake, typically a few dollars per vehicle.
The lake can be windy, especially in spring and fall, so dress in layers and bring sun protection. Water temperature is cold year-round, so wear a life jacket if you are in a boat, and keep a change of clothes in your vehicle.
Rules and Regulations for the Derby
All California fishing regulations apply during the derby — you must follow size and bag limits for each species, use only legal tackle and methods, and fish only during legal hours (typically sunrise to sunset, though this varies by season). The derby does not override state law; it adds a competitive element on top of existing rules.
Fish must be caught during the official derby dates to count. If you catch a fish before the derby opens or after it closes, it will not be weighed for competition. The weigh station staff will verify that your fish meets the minimum size requirement for its category before it is officially recorded.
Some derbies have a rule that fish must be caught by the person whose name is on the entry — you cannot have someone else catch a fish and claim it as your own. Read the specific rules posted by Napa County Parks for the current year to make sure you understand all the requirements.
When to Fish: Seasonal Patterns at Berryessa
Spring fishing (April–May) is often the most productive time for rainbow trout, as they are actively feeding after winter. Water temperatures are rising, and trout move into shallower areas to hunt. Kokanee salmon are also present in spring, though they tend to be deeper than trout.
Fall fishing (September–October) can be excellent as well. Water temperatures cool again, and both trout and salmon become more active. Fall is often when the largest fish are caught, as they have had all summer to grow. The downside is that fall weather can be unpredictable — wind and sudden storms are more common.
Time of day matters too. Early morning, from sunrise to mid-morning, is usually the best window. Fish feed actively in low light. Late afternoon into early evening can also be productive, especially on warm days when fish retreat to deeper, cooler water during midday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Lake Berryessa derby?
No. You can fish from shore at public access points around the lake. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more fishing area, but plenty of people fish the derby from land and catch fish in the shallows and coves.
What if I catch a fish that is smaller than the minimum size?
It will not count for the derby. You can keep it if it meets California's legal minimum size for that species, but it cannot be weighed for competition. The weigh station staff will measure your fish and let you know whether it qualifies.
Can I fish the derby if I do not have a boat launch pass?
Yes, if you fish from shore. Day-use parking is available at several areas around the lake for a small fee. You do not need a boat launch pass to access public fishing areas or to weigh your fish at the station.
How do I find out the exact dates for next year's derby?
Contact the Napa County Parks and Open Space District directly, or check their website in late winter for spring derby dates and late summer for fall derby dates. Local tackle shops near the lake also post derby information once dates are announced.
What happens if I catch a fish but cannot get to the weigh station before it closes?
You will not be able to weigh it for that day's competition. Plan your fishing schedule around weigh-station hours, which are usually limited to a few hours per day. If you are fishing late, aim to finish early enough to reach the station while it is still open.