California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Home Lands Wildlife Areas Region 3 Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area

Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area - Napa County

fishing boating Wildlife Viewing
The symbols above are activities permitted on this Wildlife Area. Click for more info.

Location: Napa County - East shore of Lake Berryessa

Phone Number: (707) 944-5500

Map: Directional Map (PDF)

Area Regulations:

  • Camping and trailers are not allowed

Special Restrictions:

  • Campfires are prohibited
  • Hunting is not allowed
  • Dogs are not allowed between February 15 and July 15

Access: From Interstate 80, take Highway 505 north; take the Highway 128 exit through Winters, to Lake Berryessa. The area can be accessed by boat via the many launching ramps on the west and south shores of the Lake.

Description: The Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area is comprised of 2000 acres of annual grasslands and blue oak woodlands owned by the U/S. Bureau of Reclamation, and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The area represents the entire east shore of the lake and runs from the east side of Monticello Dam to Eticurea Creek. Lake Berryessa was established in 1957 with the completion of Monticello Dam. It is fed by Putah Creek, Pope Creek, and their respective tributaries.

Recreational use: Type C Wildlife Area - no permits, passes, or reservations are required.

  • Fishing and boating are allowed. The lake supports both warmwater and coldwater fish populations such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, and rainbow trout.
  • Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are excellent. Wildlife species which can sometimes be seen at Lake Berryessa include deer, coyote, bobcat, grey fox, American white pelican, flickers, ruby-crowned kinglets, and towhees. Less common sightings include pileated woodpeckers and peregrine falcons. Please see the attached bird checklist for additional bird species in the area.

Hunting: Not allowed.

Facilities: None.

PLEASE NOTE: Area regulations are subject to change. Special restrictions on recreational uses, hunt days and methods of take are listed in the current year's issue of Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal Areas, available at CDFW offices and places where licenses are sold.

KC/WLB 08/09