Early Spring is one of my favorite times of year to fish Lake Berryessa. The fish are in full transition mode as they make their way from their winter haunts to their spawning locations.
I like to start searching for fish in a somewhat non traditional manner. Let me explain, I will begin near the backs of spawning pockets and flats by idling my Ranger out and away from these areas. I am careful to take note of creek channels that intercept secondary points, primary points and main lake structure, all the while paying close attention to water temperature. I look for small cuts, rock piles, trees, and aquatic vegetation that the fish will use to set up on. Depending on weather, water temperature and moon phase, I will determine the key areas to begin fishing.
If conditions are favorable and I suspect the fish to be active, I will start fishing with a reaction bait. An IMA Flit 120 Jerkbait in either the Ghost Minnow or Chartreuse Shad is a strong choice. I prefer to fish reaction baits on a softer action rod. My choice is a St. Croix 7’ moderate action LTBC70MHM Legend Tournament Casting Rod combined with a US Reel SC 1000 Pro Super Caster and 8lb Sunline Super Fluorocarbon. I have found that Smallmouths, Largemouths and Spotted Bass are all vulnerable to jerkbaits during this time of year.
A swimbait can be dynamite. My preference is a Basstrix Hollow Body Swimbait rigged with a Blade Runner Tackle insert weight. Lanier Herring and Table Rock Shad are good colors. I like to fish finesse swimbaits on a medium heavy fast action rod. A St. Croix 7’ LTBC70MHF Legend Tournament Casting Rod, US Reel and 14lb. Sunline Super Fluorocarbon line is my combination of choice. If the water has a bit of color, I will opt for a 1/2 oz. Pepper Custom Baits Clear Water Elite Chartreuse and White Spinnerbait.
If reaction baits fail to produce, I will switch to plastics. An effective technique that while not as widely publicized as the Shakey Head or the Drop Shot is the Split Shot. Simply attach a light wire worm hook (size 1 – 2/0) to the end of your line. Crimp a small lead split shot (make sure to choose a split shot without removable ears) some 12 to 18 inches up from the hook. I like to use a 6” Berserk Baits Insane Shaker Straight Tail Worm. Popular colors for Berryessa include: Cinnamon Purple, Oxblood, and Watermelon Candy.
A medium light action spinning rod works well for fishing finesse offerings on light line. My preference is a St. Croix 6’9” LTBS69MLXF Legend Tournament Spinning Rod paired with a US Reel SuperCaster 24OSX Spinning Reel and 6lb. Sunline Sniper FC fluorocarbon.
I hope these tactics and tackle suggestions will provide a bit of insight into the early spring bite on Lake Berryessa. Best of luck to all the Future Pro Anglers at the Northern Region Season Opener.
Mark is sponsored by: Basstrix, Berserk Baits, Big Bite Baits, Blade Runner Tackle, Capitol City Marine, Eye Surrender Sunglasses, HardCore Bass Fishing, Pepper Custom Baits, Sunline, St. Croix Rods, US Reel, and Xtreme Lubricants