Fish On

Vacaville sits in a great spot for anglers. Within a short drive you’ll find calm urban lagoons, a massive bass fishery, and a scenic trout creek flowing through vineyards and oak hills. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon of fishing or a full day chasing big fish, these three spots are some of the most popular places locals fish around town.

Note: Anglers are responsible for reviewing and complying with all applicable local regulations and for obtaining a valid California fishing license where required. 🚨🚨🚨

Lagoon Valley Park

Located right in Vacaville, Lagoon Valley Park is a convenient and relaxing place to fish without leaving town. The lagoon is surrounded by rolling hills and walking trails, making it a great spot for families or a quick evening trip after work. The water here is calmer and smaller than the nearby reservoirs, but it still holds a good variety of warm-water species. Anglers often fish from the shoreline or small non-motorized boats and kayaks.

Fish you can catch:
Largemouth Bass: plastic worms, spinnerbaits, crankbaits
Bluegill: worms, crickets, small jigs
Catfish: chicken liver, stink bait, cut bait
Carp: corn, dough balls, bread

Lake Berryessa

About 30 minutes west of Vacaville, Lake Berryessa is one of Northern California’s premier fishing lakes. This large reservoir stretches across Napa County and is known for its deep water, rocky structure, and healthy populations of bass and trout. Boaters, kayak anglers, and shoreline fishermen all find success here. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons when fish move into shallower water.

Fish you can catch:
Largemouth Bass: plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits
Smallmouth Bass: tubes, drop-shot worms, crankbaits
Spotted Bass: finesse worms, soft plastics, jigs
Rainbow Trout: trolling spoons, PowerBait, nightcrawlers
King Salmon (landlocked): trolling spoons, hoochies
Catfish: cut bait, anchovies, chicken liver
Bluegill: worms, small jigs

Putah Creek

Flowing out of Lake Berryessa and through the countryside near Winters, Putah Creek (running through Lake Solano) is a well-known trout stream and a favorite among fly fishermen. The creek runs through shaded sections of riparian habitat and offers a peaceful fishing experience compared to the open water of Berryessa. The stretch below the dam is especially popular because cooler water temperatures help support healthy trout populations year-round.

Fish you can catch:
Rainbow Trout: nymph flies, small spinners, nightcrawlers
Brown Trout: streamers, minnow-style lures, worms
Sacramento Pikeminnow: worms, small spinners
Smallmouth Bass (lower sections): soft plastics, crankbaits

Pro Tip: Early morning and late evening are usually the most productive fishing times around Vacaville, especially during summer when temperatures climb. Spring and fall also bring some of the best bass and trout action in the region.