The entire lake is open to paddlers and paddling out in the center is enjoyable with open space and Berryessa Peak and Blue Ridge towering over 2,500 ft. above lake level.

The high resolution Lake Berryessa Paddle Map is suitable for printing and is useful for exploring the islands, coves and side arms of the lake. This map shows the launch points and identifies many of the place names in the paddle descriptions below.

For paddlers who prefer staying closer to land, here are some interesting paddles along the shores:

Big Island

Launch from Oak Shores for a 5 mile paddle around Big Island. The water between the Island and Oak Shores is a no-wake zone. At the east end of the island the paddler is in the center of the lake and yet still close to shore. Explore the various coves. Extend the paddle an extra mile by including Small and Goat Islands.

Pope Creek Canyon

Launch from the Pope Creek Bridge. The 2-3 mile paddle up the Canyon takes about an hour one way. The entire canyon is a no-wake zone. Very scenic with large rock outcroppings and steep canyon walls on both sides.

Putah Creek Canyon

Launch from the Pope Creek Bridge and paddle into the main lake, north along the shoreline and under the Putah Creek Bridge. Or launch from the Putah Creek Pullout. This arm of the lake extends 6.5 miles from the main lake and is bordered by low but interesting hills on both sides. After the first 2 miles, the remaining 4.5 miles are a no-wake zone.

North Shore

This shoreline north of the Putah Creek Bridge is relatively peaceful with coves and small islands to explore. See photo above. The resident flock of White Pelicans is usually seen at the north end of the paddle. Launch from the Putah or Pope Creek launch points or from Eticuera or the East Shore North entrance. Paddling distance between the Putah and Eticuera launch points is 3.5 miles.

Eticuera

From the Eticuera Pullout, launch on the north side of the road into this small lake which is separate from the main lake. When the lake is full, the Eticuera Arm extends almost 2 miles. Very scenic and peaceful with large overhanging Oaks and lots of wildlife. Ideal for paddling. The shoreline is private so either stay in your boat or only land on gravel bars within the stream bed.

Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area

The entire eastern shoreline is a wildlife area. Best launch is from the East Shore North and South foot entrances. Stronger paddlers may enjoy launching from one of the launch points on the western shoreline and either paddling up the North Shore or making a direct crossing to the eastern shoreline, a 3.5 mile open water paddle. Most of the large flocks of Western Grebes, Coots, various ducks and White Pelicans are seen along this paddle. Bald and Golden Eagles and a variety of hawks and falcons prey along the shore. A bird watching paradise. Paddling distance between the East Shore North and South launch points is 5 miles.

South End

Launch from Steele Canyon or Capell and explore the many coves along the south end of the lake including Capell Cove, several coves on the way to The Narrows and the long interesting coves off the north end of The Narrows. Paddle distance from the Capell launch point and the entrance to The Narrows is 4.5 miles.

The Narrows

Launch from Markley and explore The Narrows, the waters between the main lake and the dam. Dramatic cliffs rise on both sides near the dam giving way to high ridges closer to the lake. Several long side arms to explore. Paddling distance for the length of The Narrows from the main lake to the Capell launch points is 7 miles.

Best paddling is during the winter rainy season and Spring when the lake is full, the hills are green and there are few motorboats. Warm weekends in April and May can get busy. A wetsuit is a good idea during the winter when the water is cold.

Note: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, weekends are busy and noisy with many boats and jet skis. In particular, the middle of the main lake can be dangerous for paddle craft due to operation of very high speed motorboats. Paddling along the shoreline or in one of the side arms of the lake is preferable during these summer weekends. Best summer paddling is on week days when the lake is quieter and much less busy.

As water is released from the lake during the Summer for irrigation in Solano County, the lake level drops typically 20 feet by Fall. This exposes a rock and mud ring around much of the lake which is quite scenic in the rocky areas. Fall is good for paddling with few boats, cooler temperatures and Fall colors on the surrounding hills.

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