Whether you just love to have a few brewskies with friends or you’re a professional angler, it’s always awesome to find a fishing spot that’s rife with a good catch. In Vacaville, you’re spoiled. From lesser-known fishing piers to lakes and rivers, this California city has everything to catch your limit.
Lake Berryessa
Surrounded by oak trees and mountains and located 20 minutes north of Vacaville, Lake Berryessa is a favorite fishing spot for locals and a picturesque setting for your angling trip. Trout, salmon, catfish, and bass are the main catches at the lake. Wintertime delivers fewer water sports enthusiasts, but you can still find hot spots during the crowded summers.
The south end of the lake near the dam in Markley Cove, Capell Cove, and Steel Canyon Inlet all are the best places to go when it’s crowded and still want to fish from shore. Or head out by boat or canoe to find the fishing spot of your own.
Rio Vista Fishing Pier
Located 40 minutes southeast of Vacaville, the Rio Visit Fishing Pier in downtown Rio Vista is another fishing hot spot. This pier overlooks the breathtaking Sacramento River and allows the ideal vantage point for casting and catching. Striped bass and catfish are the two most common fish in these waters, although there are tons of other species depending on the time of year.
If you have the skills or you just want to get in on the festivities, the Rio Vista Fishing Pier hosts the annual Bass Festival and Bass Derby each October. This year marks the 71st edition of the event. With over 15,000 spectators and hundreds of amateur and pro fishermen, this event is a must-see.
Rockville Hills Regional Park
Travel 15 minutes southwest of Vacaville, and you’ll run into the beautiful, 633-acre Rockville Hills Regional Park. Although the park is a famous hiking and mountain biking mecca, it’s also home to a lake and pond that provide ample opportunity to catch bass, trout, and catfish. The entry fee is $3 per person, plus $1 if you bring your dog.
Lake Solano County Park
If you’re a fly fisherman, Lake Solano County Park is your best bet to test your skills. Situated 15 miles north of Vacaville, this park is one of the most popular in the region. That said, it’s still a spot where you can either mingle with other anglers or find a place all to yourself.
Covering just 177 acres, this small man-made reservoir is overflowing with rainbow trout. With the perfect fly-fishing cast, you can catch one that measures up to 20 inches. Camp at the park and get on the water before dawn for your best chance to catch these massive trout.
Teeming with schools of trout, bass, and salmon, the lakes, rivers, and ponds around Vacaville will provide a bounty great for sport fishing or for feeding the entire family. Grab your pole, lure, bait, and friends, and head out on a fishing adventure you won’t forget.
Image via Flickr by Luyen Chou licensed under CC Y 2.0
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