Boating and Fishing

Tired of the often dry land of Napa [1] in the summertime? Get out into the water!

If you’re looking for a lake vacation adjacent to Wine Country [2], drive a few miles out to Lake Berryessa (Berryessa-Knoxville Rd.). On this largish lake, you can power boat, Jet Ski, kayak, canoe, and fish—or just sunbathe on the shore and splash about in the shallows with your family.

If you’ve got your own boat, you can launch it at one of the marinas or the Capell Cove Boat Ramp (Knoxville Rd.). Or you can rent from one of the lakeside resorts. The Lake Berryessa Marina Resort (5800 Knoxville Rd., Napa, 707/966-4204, www.lakeberryessaboats.com [3]) offers all kinds of boats, from patio cruisers to high-end ski tow boats to personal watercraft to kayaks. Make reservations well in advance to get the boat you want! You can also rent water skis, wakeboards, and ski tubes.

Lake Berryessa also boasts some of the best fishing in California. You can fish for cold- and warm-water fish, including bass, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Rent a boat from one of the resorts, launch your own, or enjoy some relaxed fishing from the shore. The resorts can sell California fishing licenses and bait, and advise you about the season’s hottest fishing holes.

If you like your water running, take a cruise on the Napa River with Napa River Adventures (Kennedy Park Boat Dock, 707/224-9080, www.napariveradventures.com [4]). Float along the river in a lovely small covered motor launch in cushy seats, enjoying the view out the massive wraparound windows. Bring along a picnic and a bottle of wine to make the most of your pleasure cruising experience. The trip takes you right into the heart of downtown Napa and back to the dock.